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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Teaching with a 2:2 Degree

72 replies

peacock00 · 05/07/2021 21:56

Hello there

I have got a conditional offer for a PGCE starting this September, I have a 2:2 at undergraduate level. I am just wondering when it comes to applying for teaching jobs will my 2:2 make it harder for me to secure a job if I will be competing with people who have a 2:1 and a 1st?

OP posts:
P0gM0Th0in · 05/07/2021 21:59

It won’t make it impossible but it will make it harder. But sure that’s probably the same with any job, to be fair.

mummymathsteacher · 05/07/2021 22:00

I doubt it. It's not something that I have ever factored into short listing candidates in school. What might be more problematic for you is the academic aspects of the PGCE, but again, you could easily have no problems. Good luck on your new career!

LucyLastik · 05/07/2021 22:02

Nope, never been a problem.

GiantToadstool · 05/07/2021 22:03

I dont think it will make any different at all.

They will look at subject of degree for secondary and rest if cv. Once you make it to interview it will be on your trial lesson/interview.

Littlebluebird123 · 05/07/2021 22:03

Never even been mentioned.

AmyFl · 05/07/2021 22:05

Won't make the slightest bit of difference

savagebaggagemaster · 05/07/2021 22:05

Hello! A 2.2 didn't stop me from getting any of my teaching jobs. Also I don't think you'll struggle with any of the academic aspects of teacher training. I got an A for my PGCE dissertation and I think I finally realised how to study effectively once I started my training which was 3 years after I left uni. Good luck!

PipsM · 05/07/2021 22:06

I have a 2:2 as my BA QTS and it’s never been a problem since I got my first job (that I am aware of!)
When I shortlist staff I look at experience and Personal statements, rather than degrees. Hope that helps!

Newkitchen123 · 05/07/2021 22:06

No

snowone · 05/07/2021 22:06

No. I don't think I've ever looked at a degree classification when shortlisting as it's never stated as essential criteria - just that you have a degree and QTS, I don't know that I've even been asked at interview either.....I have a 2:2 and I'm currently an Assistant head 😊

Reenskar · 05/07/2021 22:07

The most important consideration will be how you perform in your interview and interview lesson once it comes to getting a job. Subject knowledge is important but you could have a first and be hopeless with the children so go for it!

eyeoresancerre · 05/07/2021 22:07

I'm a 2:2 and been teaching 15+ years and never had an issue. It's more about the interview and the lesson you teach at the interview. Good luck

WovenFish · 05/07/2021 22:07

It’s never been an issue for me. I mean, I suppose it might have for jobs I didn’t get an interview for but it hasn’t stopped me getting interviews or getting jobs.

VashtaNerada · 05/07/2021 22:08

Definitely not! I forget I have a 2:2 most of the time TBH. Nobody’s ever noticed it on my CV or commented on it whatsoever. My work experience and performance at interview is what I’m judged on.

EastWestWhosBest · 05/07/2021 22:08

I guess it depends if you are teaching in your degree area. If you are teaching primary it matters not.

I’ve got an ordinary degree, no honours at all.

BigcatLittlecat · 05/07/2021 22:09

I've got a third! Never stopped me!

Maryann1975 · 05/07/2021 22:09

I keep reading about the shortage of teachers. If that is true, I don’t think you will struggle to find a job. Obviously the better The standard of applicants, the harder it Will be to get a job, but I have no idea if the media portrays this kind of thing accurately. (I don’t work in a school, so I’ve got no idea if that’s the case, but it seems a bit ‘common sense’).

spookycookies · 05/07/2021 22:10

I think it depends when you got it. 15years ago not a problem. Recent graduate maybe. I would also be concerned if you were apply to teach say maths with a 2,2 in maths. How would you handle a-levels etc. Not so much if you're teaching primary

AttaGirrrrl · 05/07/2021 22:10

I only know of one school that insists on a 2:1 or higher. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to work there!

Crack on. Become an excellent teacher. Your 2:2 won’t matter.

LidoLady · 05/07/2021 22:12

I've worked in school HR and was always surprised by the extremely poor qualifications many of the teachers had. It bore no correlation to their teaching abilities.

PatsyJStone · 05/07/2021 22:32

If your interviews, teaching demonstration etc. are exactly the same result as another candidate, there could be the tiniest chance someone may consider your qualifications to compare,at that stage before making a job offer. For shortlisting, unless there is a great number to choose from, so schools can afford to be picky, well I doubt it.
Try not to focus on this and concentrate on getting a great year of PGCE done. Your references will count and they won’t refer to your grade. Go for it!

Original poster
peacock00 · 05/07/2021 22:37

Thankyou everyone for your kind responses, I should add that it will be primary that I will be teaching.

OP posts:
FlamingoQueen · 05/07/2021 22:41

As someone who has read applications for primary school teachers, it is what you write that is the most important thing. Then, if interviewed, it’s about your lesson and interview. Not once have I ever looked at the result of the degree. Good luck.

ThanksItHasPockets · 05/07/2021 22:45

What subject?

kitkatsky · 05/07/2021 22:47

You're only as good as your last reference/ qualification. If your last review is better than your course mate with a first then you're the better candidate! Plus teaching is a vocative and brighter dsnt necessarily mean better