Stay or go?

[Leslieknope45]

Currently work in a 4 rated comp with poor behaviour and poor leadership. I am a HOD. Results are well below national average.

A job has come up at another school that is 'just' a classroom teacher position. Outstanding school, good ethos, from what I can tell off the website. Amazing results.

Is it worth taking a pay cut and a demotion to work at a 'nicer' school? Or should I stay where I am? Obviously I don't know if I will get the job!

I just feel at the end of my tether with students bringing in knives or throwing tables. On the flip side- I love the staff here, the kids can be incredible, it's close to home and I'm a head of department.

[RememberToSmile1980]

As a fellow teacher, I am an in outstanding school as a HOF. There will be other pressures involved to maintain the high standards. Firstly - could you afford the decrease in salary? Would you be happy to become just a classroom teacher? Just a few things to ponder over!

[RememberToSmile1980]

*in an - sorry

[nailsathome]

I did and I am much happier as "just a teacher"

[Leslieknope45]

Oh I'm sure there are lots of pressures to stay outstanding!

I should add that because we are special measures we are going through redundancies and I have an inkling (but no one has said) that they will crap my subject to make more hours available for core subjects.
I couldn't really afford the pay cut except that it's the smallest TLR that there is.

[Tollygunge]

I'm also considering being 'just' a teacher. Realistically though, would a school want to employ someone so expensive on ups 3 when they can get a much cheaper nqt?

[Leslieknope45]

I think you could be in the best position this year for that though tolly
Last time we tried to appoint we got 1 applicant and they were on ups.

I'm only m3 so I still don't cost too much. It's a big school too, so I think there are likely to be opportunities for progression at some stage.

On the other hand they seem to want 4 new teachers of my subject, 4 new science teachers, 1 history teacher and a new Head- bad sign? We have low staff turnover in my current school.

[RememberToSmile1980]

In that case - go for it!

[Scarydinosaurs]

You might have low staff turnover because after teaching in a 'bad' school for a while, people struggle to get promotions, whereas in more successful schools you get more movement?

I would definitely apply- a happier work environment can make you feel completely differently about teaching. Just think, you'll be able to actually teach and not just do behaviour management all the time!

[RememberToSmile1980]

A lot of staff in outstanding schools get their experience and tend to move on to promotions. Could you arrange a visit and see what it's like before you apply?

[Leslieknope45]

I think going in to visit might be a very good idea.
And yes- actually teaching at not just stopping them kicking off would be absolutely incredible!

[noblegiraffe]

They might be a bit suspicious about why a HOD would take a demoted post on lower pay, so have your answers prepared.

I would be wary of a school advertising that many posts at this point in the year, it suggests that workload/management at the new school might be a problem. Is there any way you can get some inside info?

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

from what I can tell off the website
Do not be swayed by this! There is a dire school near me that has a full time paid PR person to big up their website etc.
A high turnover is a warning signal - as a previous poster said, try to get inside info, or ask for a visit and try to get a feel for the place -ask searching questions.