Job Discussion Forums

missy_29 · Joined: 07 Apr 2011 Posts: 6 Location: UK

Hi All

Since my last couple of posts I have been lucky enough to be accepted very late on to a PGCE here in the UK. Whilst I'm happy about this, the thought of not getting a permanent job here in the UK does worry me somewhat. Having recently had a look on some teachers forums, the job market for primary teachers here sucks. It seems approx 200+ applicants applying for 1 job! One person even suggested it has now become the option of unemployment vs teaching abroad.

What would my chances be of applying to the NET scheme once newly qualified? (But without actual QTS). I believe I do have about 3/4 years to get that if I return back to the UK in that time. But to be honest I do want to settle in HK long term, so isn't really a major issue for me.

I have 1 year's teaching experience already in China and a TEFL cert. I know this isn't great, but do I stand any sort of chance?! I don't know what to do otherwise....

Advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Is it worth doing the PGCE if you're not going to hang around and get QTS? IMO, if you're going to do the PGCE it would make sense to get QTS - then you can apply properly for NET, international schools, etc.

chezal · Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 146

When you finish your PGCE you have QTS as well. You only won't recieve QTS if you fail the skills test. What you are referring to is the NQT induction year.

I'm moving overseas before doing my induction year there just aren't the jobs. I've been doing supply for the past year and my bank balance won't take it any more. Also doing your induction year is just for the UK state system. If you intend to settle in HK it won't make any difference if you near do it. However if you intend to return to the UK state system just beware that you will be required to complete it upon your return. The way it's going though there might not be any QTS if this government have there way.