Are there any History and/or English teachers here that can advise me please?

[Howdydoodyfolks]

I am doing a History degree as I enjoy the subject, but am wondering whether to swap to English in my 2nd year as the demand appears higher for English teachers. Also as obviously pupils HAVE to have the English GCSE I can imagine I will find it easier to gain employment.
Any advice on which one you feel is most needed in schools, which has a higher salary and which degree is more useful in going into areas other than teaching would be very helpful. Thank you

The salaries would be the same. English results now count for a huge percentage of a school's results so there's a lot of pressure. Would you be happy to spend 25 hours a week (and a hell of a lot of hours outside of lesson time) focussing on English or would you be more passionate about teaching history? That might help with your decision.

I'm a History teacher (head of department). I also used to teach English at KS3, which I also enjoyed. What subject are you most passionate about? I think perhaps there is more demand for English teachers. We are a department of 2 and one part timer, and English departments are much larger. In my school there are 8 English teachers. Very few History jobs seem come up where I live, compared to English jobs. It could be different where you live, maybe have a look at TES jobs to get an idea. Salaries are the same, although as a head of a non-core department I get fewer free lessons and a smaller TLR than the head of English. In my experience, I've seen History teachers promoted quite often to SLT, and the last 2 heads I've worked for had once been History teachers, where obviously the salary is a lot higher. I would say marking loads for both would be similar, and marking can take up a lot of your time!

Thank you both for you replies, much appreciated. My passion is more for History, you are both correct I have to think more about which subject I would be happy to spend those extra hours in. The fact that fewer History jobs come up is one of my concerns, but from what I see in my school they have a slightly less "burn out" ratio than English teachers, not sure if that is true - just an observation

they have a slightly less "burn out" ratio than English teachers, not sure if that is true - just an observation
Fairly true.
English departments tend to be bigger (huge in larger schools) so you do get more natural turnover from maternity, promotions etc.
That said, there's a reason why core subjects are finding it hard to recruit and retain.

I'd specialise and train in whatever subject you are the most passionate about. Another option is to keep History but pick up some English electives and then when you apply fpr jobs you can say you offer English as a second subject (which will be a massive positive).

English teacher here. I think the job is tough no matter what you do. I love history but I find many ways to incorporate into teaching. A lot of literature the historical and cultural backgrounds are just as important as the text. Over the years we've covered the roaring 20s and the depression, Salem witch trials, the holocaust, highland clearances, slavery, Tudor London and many more. It can be fun.
Jobs wise I've never worked in a fully staffed English dept for more than a few months so there's always jobs even if it's mat or supply. History teachers seem to be in with the wood😁

As an English teacher, I'd advise you to go with your passion and offer English as a second subject (ask to do some within your training - observations etc). English is a shortage subject but with reason - significant results pressure, huge marking load. It's the best subject imo, but if your heart isn't in it, it is v tough.

To add to the above:
Teach History, and all your GCSE students have chosen to be there. Teach English, and they have to do it whether they like it/are good at it or not.

There’s also lots of scope for English in private tutoring, if you decide to slow down or retire in future, not so much for History.

Thank you all so much for such helpful replies. I really think that I have to go with what I am passionate about as has been said - which is History.

I am not sure what you mean by "English electives" Maisypops (am new to all of this!!)

I wish you luck with it and only hope my dc has a History teacher like you for GCSE.

Aah thank you HappinessisAStateofMind what a lovely thing to say! Cant wait to start teaching x