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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To study primary teaching at Northampton instead of Brighton?

45 replies

blapbird · 08/04/2012 11:58

I have been offered a place a both, I have no children so that's not holdin me in Northampton, but I just Love my (rented) house, all my friends live around here, I wouldn't have the upheaval of moving.
BUT
A lot of my older (very academic) relatives said that I should go to Brighton because it's very high on the league tables and will help when it comes to getting jobs later.

So scary trading in my secure network of friends to live in a busy city but maybe it's for the best?

would IBU to choose an inferior university when I have been given a golden opportunity to study somewhere great?

Help!

OP posts:

ragged · 08/04/2012 11:59

I bet living costs are higher in Brighton, too, so you'll get into more debt.

marriedinwhite · 08/04/2012 12:09

YABU - I went to Brighton Poly in 1979 and it was fantastic. Had lots of friends on the teacher training side and they had a wonderful time too. Just make sure you get somewhere to live near Falmer which is where the teacher training bit is. You will make new friends and it will be enriching and also every other argument apart, it is always best to attend the best possible college in my opinion.

Feenie · 08/04/2012 12:13

As someone who regularly shortlists for primary teacher interviews, I can tell you that the place where you do your teacher training is not at all important from a job hunting perspective.

snowball3 · 08/04/2012 12:21

Agree with Feenie, the name of the ITT provider is probably the last thing we look at!

FallenCaryatid · 08/04/2012 12:42

You do need to think about your own attitude and reluctance to move though, especially as you have no children, and the impact it may have on your future.
I was training with one girl who drew a 10 mile circle around her home town and wasn't prepared to look for jobs outside that for precisely the reasons you give.

Helenagrace · 08/04/2012 12:47

I'm a school governor. We recently sifted through 70+ applications for two teaching posts we advertised. I don't think we once looked at where someone had studied beyond verifying that they had QTS conferred from somewhere.

The course is hard work so you might be better off to have friends to support you.

savoycabbage · 08/04/2012 12:52

Going away to university rather than staying 'at home' makes it a whole different experience. For me, it was the most fun I have ever had . It's very freeing going to live somewhere new, and you will meet lots of new people but it's not too far to go back home.

Original poster

blapbird · 08/04/2012 12:57

I am a mature student (28) have lived in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Denmark so I have lived away from 'home', for many years, finally settling down in Northampton 2 years ago, I have found many good friends, a lovely house and the journey to uni would only take 30 minutes from where I live.

Brighton is an exciting place with an excellent reputation but I just think my quality of life may reduce, I am already noticing how hard it is to find rental properties with car parking spaces so I'm just wondering if it is worth the giant leap?

OP posts:

FelixCited · 08/04/2012 12:57

I went Sussex uni to do my pgce.
I would stay where you are but consider looking for jobs after your course in a wider search area.

Teaching jobs in and around Brighton are very sort after.

FallenCaryatid · 08/04/2012 12:59

Definitely car parking and garden spaces are in limited supply in the main city, less so in the suburbs and surrounding villages. You now sound completely different to my fellow student, far more adventurous.
I'd stick with where you are happy, even though I love Brighton.

FelixCited · 08/04/2012 13:00

There is a great buzz and vibe to Brighton - and it's lovely to be by the sea.

FashionEaster · 08/04/2012 13:03

Have not been impressed with the calibre of NQTs from Northampton.

You are also in danger of suffering from that Northamptonshire malaise: believing you'll fall off the ends of the earth if you cross the county boundary.

Go to Brighton.

PeelingBells · 08/04/2012 13:06

From everything you've said + the advice of shortlisters here I'd definitely stick where you are.

Brighton is fun but pretty expensive compared to northampton.

Original poster

blapbird · 08/04/2012 13:08

Yes I've been thinking maybe one more move wouldn't hurt me, I do like the idea of being by the sea and I've been yearning to change my life style a lot lately i.e use a bike rather than car, go to Yoga, see more bands play, go to more art exhibitions, there is a narrow minded-ness to the small town I live near in Northants, which doesn't suit me and which eventually I will look to move away from. But it's more, the short term upheaval and having to make new friends etc that can be hard going. Financially if nothing else.
Thanks for your advice it's such a big decision it helps to read different people's opinions.

OP posts:

skybluepearl · 08/04/2012 13:09

You will make friends where ever you are.

Where are you planning to go post study? If you would rather be in the midlands, then stay in Northampton. If you would rather be Brighton/London way then pluck for the latter.

Original poster

blapbird · 08/04/2012 13:10

FashionEaster you have not been impressed by NQT's from Northampton?
This is interesting could you tell me a little more?

OP posts:

skybluepearl · 08/04/2012 13:10

Reading your latter post, I'd pluck for Brighton. I love the sea too and a bit of culture too.

Original poster

blapbird · 08/04/2012 13:11

Post study- I am hoping the world will be my oyster and I can go where I fancy (in the UK obviously!) and after having a baby

OP posts:

PeelingBells · 08/04/2012 13:14

You'll EASILY make new friends in Brighton-too many friends if anything! IME you can't walk 2 steps in Brighton without bumping into a mate. By week 2 you'll need a "No-I- can't-stop-for-a-pint-face-and-clothes disguise-I have to do some study" !!

Ha ignore my previous advice and go for it !!!

FashionEaster · 08/04/2012 13:23

Issues re PGCE Northants in terms of a)subject knowledge/academic rigour b)willingness to travel c)general get up an go. The qulaity of the NQTs from elsewhere has generally been much higher.

JugglingWithTangentialOranges · 08/04/2012 13:23

Hmm, interesting to read of someone with a big choice upon them. Lots of pluses (and minuses) with each choice.

Maybe try imagining yourself in ten years time having made each choice - and see which feels better from that POV ? A bit of creative visualisation ?

Good luck ! I'm sure either choice can be good for you.

When you've decided really commit to that choice and see the benefits in it !

Original poster

blapbird · 08/04/2012 13:24

oooh i like that juggling thanks

OP posts:

redexpat · 08/04/2012 13:26

I know I am the exception to the 'I LOVE BRIGHTON' rule, but I hated it and didnt make any friends. Most cliquey place ever. It's also miserable, overcrowded, loads of poverty, overpriced and you cannot move at weekends for people. I didn't once get on my bike because I was so terrified by the drivers who are the worst I've encountered anywhere in the world. I'd stay in Northampton.

JugglingWithTangentialOranges · 08/04/2012 13:26

As my DD says when she's being charming ... You're welcome [busmile]

Sassyfrassy · 08/04/2012 13:27

I often mentor teaching students from Northampton and so far they have been really good and have had good support from the university.

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