What Secondary Schools Look for in Teachers: Top Qualities
As half term winds down and spring approaches, secondary schools across London are already thinking ahead. They are preparing for possible changes in staff and lining up their hiring plans for next academic year. This is often when teachers start to look at what might be next too. If you are thinking about applying for secondary teaching jobs in London, it helps to know what schools are actually looking for.
Not every school wants the same thing, but there are some traits that many headteachers pay close attention to. These qualities often show up before you have even started a full lesson. When you understand what matters most in a classroom setting, it can be easier to feel prepared and more confident during the process.
Strong Communication and Classroom Presence
Being able to speak clearly and connect with teenagers is one of the first things that stands out during interviews or trial days. Pupils respond to teachers who are direct, calm, and able to stay present in the moment. That is not about having a big personality, but it is about being able to explain things in a way that holds attention without making pupils feel small.
Good communication is not only about teaching. You are also working with other educators, staff, and sometimes parents, so being able to share thoughts clearly, listen to feedback, and solve small problems without confusion makes a big difference.
• A steady tone, even during tricky moments, can help keep a lesson on track.
• Confident body language helps pupils feel safe and focused, especially with new faces.
• Making eye contact, using names, and checking understanding are simple habits that carry a lot of weight.
Whether in the classroom or down in the staffroom, we have seen how teachers who communicate calmly and clearly tend to settle in quicker and manage their workload better.
Flexibility and Adaptability
No two schools are exactly alike, especially in London. One week you might be teaching year 10 science, and the next, you are covering a year 8 English lesson due to staff absences. Flexibility is one of the qualities schools remember most.
Being open about what subjects and age groups you are comfortable with is great, but it is just as helpful to show you are happy to try small changes when needed. In larger schools, timetables change often, and it is not uncommon to be asked to help out short term in a different department while things settle.
• Handling last minute changes without complaint earns a lot of trust.
• Staying calm when things do not go exactly as planned shows real professionalism.
• Teachers who try new things without fear tend to find fresh opportunities more often.
When looking specifically at secondary teaching jobs in London, flexibility is important. The schools are busy, the pupils are diverse in both background and pace, and being adaptable helps you fit in with fewer surprises.
Swift Education's partner schools especially value teachers who can move easily between subjects and key stages, covering classes when needed and supporting pupils of different learning needs.
Reliable Classroom Management
Good subject knowledge matters, but without classroom management, students do not always get a chance to learn. Schools need teachers who set clear rules, follow through fairly, and keep lessons moving without needing constant help from leadership.
That does not mean being overly strict or never smiling. Learning how to spot when a pupil needs redirection or extra support, and acting early, can make all the difference. Pupils tend to respond better to consistency, and that is what schools are really watching for.
• Start with simple routines like how pupils enter the room or respond to questions.
• Use short phrases and calm silence when resetting behaviour instead of shouting.
• Praise effort clearly so students know what gets positive attention.
If students know what to expect from you and you follow through, even tricky classes become easier to manage. That is the kind of strength schools notice straight away.
Team Spirit and Staffroom Fit
Most schools do not just hire based on how someone teaches. They look at how you connect with others. Teachers spend a lot of hours working alongside support staff, leadership, and fellow subject leads. If you are easy to work with and not afraid to pitch in when someone needs a hand, people remember that.
Schools want someone who will take part, not just turn up. That could be helping with clubs, joining a quick lunchtime meeting, or offering ideas at planning sessions. You do not need to be the loudest voice, but showing you care about what is going on around you really matters.
• Saying hello in the morning and checking in with others goes a long way.
• Being on time and prepared earns respect across departments.
• Stepping up now and then when plans change keeps things running smoothly.
A strong team feel makes schools work better for everyone, and teachers who blend into that team often stick around longer.
Swift Education supports schools by identifying teachers with proven teamwork, adaptability, and leadership qualities who are ready to make a lasting contribution to busy London classrooms.
Commitment to Learning and Growth
No one expects new teachers to have all the answers. What schools like to see is someone who wants to grow, reflect, and stay open. If you ask questions to improve your lessons or join in with optional training days, it shows you are thinking about the long run, not just the day to day.
Even experienced teachers have room to grow, and schools often look for that mindset just as much as they do qualification levels or previous roles.
• Attending CPD or staff briefings can give you a fresh idea or sharpen an old habit.
• Teachers who ask for feedback tend to improve faster and build stronger relationships.
• Staying open to advice, especially when it challenges you, shows maturity and care.
It is not about being perfect. It is about showing you are still learning, and that you want to keep getting better.
Finding Your Place in the Right School
Becoming a trusted part of a secondary school has less to do with ticking boxes and more to do with showing up in a way that feels real, ready, and respectful. The teachers who thrive long term tend to be the ones who blend good practice with calm confidence.
If you are looking for your next role, understanding what schools actually care about can help you make small changes that lead to better results. Whether you are brand new or moving between boroughs, getting these basic qualities right can give you a much smoother path forward. It is not about flash or tricks, it is about being the kind of person a school wants to keep.
At Swift Education, we work closely with schools across the city to match talented educators with the right opportunities. Explore our current secondary teaching jobs in London to discover where your skills and passion can make a real impact. If a particular role stands out or you would like to discuss your options, reach out to us today.