Free teacher cover letter template

For primary and secondary teachers. A full example letter of application for a Key Stage 2 post, and what to mention in yours.

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A teacher cover letter in the Timeline design, with a made-up name and a typed signature

Teacher cover letter example

Amira Hussain, Key Stage 2 Class Teacher · Year 4 teacher, early career induction completed in 2026

Dear Mr Ashworth,

I am writing to apply for the Key Stage 2 Class Teacher post at Brookfield Primary School. I completed my early career teacher induction in July and now teach a Year 4 class of 30 in a two-form entry primary school, where I also help to lead reading across Key Stage 2.

Reading for pleasure is central to my teaching. This year I set up a class library run by pupils and a weekly book club for reluctant readers, and I work with our English lead on whole-class reading lessons. My class includes pupils with EAL and with SEND, and I adapt tasks and plan our teaching assistant’s time so that everyone can take part in the same lesson.

I use assessment for learning throughout each lesson, with mini whiteboards, hinge questions and short retrieval quizzes, and I change the next day’s plans from what I see. Behaviour in my class is calm and positive because the routines are clear and consistent, and I keep parents informed through our app and termly meetings.

Safeguarding is part of everything I do. I complete safeguarding training every year, record concerns promptly on CPOMS and know when to go straight to the designated safeguarding lead.

Your school’s focus on oracy, and the outdoor learning I saw on your website, are a big part of why I am applying. I would welcome the chance to visit and to teach a lesson as part of the process.

Yours sincerely,
Amira Hussain

Or write yours from the job advert

What to mention in a teacher cover letter

Keep it to one page. Pick what the advert stresses most, and give an example for each point.

Writing the CV too? See the teacher CV template and our primary school teacher CV example.

Invited to interview? Read our teacher interview questions, with how to answer each one.

Tips for yours

  • If the application pack sets a word or page limit for the letter, keep to it.
  • Follow the person specification in order where you can, using its wording, so the panel can tick off each point.
  • Never name pupils or share anything that could identify them, even in a positive example.
  • Address it to the headteacher by name, unless the advert names someone else.

  1. Your QTS and stage

    QTS and the year, your training route, and whether you are an early career teacher or more experienced.

  2. Phase, year groups and subjects

    The key stages and year groups you have taught, and any subject you lead or specialise in.

  3. How pupils make progress

    Your approach to planning, adapting lessons and assessment, with one real example.

  4. Behaviour and relationships

    How you keep a calm classroom, and how you work with parents and support staff.

  5. Safeguarding

    Your training, how you record and report concerns, and that you understand your duties under Keeping Children Safe in Education if you teach in England.

  6. Why this school

    Something specific from its website, its values or its latest inspection report.

Teacher cover letters: your questions

Is a letter of application the same as a cover letter?

It does the same job, but a letter of application for a teaching post is usually longer, often up to two sides of A4, and works through the person specification with examples. Check the application pack for any word or page limit.

Can I send a CV and cover letter instead of the application form?

Usually not. Most schools ask every candidate to complete their application form as part of safer recruitment, and may not consider a CV on its own. Supply agencies, tutoring companies and many independent and international schools do ask for a CV.

What should an early career teacher write about?

Your training route and placements, the year groups and subjects you have taught, and one or two examples of pupils making progress. Mention anything you did beyond lessons, such as running a club, and the support you are looking for.

Keep going

Cover letters for other jobs: Nurse Healthcare assistant Care worker Teaching assistant Retail Customer service Hospitality Administrator Receptionist Accountant Project manager Sales Marketing Software developer Electrician Warehouse School leaver Apprenticeship Part-time job Career change

Your turn. Write yours

Paste the job advert and make the draft your own. Download it in your CV’s design, with your signature.

Write yours freeSee the example