Job prospects for biology teacher?

[Unusualllly]

Hello,
Thinking of doing a PGDE secondary Biology with science. I'm wondering what the likelihood of a job in a local school will be though?
I'm in Scotland and have worked in labs for 15 years but quit 5 years ago to have kids.
Any insight from folk in schools, is biology too popular a subject??
Thank you kind mumsnetters.

Hiya

I recently did my PGCE in Biology.

My degree was in Psychology (A-levels in bio/chem) but they readily accepted me onto the course and was asked to complete a short online knowledge enhancement course, so I can’t see you struggling to get onto the course itself.

In terms of jobs, many ads are for science teachers as opposed to biology teachers.

In my school I teach all three sciences in equal measure. Some schools might give you more biology if that’s your specialism but less likely.

Some schools (esp grammar) teach them separately so you could find a post as a Biology teacher, but out of the three, there is more of an abundance of Biology teachers compared to the other two.

You won’t have a problem getting a science job, you might find there are less Biology jobs around but they do come up.

Hope this helps!

Good luck :)

In England, Biology is 100% a shortage subject and in many places it would be easy to get a job. Scotland is a bit different as I believe the teacher shortage in Scotland isn't so acute. I believe you are guaranteed a role for your probationary year, but it can be difficult after that, particularly if you are tied to a specific geographic area.

I would look at your local schools, this term is often when jobs are advertised for September, and see if any science jobs come up.

I'd also speak to the uni, and try to have an honest conversation about your long term job prospects.

I'm in rural North England and we see a desperate shortage of all science teachers. We are a great school and had 4 applications in total for a full time biology only job. Only 1 was worth interviewing. 10 years ago we would have easily had over 20 applications. It very much depends on your local supply and demand..good luck!

Ne England huge shortage of science teachers.

Chemistry and biology attract a £27000 bursary.
Maths offers the same bursary

Biology is £20000.
getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-support/scholarships-and-bursaries?funding_widget%5Bsubject%5D=biology#funding-widget

Thank you,
I've checked and biology doesn't get any bursary here in Scotland (I think it did a few years ago). I've got a few meetings coming up with schools and career advisor to ask more questions.

Looking positive though 👍