How do you find lving in catchment?

[MsJaneAusten]

I’m in the process of applying for a new job very close to home. It struck me while I was in town yesterday that I’ll see (secondary) pupils pretty much every time I leave the house. In my previous jobs I’ve usually lived 10-15 miles away so while I see pupils occasionally, it’s not every day.

Anyone with experience of this, how do you find it? Do you get used to it, or is it exhausting being ‘on’ all the time?

[donquixotedelamancha]

I did for 2 years. Very tough school. No issues.

[HappyKatieA]

Like the pp, I have done in the past, also a challenging school, no issues at all.
I'm currently about 6 miles away, I see students (and ex students, their parents etc) often, it's always fine.

[ASauvignonADay]

I'm just outside which is perfect. See families/kids in supermarket etc but not actually by my house, and means journey to school is easy.

[MawkishTwaddle]

I did it twenty years ago. My house got egged.

[Strugglingonagain]

I didn't like it at all!

[SureIusedtobetaller]

I’ve done it. Only issue was my children playing with my pupils meant I had pupils in my house a lot! At the time it was fine but I would probably worry more now about it making me vulnerable.
Lovely commute

[Heyha]

I've done it, depends (at risk of being controversial) on your relationship with the school community really. For some reason I was always well thought of among parents etc so bumping into them was usually just a quick smile and hello rather than anything awkward. The only ones that ever had a big chat were ones where I'd taught several of their children so got to know them quite well. Equally I tended to go to the next town if I wanted a good mooch round shops, went outwards for my supermarket shop rather than the ones in town, that kind of thing, mainly just to get round quickly and undisturbed!

[MsJaneAusten]

Thank you. I think I’m generally liked and it’s a nice area so I wouldn’t worry too much about kids knowing where I live etc. It’s more the being ‘on’ all the time. I’ve got good at just smiling at all teens and their parents when out and about in case they’re from my current school; I guess I’d just be smiling more at kids who really were from my school!

I’d not really thought about the fact that as my children get older, their friends might be my pupils. Good point. That’s at least three years away though.

[Lidlfix]

Doesn't bother me. My own DC go to a different school though. Knew lots of pupils outside school due to clubs and activities but other than perfecting my bland smile and PR script when grilled about school no big deal. Bit strange when my DD1 dated a v nice boy who'd been in my Higher (Scottish qualification ) class the previous year.

Makes buying tampons and gin a rather public statement especially if I go straight to the shop after school.

[cricketballs3]

I live close to catchment (there are a couple of students near me) and it's not a problem- they see me picking up a bottle of wine in the local shop, but there's not been any rumours spread that I'm a raging alcholic!

Due to my DS's sport I run into far more of them at the weekend all over the city/county and they take it in their stride that I'm their teacher but I'm having half a cider and smoking a cigarette after the match, the only comments on a Monday is the dolly catch that was missed by one of my DS!