FAQs

How do I apply?

All applications made to positions within the Harris Federation must be made via the Harris Careers portal. You do not need to create a username or password, but if you wish to save an application to return to at a later date, you will be sent a secure link and unique code in two separate emails. Once generated, you can use the link and code multiple times to return to your application. 

You can use the website search filters or keyword option to find relevant opportunities within the Harris Federation.

Once you have found a position you are interested in, simply click on 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of the relevant job. 

Once you have completed the sections required, you can submit your application.

Search our vacancies

When should I apply?

Application deadlines vary by academy and position. Please make sure you complete your application ahead of the specified closing date so we can ensure your application is considered.

Some academies may request that applications be submitted by a specific time of day. Please be aware of this and submit your application accordingly.

Please note: academies may choose to interview as and when suitable applications are received, and may appoint a candidate and close the job before the advertised deadline without notice. In this situation, you will still be able to access and amend your application form, but you will not be able to submit it. With this in mind, you should ensure that you submit your application as soon as possible after seeing the advertisement.

I am an overseas applicant. Do I require a visa before I apply?

You are free to apply to any academy or position of interest and we will consider your application(s).

We cannot advise you on your work eligibility status, but we do not reject any candidate because of their need to obtain appropriate work permit/visa. Please be aware that any offer of employment will be subject to the relevant DBS, Identification and Reference Checks prior to your start date with us.

If you are making an application from overseas, please refer to the link below for information on UK visa requirements and guidance on how to get one:

Check if you need a UK visa

What information do I have to provide in the application form?

Our quick and easy application form contains the following sections:

• Personal information (including contact details)
• Your current or most recent employment, including details of QTS and information on your school for teaching and leadership roles
• Employment history (you must complete a full employment history, and will be asked at interview to provide an explanation for any gaps in employment of longer than one month)
• Education, qualifications, and training and development history
• Referees (you must provide two referees, one of whom must be your current/most recent employer)
• Supporting statement outlining how your knowledge, skills and experience are relevant to the role
• Equality and diversity monitoring information
• Privacy and safeguarding declarations

You will also have the option to add a video response to a question, and to attach a CV or cover letter. If you do not provide a cover letter, you may receive a follow-up email requesting a supporting statement.

We only request referee details for candidates who have been shortlisted for interview. If you receive this request, please respond as soon as possible.

Can I apply with a CV or cover letter?

No. The Harris Federation does not accept applications made solely with a CV. Cover letters and CVs can be used to support your fully completed application form, which must also include a supporting statement.

Why can't I upload my CV?

Please note that it is not compulsory to upload a CV to accompany your application form, and you will be at no disadvantage if you choose not to do so.

What happens once I have made an initial application?

Once you have applied for a position through the Harris Federation careers site, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. We may request further information to support this application. Please be aware of application deadlines if you decide not to complete your application in one session.

Do I have to complete my application in one session?

No. Once you have saved your application and received the two emails with your secure link and unique code, you can use these to return to your application at any time. 

Please note: if you have not received an email or unique code, your application has not been saved and you will not be able to return to it. We recommend that you save your application as early as possible in the process.

To minimise the risk of losing your information, do not close your window until you have received both emails.

Remember to check your junk or spam email folders if you do not receive the emails. If you are certain they have not come through, contact the Talent Acquisition Team on careers@harrisfederation.org.uk or 0208 253 7777.

Where can I find a copy of my application form?

Your application form will be emailed to you as a PDF when you receive your confirmation email. If you do not receive this, please get in touch with us on careers@harrisfederation.org.uk or 0208 253 7777.

Can I apply to multiple academies and positions?

Yes. You can apply to as many academies and positions as you wish.

When applying for positions, please review the advert, job description and person specification, where available, to confirm you have the required experience. The number of positions and academies you apply for will not impact our selection process, but limiting the number of applications at one time helps us understand what you are interested in.

While it is possible to copy your application from a previous application, you should ensure your Knowledge, Skills and Experience section is tailored to the position you are applying for.

Do I need a degree to apply to the Harris Graduate and ITE Programmes?

We are constantly looking to recruit talented people from all academic backgrounds for both Teaching and Non-Teaching positions within the Federation. When applying for an ITE place or as a Teaching Assistant, you must have:

• A UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification.
• A standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and maths.
• A standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in a science subject if you intend to train to teach at Primary level.

Who should my referees be and when will you contact them?

Candidates who have been selected for interview must provide the details of at least two referees to cover the last five years of work history, or your total work history if shorter. 

One of the referees must be your current / most recent employer. If your current or most recent employment was in education, this must be your current or most recent headteacher. References will not be accepted from relatives or people writing solely in the capacity of friends.

If you are not currently working with children please provide a referee from your most recent employment involving children.

In line with safer recruitment guidelines, a standard part of our recruitment process is to request references prior to interview. If you do not want your referee(s) to be contacted prior to interview, please make sure you state this where prompted.

What if I have previously applied to a position or academy?

Your application history is stored in your candidate record, and if you wish to re-apply to a position or academy, you can copy details from a past application. However, please make sure your details are correct and up to date when submitting applications.

How do I know if you've received my application?

Once you have submitted your application, you will see a confirmation screen saying "Thank you. We have received your application." to confirm that it has been completed. 

You will also receive a confirmation email with the subject "Application Submitted. Thanks for your interest in working with us".

If you are experiencing problems, please get in touch with us on careers@harrisfederation.org.uk or 0208 253 7777.

Please note that a full application form must be submitted before the deadline for that specific vacancy for your application to be valid.

When can I expect to hear whether my application has been successful or not?

Once you have submitted an application, you will receive an email confirming this. Once the closing date has passed, we will shortlist successful candidates and contact you directly to arrange interviews. We may also request further information to support your application prior to any interviews.

If you apply for a job through the careers portal, you will be notified whether or not you are shortlisted for interview.

Please be aware the during school holidays, waiting times may be slightly longer.

What should I do if I've made a mistake in my application?

Once a specific application has been submitted, you will not be able to access the application to make changes. Please ensure that you check through your application thoroughly for any mistakes before pressing submit.

If there is a critical error on your application form, such as an incorrect phone number or email address, please contact us on careers@harrisfederation.org.uk or 0208 253 7777 and we will pass on this information to the hiring team.

Can I withdraw my application?

Yes. To action this yourself, click the “Manage Your Data” link in the footer of any email received as part of the application process. To avoid us contacting you unnecessarily, please contact the academy or Head Office directly once you have withdrawn your application.

Will my details be saved for future applications?

If you have previously applied for a position through the careers website, your details will be stored securely to make any future applications much quicker.

Each job vacancy you apply to will have its own application form for you to submit. We strongly advise that you review and update any relevant sections of your application before making multiple academy submissions.

How can I tell if a Harris Federation job is genuine?

When you are applying for a genuine job with the Harris Federation:

• You will always be contacted from a Harris Federation email address – never a webmail account such as Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail.
• You should always be suspicious of adverts with very poor spelling and grammar.
• You will always be asked to complete an online application form through our careers portal.
• You will never be asked for payments for visa processing, administration fees or accommodation deposits.
• You will never be asked for your bank details or personal identification documentation before we have made a formal offer of employment.
• We will never make a formal offer of employment without at least one face-to-face interview. This will be held at one of our academies or at the Harris Federation head office at Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 1LH.
• You will always be asked to sign a hard copy of your offer of employment, which will be sent to you on Harris Federation headed paper.

What are the resignation deadlines?

Teachers (up to and including Deputy Headteachers/Vice Principals)

Headteachers/Principals (and above)