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Secondary education

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Original poster

Teaching in the independent sector?

14 replies

changeforthebetter · 24/02/2012 18:52

Hi, I'm doing a PGCE and a vacancy in a local independent boys' school has just been advertised. It had never really crossed my mind as I was state-educated and various family members in teaching all work in the state sector. However, jobs are few and far between as I have to remain in my local area so it seems worth considering. I have posted on TES for views but any thoughts/opinions welcome. Smile

OP posts:
scaryteacher · 24/02/2012 19:14

I did my NQT at a private school; it meant that it got done, otherwise I couldn't have done it in my local area. Give it a go. It's a job, and the children still need teaching.

DialMforMummy · 24/02/2012 20:04

I have nothing against private schools although I never taught in one.
Beware that your job might be more vulnerable (recessions) and that you might have to teach on Saturdays and have parents evenings on Sundays.
If it is a boarding school you might be asked to do evening duties as well.
Some state schools might not give you a look in after you have been teaching in the independent sector because they might think that you don't have enough relevant experience (i.e. classroom management).
Also, parents might be more demanding because after all they are paying good money for their kid's education, so they will want results (even more so than in the state or grammar sector).
If you are happy with that, then why not?

EndoplasmicReticulum · 24/02/2012 22:19

I took my first job in an independent school. I had similar experience to you - as in none at all! I was state educated, and did not know anyone who had taught in an independent school.

What DialM said about extra duties is true. I do not teach on Saturdays but there are sometimes weekend duties, things on at weekends, evening duties and a general expectation that you are available at any time during term times. Longer school day as well. However, the holidays are also longer. The classes are smaller, in my experience.

I do not earn as much as I could do in the state sector, and fear I have now been here too long to be able to easily change back. I don't really want to though, I'm quite happy where I am.

Original poster
changeforthebetter · 25/02/2012 08:08

Hmm, thanks. Being available at all times would be a problem as I am an LP. The DC do spend time with their father but otherwise childcare would be an issue. The job ad is quite clear that you are expected to take part in extra curricular activities evenings and weekends. Also I'm not sure if I could handle working in an all-boy environment. I get on well with most of the lads in my placement school but all-lads might be a bit to testosterone-tastic (I don't think I'd like all-girls either). Maybe I should apply for interview practice?

OP posts:
Trix2323 · 25/02/2012 11:14

Why don't you apply, and if you get an interview, go and see? The school might even agree to show you around before you apply, which would give you a useful insight into the school before you write your application.

As for the extra activities, I think you would be able to take your DCs along as well, which could be a bonus if you are LP.

How old are the boys at the local independent? if it is under 13, there isn't too much testosterone.

jo164 · 25/02/2012 13:36

I was state school educated, but got my first job in a top public school - I didn't actually have a preference when I applied to go independent, it was simply the first job I applied for and was offered the job. Hours in independent are longer, and can include weekend and evening duties if a boarding school. I have since worked in both state and independent and have actually never found it an issue going from one sector to the other as long as you keep up to date with current thinking, especially in the state sector and can demonstrate this on an application, then switching between the two has never been a probalem for me.
I prefer teaching in the independent sector, as I have smaller classes, so I can give each child more attention, I have had very few discipline issues in the independent schools I have taught in which leaves me able to teach more!
I do however like teaching the girls as well - so would probably not go for an all boys school - but that is personal preference! I'd apply and if you get an interview just remember its a two way process. If you decide its not for you then use it for experience but let them know that you will be withdrawing your application.

kritur · 25/02/2012 22:04

I have just accepted a job in a boys day school for september having taught in a comp for 6 years. I am also a LP and my daughter will be 10 months when I start. My extra curricular involvement will mainly be at lunchtime running a couple of clubs with the odd residential trip during the year which I will take her on. The school has a nursery on site which is great as I will have her close by and I actually like teaching all boys.

trixie123 · 26/02/2012 21:34

have taught in both and currently at a boys indie day school. Yes there is an expectation of more extra-curricular time but you are remunerated more generously than in state sector so this might help cover childcare? Also depending on what the school and the head are like you may not be doing stuff that is at weekends etc. Parents evening no different to in state schools. Not sure about taking your DC with you to things as one poster suggested - again depends on activity and age of your DC. In general indie teaching is great - classes who want to learn, supportive parents and you get to TEACH, not do crowd control. Plus you are less at the mercy of the latest mad fad out of the DfEE. Go for it.

EndoplasmicReticulum · 26/02/2012 21:41

"Plus you are less at the mercy of the latest mad fad out of the DfEE."

Oh yes. That counts for a lot!

Original poster
changeforthebetter · 03/03/2012 16:56

Thanks, am going to do the application tomorrow Smile

Having seeing what the evil spawn of satan that is Ofsted have done to my daughter's (lovely) primary in their latest bid to privatise inspection, the thought of not dealing with them is very tempting. I will get endless stick from lefty rellies but unless one of them would like to pay my mortgage and bills ......................

OP posts:
funchum8am · 03/03/2012 17:01

Beware, quite a lot of private schools pay LESS than the state sector (I guess they think they can because people have less poor behaviour to put up with - not sure as I have only taught in comps, though I went to an independent school from 11-18). But if you can take your child/ren on activities and school trips that's got to be a bonus!

trixie123 · 05/03/2012 19:33

funchum - really? I went from FT head of Dept in state to PT classroom teacher in an indie and got paid the same.

funchum8am · 05/03/2012 19:42

Independent schools have their own salary scales so they're all different. The school I attended is losing numbers due to the recession and just cut the salary of their staff in order to avoid redundancies (have a family member working there). They now pay below the main scale for non-management positions.

I have no idea if that is the majority of private schools though - I also have a friend who makes a fortune as a middle manager and teacher but that is an extremely expensive and prestigious school in central London.

diabolo · 05/03/2012 19:48

The private school DS attends has lost 5% of its numbers over the last 2 years.

The private secondary he is going to has record high numbers this year (both boarders and day).

Perhaps it depends on the school / results / reputation.

You certainly won't have a problem working in an independent - children are just children at the end of the day.

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