Would you work in an Independent school?

[solittletime]

I might have an opportunity of a job in an independent school. They offer lots of professional development and I liked the atmosphere there, it seemed a happy, relaxed school. They also have a good reputation and results above national level (so one would hope!).

The hours are longer than in state school, and it would impact somewhat on my DCs, who have been used to having me as a stay at home parent for many years.

I really want to get back in to teaching, work towards QTS etc.

I have a slight issue with private schools in terms of personal principles etc..

I don't know what to do!

Could I use it as an opportunity to get some good experience on my CV, and then move to a state school?

Ultimately I really want to work in a state school - I am sure this is something that will never change.

Would state schools look favourably at a teacher coming from the private sector, or is there a bit less kudos attached to it?

I'd really welcome all perspectives!!!

[solittletime]

I can't work out if I am just scared of the change in lifestyle, going from staying at home to suddenly working full time (part time would have been ideal!!), or if something is just trying to tell me this is not the right job for me.

I would imagine part-time jobs in state schools are like gold-dust so maybe taking this job and putting up with the long hours for a year or so would put me in a better position to go part-time further down the line....

[conversationdiva]

If you really want to work in a state school, I’m not sure if this would be the best option. In my experience, some state school staff seem to view the independent sector as an easy ride. Although I’ve always worked in state schools, I did some of my teacher training in an independent school and some people in the state sector were quite condescending about it. They were implying that I wouldn’t cope in their school (complete rubbish of course, it’s just people’s own prejudices and I only encountered two people like this.) When I was looking for a job as an NQT, the headteacher of the independent school advised taking a job in the state sector first so there was then no chance of me being limited for options in the future.

Perhaps look for maternity cover jobs in the state sector, as that will give you a chance to get QTS. Then you could look for PPA cover jobs or booster teacher roles that are part time.

[Newbabies15]

Pros and cons of both. Independent - more demanding parents but less pay? Id go for that more rewarding maybe. Parents on your side. State is like pulling teeth sometimes.

[CarrieBlue]

The state paid for me to train. I couldn’t go against my principles so won’t work in the private sector.
You do what you can live with.

I doubt it will make a jot of difference if you later want a state sector job, there are plenty of jobs out there and precious few wanting them.

[user1483390742]

I went from 15 years in state to indie 3 years ago. It went against all my principles but i thought i'd give it a go anyway. I now wouldn't go back to state for anything! My mental health is more important than my politics!
I am earning slightly less, but have 11 children in my class and longer holidays. Yes, the days are longer (8.15-3.45 primary), teachers cover break duty, lunchtime and absent teachers, so little time in the day to have a wee! Parents are more demanding, but all of these things i can deal with as there is so little paperwork compared to state.
Try it- you might like it!

[Holidayshopping]

Are you qualified-you mention not having QTS?

[florenceheadache]

You want to get back into the work force, you’ve been offered a job. Do you want to reach children or not? Because it’s about the children needing a teacher and needing what it is you have to offer. It’s not about their parents, family income or politics.

[0hCrepe]

I started off in a private school and really enjoyed it, had a small class, long holidays and free lunch! I was on MPS. I did 1 year ft then had ds and then did a job share for a year and then had dd. They made going back pt difficult after that so I left. Childcare was extortionate with 2 little ones anyway and dh got a job further away so we moved. I did supply back there though and also took every job going in state schools (on my available days). This was a great way of experiencing a range of settings. I realised I liked smaller groups and moved into SEN working in different areas and I now specialise in a particular area of SEN.
So in short you can start there and move, take every opportunity you can to broaden your experience.

[0hCrepe]

I got my qts at the private school.

[TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross]

I teach in the independent sector. I love it.

They are just kids who need teaching the same as every other kid out there.

[SuperPug]

It's not an easy ride. I get paid a very good salary but work Monday-Saturday and regularly into the evenings. Activities etc. take up further time and classes are only fractionally smaller than state.
How does it work about a possible job offer though?

