Worried the education section of your CV is failing the test? You’re not alone...
Figuring out which qualifications to include on your CV depends on where you are in your career and what your most impressive achievements are. After all, what’s relevant for a recent school leaver or graduate will be very different from a seasoned professional with a decade of experience.
But don't worry. Crafting the perfect CV education section is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through how to list education on a CV, how to format it, along with examples to help you stand out - no matter your career stage.
Does education matter on a CV?
Absolutely - listing your education on a CV can boost your profile in several ways. For example:
- It showcases your knowledge base and signals to employers that you have the foundational skills needed for the role.
- For entry-level roles, having formal qualifications (like GCSEs or a degree) can set you apart from other candidates (and are sometimes a prerequisite).
- If you’ve completed a degree in a specialist subject, it tells employers you’re dedicated and have valuable expertise (e.g. you have a ‘Computer Science degree’ for an IT job).
- It’s a great place to highlight the transferable skills you’ve developed via your studies - such as research and time management skills during your university dissertation, or teamwork and communication skills through group projects.
Even if your qualifications aren’t a direct requirement, including them gives employers more reasons to say ‘yes’ - proving that you stick with things, learn new information, and are ready for challenges.
What if I don't have any formal education?
If you haven’t got formal qualifications to list, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your education section blank. Instead, focus on what you do have, consider renaming it to ‘Training & Development’ or ‘Professional Development’, and include anything that shows a willingness to learn and improve.
Highlight relevant skills, on-the-job training, certifications, or short courses you’ve completed. Maybe you've taken part in workshops, learned new systems at work, volunteered, or developed expertise through online courses.
Employers value practical skills, real-world experience, and initiative just as much as certificates. The key is to show you’re proactive about learning and ready to bring value to the role.
What to include in the education section of your CV
First things first, let’s cover the essentials. Every education entry on your CV should include the name of the institution, the qualification you obtained, and the dates you attended. You should also list your most recent qualifications first.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to include in the education portion of your resume:
- Name of the institution: The name of the school, college, or university you attended.
- Qualification: The name of the degree, course, or qualification you achieved (e.g., BA (Hons) English Literature, 10 GCSEs).
- Dates: The start and end dates of your studies. If you're still studying, you can write ‘[Start Date] - Present’.
- Grades: Your final grades (e.g., First-Class Honours, A-C grades).
Now, let's look at how to tailor this section based on your specific circumstances.
CV education section for a school leaver
If you’ve recently left school, your education is your most valuable asset. This section should be a key focus of your CV.
What to include
For school leavers, it's important to list your GCSEs, A levels, or any other qualifications you've earned. As you likely have limited work experience, your academic achievements are what will sell you to an employer. A pass in Maths and English is a minimum requirement for many entry-level roles, so be sure to highlight these.
How to format it
List your subjects and grades clearly. If you have a long list of GCSEs, you can summarise them to save space, like this: ‘10 GCSEs, grades A*-C, including Maths and English’. This makes your CV neat and easy to read, leaving more room for part-time jobs or volunteer work that might be relevant to the role.
CV education section example for a school leaver:
Education
The Blue Coat School, Liverpool (2018 - 2025)
A levels: English Literature (A), History (A), Art (B)
10 GCSEs, grades 9-5 (A*-C), including Maths and English
School leaver cover letter template
CV education section for a graduate
As a recent graduate, your degree is your shining achievement. It should take centre stage on your CV.
What to include
Your degree should be the first thing listed in your education section. You can then add your college and school-level qualifications with less detail. For example, instead of listing every GCSE subject, simply state the number of qualifications and the grade range (e.g., ‘11 GCSEs, grades A-C’).
At this stage, your education is usually more important than your work experience, so place it before the ‘Work Experience’ section. While not essential, including specific university modules can be a smart move, especially if they’re directly related to the job you’re applying for. This is a great way to showcase your knowledge if you lack practical experience.
How do you write your degree on a CV?
When you list a degree on your CV, it's important to be clear and concise. State the type of degree, your subject, the university name, and your graduation year.
How to list a degree on a CV:
The University of Manchester (2022 - 2025)
BA (Hons) Business Management, First-Class Honours
Relevant modules: Strategic Management, Marketing Principles, Human Resource Management.
Graduate cover letter template
CV education section if you're still studying
If you’re currently in education, whether at university or undertaking a professional course, this is your most relevant experience.
What to include
Make sure to include your predicted grades and the expected completion date. This gives employers a clear idea of your academic standing and when you'll be available to start work. You might also want to list modules you’ve completed, particularly if they align with the requirements of the job. This shows employers that you already have specific industry knowledge.
CV education section example for people who are still studying:
The University of Bristol (2023 - Present)
BSc Economics (predicted 2:1)
Expected completion: June 2026
Key modules: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics.
CV education section for experienced professionals
If you've been in the workforce for a while, your extensive work experience will be the main attraction for employers.
What to include
Your career history and professional accomplishments should take priority. While you still need to include your education, there's no need for lengthy descriptions. Keep it brief and to the point. Listing institutions, qualifications, and dates is sufficient. There's no need to mention individual modules or subjects from a decade ago - that space is better used for detailing your career achievements.
CV education section example for experienced professionals:
The University of Leeds (2010 - 2013)
BA (Hons) Journalism
City and Islington College (2008 - 2010)
A levels: English (A), Sociology (B), Media Studies (B)
What to do when you have a long career history
CV education section for professional qualifications
If you've recently earned a professional certification to upskill or change your career, this should be highlighted.
What to include
Detail your most recent qualification first, keeping other educational entries brief. If you took the course to advance in your current field, ensure your work experience and previous education are also well-detailed. This allows an employer to see your professional growth and dedication.
CV education section example for professional qualifications:
Chartered Institute of Marketing (2024)
CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing
The University of Nottingham (2015 - 2018)
BA (Hons) Marketing
What level of education do I put on my CV?
As a rule of thumb: the older or less relevant the qualification, the less detail it needs on your CV.
If you’ve recently finished your degree or A-levels, include them near the top and with full details. On the other hand, for experienced professionals with extensive work experience, it’s usually enough to just mention your highest level of qualification, with brief (or no) details on older ones.
Tailor what you include to what employers in your field want to see, and don’t be afraid to leave out early academic achievements if your recent experience speaks for itself.
Where should the education section go on your CV?
The placement of your CV education section depends on your experience level:
- For school leavers and recent graduates: Place it at the top of your CV, just after your personal statement. Your qualifications are your main selling point.
- For experienced professionals: Your work experience is more relevant. Place the education section towards the end of your CV, after your work history.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, what you include in your CV education section is all about relevance.
Always tailor your CV to the job you're applying for, reading the job description carefully and highlighting the qualifications and skills that best match the employer's needs.
Remember, your CV is a marketing document designed to sell you. Focus on the achievements - educational or otherwise - that paint you in the best possible light.
Ready to put this advice into action? Update your CV and view all available jobs now.
