Working in a private school

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So I’ve spent 13 years working in state schools and a job has come up in a private school near me. I’m not unhappy where I am but max class size of 20 is very appealing. How do people find it? I’m worried there will be more pressure but im not sure that’s actually possible given the way teaching has gone....

'Private schools' aren't one place - in much the same way that your experience can be very different in different state schools.

My friends who have made the switch have been very excited at not having to pay in to the tea fund
Stunned at the amount spent on Christmas presents !

But, over all, pleased that the school doesn't have to overhaul the curriculum every 2 years when a new Education Minister wants to make their mark or OFSTED decide they are going to follow a new direction for a few months.
Yes, there is a higher expectations (of individual attention, etc) from some parents - but overall, the overwhelming majority of parents are very nice, just as in state education.
One downside they don't like is the fact that EYFS gets pushed out too early in favour of 'formal' education.

Some private schools have longer hours each day, in exchange for shorter terms. Some expect you to supervise 'prep' etc.

Thanks. This is a Monday to Friday day school but with a longer school day. Stepping off the ofsted bandwagon would be nice!

Hi have worked in the independent sector for most of my career and I love my job.

On a practical level, small class sizes and shorter terms are real bonuses.

I’ve never had anyone breathe down my neck for progress data or make unreasonable demands on me for lesson plans etc.

Depending on the place, it’s a real bonus if you have a “chip in” mentality and do whatever needs to be done. In small schools, there is not often someone else to pick up the slack.

Check amount of pupils numbers in the Reception, Pre-Prep and Prep School. Also read the most recent inspection report. If pupil numbers are healthy and inspection report is favourable, go for it.

I’ve worked in private schools for the last 11 years (three different schools) and the data requirements and scrutiny are getting pretty bonkers now tbh. In my first school I literally did exactly what I liked and nothing was ever checked, it’s very obvious if you’re not pulling your weight so as long as you were doing what you were supposed to be then as a non-HOD the SLT pretty much ignored you. In my current role we have learning walks, data drops, intervention plans, half termly progress reports for all children in every subject, termly observations and book scrutinies plus a very comprehensive performance management/appraisal system etc etc etc so it’s very pressured.

You have more frees but are expected to do more cover. Longer holidays but longer teaching day, so I don’t finish teaching until 4pm every day. I also have a long commute so it’s pretty full on. Parents generally lovely, involved and engaged, but quick to complain if things are not to their liking.

I switched to the independent sector in September, it's the best thing I've done.

Some day pupils and some boarding pupils. Teach full days Monday to Saturday, plus an evening (7-10) duty once per week.

Lovely students (day thank you at the end of lessons!) and supportive parents, combined with long holidays, makes it perfect for me.

I'm actually happy at work for the first time in several years.

Is it a boarding school or a day school? I worked at a girls' day school for years and it was an absolute dream compared with any of the state schools I've taught in. I'd do it like a shot, only there aren't any near where I live. Boarding schools are a different kettle of fish - massively long hours with loads of extra activities.

It’s a day school. I have young children so working Saturdays and evenings just isn’t an option. It is a long day 8.30-4.10, I don’t mind that but I think a full teaching day would be tough! I’ve put an application in. It’s full time and I’m only offering part time but I do have some specific skills they are looking for so we’ll see.

I love it. My school is brilliant. I vow to never go back to state.

I’ve been in the independent sector since 2011 and I wouldn’t go back to state now. Do check the pay as independent schools don’t have to follow the pay scales. I’m paid a lot less (think £10k+ a year) than I would be in a state school, but I have a smaller class and therefore a smaller day-to-day workload, longer holidays and a staff discount on fees for my own children, so it’s worth it to me.

Can you find out how long the current staff members have been there for?

I taught for a few years in an indie (secondary). It was excellent and I liked the longer days, because the hols were then a bit longer. I got paid quite a bit more than I would have on that spine point in state. Small classes were lovely.

Parents are paying and demand to see what they are paying for which is a Good thing. Most have an interest and are supportive
Chiildren are expected to perform.
Generous presents from.parents but you must be prepared to work hard

Worked in one for over 12 years and back in state now. Loved it for many many years but as numbers of pupils became an issue any selective aspect went out of the window and basically anyone who applied got in regardless of ability. This led to many pupils who simply would not hack it in the state sector at secondary level. Increasingly poor behaviour went unchecked as again they didn’t want to lose pupils and the pupils and parents knew this.

I moved 2 years ago. Max class size 16 in senior, 20 in junior. It's a day school from 8.30-4.10 too- Saturdays only twice a year, lots of parents evenings. Much easier day to day, parents can be very demanding .

It's a much, much better quality of life for me- go for it.

I'm happy to have made the change. It did take a bit of getting used to but the much smaller class sizes have improved my life massively as my marking load is completely manageable for the first time ever. Also I get provided with the stationery and resources I need for the first time ever - I had a little tear in my eye when I saw the fully stocked, unlocked stationery cupboard! However, like all schools, so much is down to the quality of the SMT. I think you should simply judge it on its merits.

How do you find jobs in the independent sector? I never see any advertised.

I can only speak for my subject (Economics) but most adverts are on Tutor2u whatever the type of school, but they specialise in Humanities. I think schools are moving away from TES in some cases.