Changing schools on Schools Direct

[Bitlost]

Anybody got experience of changing schools mid-year when one's part of the Schools Direct programme? It probably used to be easier under the old system but now that the schools own the SD places and have power of life and death over the students, it's more complicated.

Also would be grateful to any SD students who've complained about their training (or lack of). How did you do it? Who did you turn to?

Thanks for any tips you might have.

Are you salaried or unsalaried? I was unsalaried, and paying the PCGE fees. The school was unbelievably, bad, I complained at Oct half-term, dozy chaotic uni eventually got round to moving me in March, so I lost out on a lot of time. Complete lack of ownership by Uni and schools as to who should act, hence lack of action. Then was on second (scheduled placement for a month) and to another school for the 'consolidation' phase. Was incredibly hard because whereas others were consolidation, I was starting form scratch with new classes, in the summer term. Have submitted formal complaint to NCITT - awaiting response.

Thank you! Salaried scheme here and not paying for pgce. School appalling - no training provided, shambolic teaching... Looked at NCITT website but could not find out about complaints...

Very keen here to get these issues with bad schools to the highest level. Let's keep in touch.

Also very keen to hear from other disgruntled Schools Direct students.

I'm part way through my SD year. I had terrible issues in SE1. An openly hostile classroom teacher "mentor" who, after 6 weeks of "training" me, basically left me to it. I was doing 80% teaching without her in the room (basically being used as cover). The other 20% of the time, I was effectively acting as her TA. She stopped doing my review meetings and observations back in November.

Luckily, my link uni tutor and the course director were very helpful. I've just been told that I don't need to return to the school for SE3 and will be staying in my second placement until the end of the course. I've also had to provide evidence of the various issues that went on (mostly involving her shouting at me in front of the children) and I am informed that she will be facing disciplinary proceedings.

I haven't complained formally but tbh, I have paid £9,000 to receive this training and feel I didn't really get any for the first 5 months. Unsurprisingly, I didn't make much progress and only scraped a pass for SE1. I've been so close to quitting so many times.

You have my sympathies. It's such an intense course anyway - even if you do have a supportive mentor/school. Throw a complete unsupportive psycho into the mix and it's been a hellish 5 months :-(

Oh dear Tillys, this sounds very, very familiar. Hubby had a few hours a week with mentor in first term. When faced with same situation in second term, he spoke up (nicely) and the school went ballistic.

I am glad things are better for you now and you don't have to go back to the psycho bitch.

Keep strong!

I'm having a really positive sd experience but a fair few on my course have not - it seems very much down to the individual school and I am shocked at the lack of support and training in some. A couple of friends have managed to move to new schools following 2nd placement but some are stuck in their original schools. I think the system is too hit and miss to be effective really.

Hi Reveal. I think you were on the thread we had (briefly) just before we started the course. Obviously it's all been a bit manic for any of us to post on it since starting Glad you're having a good experience My second placement is brilliant. Totally different experience in a lovely school with a supportive (and non psychopathic!) mentor. It makes such a massive difference. I was so close to jacking it in before Christmas

Sorry for the hijack

Hi Tilly, glad you are all sorted now!! I've got my own class, started last week, and oh my WORD I cannot believe how much more work it is!

Bitlost, I hope that you can get sorted and to a decent and supportive school. With three terms left I think it's definitely worth moving if you can, SD is hard enough without having a tricky school to deal with.

Dh has quit! We're so much happier!

I'm glad you updated Bitlost. Is he out of teaching for the forseeable future?

I think so, yes. He's a bit reluctant to dish out £9,000 for a Pgce and end up in the same situation. It could be much better via the pgce but we feel it's just too hit and miss. Once bitten, twice shy!