[Rebecca36]

I would if working in a school was my career - it wasn't.

You have to read the small print carefully, terms and conditions are not usually the same as in state schools and sometimes salary scales are not so good. However, if all adds up, yes, go for it. There is often scope to do more interesting things in an independent.

[sakura06]

I have done a brief stint in the independent sector and am currently doing another brief stint. I found going back to the state sector after a short time out quite challenging. My behaviour management skills got a bit rusty! I love the current independent school I'm at though, and would jump at the chance to stay (sadly not likely). If you've been offered a job, go for it!

[solittletime]

Wow thank you! All these replies really help! It is a teaching assistant position and I've taught overseas but don't have qts. So I am trying to get a teaching job that I can fit in around my children and will lead me to qualify again.
The hours are really long 8 to 5 and the pay is not that different from state.

It is a case for me to weigh up now what is my best step professionally. I'm finally able to dedicate myself to some sort of career and I want to take the best step that will get me where I want to go.

There are other similar jobs in state schools nearer to my house and I'm trying to work out if I would be better holding out for one of those... ( even though the free lunches smelt lovely!)

"Florence " yes I do want to reach children and they were all perfectly lovely children. But then I compare to what's going on in state schools and I can feel myself getting riled up at the inequalities in this education system. And I'm worried that would end up getting to me!!

[florenceheadache]

i'm glad you have options :) way them up and see what works best for you.

[JimmyGrimble]

No I wouldn’t ever consider working in independent. I don’t believe in patents purchasing privilege for their children. My skills have been developed and nurtured by the state. I enjoy teaching in my inner city school. It’s joyous. And I couldn’t deal with the parents.

[TheFallenMadonna]

Is it a TA role or a teaching role? Will you be able to work towards QTS as a TA rather than a UQT?

[SuperPug]

But we all "purchase" privilege in different ways. What about private healthcare? I agree there can be a big divide. But there can also be a massive divide between the state school which is outstanding, everyone has an iPad etc. and a fair amount of independent schools.

[PotteringAlong]

I would, but only if they would let me carry on paying into my pension.

[JimmyGrimble]

Super Pug Private healthcare? Not on my wages!

[OhMyGodTheyKilledKenny]

I work in an independent school in a non-teaching role but am aware of what goes on IYSWIM.

Teachers do work long hours. Yes there are perks (long holidays, meals, gym memberships/use of facilities etc) but they work Mon-Fri plus Saturday mornings plus some evenings to cover boarding houses, tuition slots and extra-curricular events.

If you have children do you have family who can cover after-school childcare as I know a lot of teachers struggled with this if they were working in the evening?

[BlackType]

If you are offered the job (I see your OP says 'might'), I'd take it. Quite apart from anything else, it would be good for you to see an independent school (and I say 'an' advisedly, as one independent school isn't representative of them all) from the inside. You may find things that you like about it, which you could import into a state school (or, indeed, another independent school) in the future. Or you may find that it's absolutely not for you, just because you don't agree with independent schools in principle. But you would at least have some experience, rather than writing something off because you have preconceptions.

FWIW, independent school parents are not all knobs, as you imply @JimmyGrimble. Some of us are perfectly normal.

[JimmyGrimble]

Point taken BlackType ... there is a very high incidence of knobbery though isn’t there? If we’re being honest?

[BlackType]

@JimmyGrimble Thanks for responding. I only have experience of independent schools (I went to one, as did XH, as do my DC). I have met some of the loveliest, kindest, funniest people among the parents in my DC's playgrounds; some of these have joined the ranks of my very best friends. But these same ranks also include parents whom I've known since my DC were born, and whose DC go to the local schools. They are all just lovely people, regardless of school choices. So while it's a bit trite to say it, I'd say there are fab parents and complete knobs at every school.

[SuperPug]

What are you basing that on Jimmy?
I was making the comparison between private education and healthcare. Saying you have private healthcare doesn't seem to encourage the same type of comments.
Parents can be lovely or awful at any school.