Moving to private school

[321Go]

Hi
A job opportunity has come up. It would mean no longer teaching a level which i enjoy.
Many pros.
Is moving from state to private burning bridges? Is it easy to move back?
My intention and training was to teach in state schools. I enjoy my current position but the work load is crazy.
I'm really struggling to decide if a good move longer term or not (I'm top of pay scale so expensive).
Thanks for any thoughts!

[BackforGood]

Those I know who have moved to Private school teaching, from state, don't want to come back, so I have no idea if it is easy or not.

However, if you want to teach A-levels, and won't be able to do that, surely that is quite a big loss?

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

Why wouldn't it be easy to 'go back' - given the recruitment crisis?
But why do you think the workload in an indie would be easier?

[TurquoiseFlamingo]

I'm making this move.
From what I've heard workload isn't necessarily less but you swap OTT planning and paperwork for ofsted's sake for extra curricular clubs and parent emails.
It really depends what kind of state you are moving from. I am going from VERY tough state which is highly pressured because of the ofsted/gov standards threat.

Smaller classes
(Often) nicer working conditions (e.g. school lunch, staff rooms with afternoon tea, use of facilities)
Sometimes less pressure/stress if you are going from a tough state
Longer holidays
In my case (but not always) more pay
(Usually) less challenging behaviour

BUT...
Pushy parents
More expectation to get very involved in school life/clubs
Get the right school, make sure it is established and has ££ - some v small ones can go under and you will loose your job

[MrsGuyOfGisbo]

loose your job

[321Go]

Thanks. Move from good but v pressured state.
Lack of a level definitly a negative.
Reduced workload expected as class sizes capped at 18 (smaller than some of my recent a level classes) so much less marking (current marking policy is tough). No 6th form so more duplication of planning.
Argh. I don't know!!!!

[tinypop4]

I've just moved from state to private and I don't regret one second of it.
I've had to take a pay off in that I have to teach half a day in the juniors school as a specialist, and I teach less A-level than I used to but it is 100% worth it for:
Smaller classes
Better behaviour
Better resources
No shit to do like unpaid duties
No constant observation and being made to jump against impossible targets.

I would recommend that you take it- you could definitely go back

[Tattsyrup]

I teach in a private prep school. I've been there six years.
The biggest drawback is the pay. We're a very small school and don't make a lot of profit. In a state school I could be earning £13k more per annum, but even that wouldn't convince me to return to the state system.

[DakotaFanny]

I'm thinking about making this jump too. Can anyone offer me guidance on how the pay is likely to compare? I am currently UPS 3. The advert (as I believe is typical) simply says that pay will be commensurate with experience etc. Is there a chance I could take a pay drop??

Watching with interest as this feels like a huge leap into the unknown.

[TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross]

I have taught in private schools for most of my teaching career. I've never particularly wanted to move into the state sector, but colleagues I've known who have considered the move (very few, tbh) have found that state schools are wary of employing private school teachers for various reasons.

[tinypop4]

I Dakota yes a paydrop is possible. The very big, well known private schools will pay on generous scales but often the mid-range schools will pay as normal up until M6 then at the heads discretion after that point.

[DakotaFanny]

Is there any way of asking the question before interview stage do you think? I don't want to come across as grabby but, to be honest, I can't take a pay drop.

[AmeliaLion]

I am moving to the private sector in September. I didn't ask at interview, but negotiated when offered the job. I knew what amount I would move for, so when they offered me £500 per year lower, I said I couldn't move for less than XX. They agreed to match that.

[tinypop4]

There's nothing wrong with discussing it at interview. Just ask should you be offered the job, could you expect to be paid an equal salary to your current post.

[goldenlilliesdaffodillies]

I have taught in both. Just be aware that most private schools are now very competitive. There is huge pressure to constantly be the best as they are first and foremost businesses.