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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Academy chains

35 replies

theduchessstill · 08/02/2018 06:13

Is there a website for teachers where you can find out about working conditions in particular chains? I can find stuff aimed at parents, but not teachers. I'm considering leaving the school where I have been forever, and don't want to have the dreaded conversation if it turns out I would be withdrawing anyway due to having to work Saturdays/be there until 7pm each night etc. Also, I obviously don't want to find myself worse off than I am now in terms of work-life balance...

OP posts:

EvilTwins · 10/02/2018 18:39

rillette who was that question for?

rillette · 10/02/2018 18:53

Sorry @eviltwins forgot to tag! I was asking @MrsPatterson2014 which academy chain she was talking about... 90% sure I know which one

MrsPatterson2014 · 10/02/2018 19:11

Yes - the H one! Anyone I know who has worked in one ( myself included ) ended up traumatised!

EvilTwins · 10/02/2018 19:12

Are you talking Harris? I ask because the school I was in that was AET is now with another chain (not that one) but they are closely allied and apparently will "pull in people from" that one if they need to. Lots of staff are hating it already.

rillette · 10/02/2018 19:25

Thought so @MrsPatterson2014 thanks for answering.

I am wary as I am based in the area and doing a uni PGCE in September. My chosen uni seem to work closely with H and had one of their NQTs working there on an information panel singing its praises. Just trying to do my research on firstly where I may have placements and secondly where would be good to apply for an NQT position when the time comes!

TuftedLadyGrotto · 10/02/2018 19:29

I wouldn't work in a Harris academy if you paid £500k a year!

noblegiraffe · 10/02/2018 19:30

I've heard bad things about working for Harris, also about Oasis.

Bobbiepin · 10/02/2018 21:26

I was told as an NQT at a Harris that if all my students didn't get a merit in their BTEC then I would be fired. That included the boy who didn't speak English and the kid who had achieved his 'pass' target and had gone on to full time employment. I had to phone him and ask him to come back in to complete coursework he didn't want to do nor needed to do so I didn't get fired. I left after I passed my NQT year.

rillette · 10/02/2018 21:58

@Bobbiepin that sounds horrendous. Hope you are much happier where you are now!

Bobbiepin · 10/02/2018 23:07

@rillette I'm on maternity leave with my gorgeous 3 month old baby girl so I'm definitely happy where I am now! I'm just not thinking about the hellish AET school I have to go back to.

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