Has anyone moved schools later on in their career?

[Olivo]

And taken a step away from responsibility?

I am considering applying for anew main scale job in an independent school after 20+ years in states, and 15 years in my current school ,where I hold significant responsibility. It will be a massive pay cut and a massive change, but I cannot carry on having sleepless nights caused by the pressure of my current job. I don't know if I'll be too expensive for them ( they are encouraging me to apply) and it'd be hard to start as I'll be teaching something extra I haven't taught for a while.

Has anyone done anything similar, later on in their career, and got any advice?

What would the impact on your pension be?

I have contacted them to ask. Obviously, my contributions, thus my employers, will be less, and I don't know if I will have to start a private one. I have another 13 years or so, it might pick up some responsibility once settled in a new place.

DH and I have discussed st thang that, and the main thing. Is I want to still be around, and with him, to draw my pension!

I would honestly opt for quality of life.
What is the point if you are too tired/ill to enjoy a higher salary?
If the behaviour is better in your new school and the classes are smaller, I would go for it.

That is the reasoning ,superpug. I am exhausted and drained on a daily basis, by poor behaviour, low morale and a broken system . I have stuck it out but there just doesn't seem to be any improvement, as a result ,more staff are go off sick , thus more pressure for those of us holding the fort!

I just want to teach!

Am l misreading this but have you alreading been teaching for 35 years? Thhats how long l'm teaching and l couldn't change now but l did change 10 years ago and it has been fabulous. Really handpick the school you are voibg to as you will probably be there until retirement. Make sure there is good staff relations as last thing you need is hassle.

Yes.... best thing ever. And that’s don’t it and moving to a “tough’ school good luck

Not at the same stage as you, but I moved to an independent after years in state schools. It was utter bliss tbh.

I’ve done this and am now happily settled in a school that will see me through to retirement.

It is, however, my third school (all permanent appointments) since my long-term one. The first two just didn’t work out and I was confident enough to keep looking.

The biggest issue, I found, was stepping down to main scale. I was Director of Studies at my long-term school, and took a main scale post at the first school, although was appointed to Head of KS4 within a few weeks. At the second school, I was bullied by the HoD who kept trying to put me in a little box, and hated that I was experienced. It was also annoying that I could see that the school wasn’t that well run by SMT and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Thanks everyone. I have now been offered the job and am accepting.

Crafty, one of my main things i the responsibility I am now on, but I didn't feel I could step down and see things going just as wrong and have even less authority to do anything about it.

Junebirthday, 15 years 8 my current place, 20+ years in total.

I am excited about the prospect of a new start. Sad to leave many of my colleagues, but not all!!