Thinking of a move from 11-16 to FE. Thoughts?

[CharlotteCollins]

I used to teach in 11-18 schools, but while I was having a career break at home with the DCs, we moved to an area with 11-16 schools and FE colleges. I am starting my second year at a school and I hate the low-level disruption of my weaker classes. I miss teaching A Level. My subject is maths and its much more interesting at that level. There's so much to dislike about the syllabus with my year 8s and 9s that it's no surprise I'm struggling to motivate them at the mo.

I have no existence at all of FE, though. Is it similar to school? Does it have the same Ofsted inspections and paperwork pressures? What's it like?

Existence?? Experience!

Yes, you'd still get Ofsted inspections and the paperwork is, ime, much more than in schools.

FE is a difficult sector to work in due to, in part, the lower level of funding received. Everything is stretched - resources and people. You'd find yourself doing much/most of the admin that you're used to someone else doing which means that marking etc will overspill into your personal time. FE staff don't get school holidays but rather a set number of days for annual leave, e.g. 45, which have to be booked ahead. The salaries are lower too and payrises rarer than hen's teeth.

Low level disruption is quite common I'm afraid. You would almost certainly not have only A level classes but gcse too and those retake (or re-retake) classes are, according to my friend, hellish.

If you could get a job in a sixth form college, rather than FE, then things would be much more like school, behaviour generally better, salary on teacher's scales and the proper school holidays.

Hmm. I'm confused now. I thought FE was sixth form colleges?

Yes, you're right but FE comprises both sixth form colleges and further education colleges. Both do A levels and vocational qualms but FE colleges tend to do more types of vocational courses. Sixth form colleges are, ime, much nicer to work in.

Oh, OK. I mean sixth form colleges then. Sounds like they are more likely to offer Further Maths. That's what I really want to teach.

Oh, I've just noticed you said salary on teacher scales at sixth form colleges. That's a bonus I thought would be too much to ask for. Thanks for talking to me!

I went from schools to fe (6th form college) pay is crap compared to schools but quality of life is immeasurably better. I actually teach now instead of crowd control. No behaviour issues but I only teach A level. I wouldn't move jobs for the world. I have become a better teacher in the last 4 years than in the previous 10 as I've been able to actually do my job.

That right there is what I'm looking for, glamorous. Better quality of life. Teaching instead of crowd control. Feeling like I might be making a difference. At the end of the day, a reduction in pay wouldn't bother me if it brought those improvements.

What blowonmysackbutt says.

I've worked in FE for over 10 years and the pay is awful. I'm not full time but know a number of teachers who are and who don't earn much more than £25,000-£26,000. For the quals we all have, we do not get paid enough.

Funding is often cut - and for adult ed it is currently bring cut, cut and cut some more. Lots of paperwork and admin.

Saying that, I do love my job as I teach both 16-19 and adults and the adult classes are a joy. I have a great team too which helps

And I do feel like I make a difference.