Are class sizes always smaller?
They tend to be smaller than in most maintained schools. It is one of the aspects that fee paying parents expect as it gives teachers an opportunity to spend more time focusing on individual pupils.
Are independent schools only for ‘posh’ people?
No, this is a fallacy. Going to an independent school doesn’t mean the pupils or indeed the teachers are ‘posh’. Many are the product of hard working families who have chosen to sacrifice other aspects of their lives to pay for their education.
Will I be expected to perform extra duties on top of teaching?
For some teachers, the extra curricular activities available at an independent school outweigh the classroom work. On the whole, sports, arts, drama and music facilities are far better. Although you won’t be forced to do anything you can’t do, you may be expected to play a role in what is usually an busy extra curricular programme whether outdoor pursuits, hockey, CCF or the school play.
Will I have to work at weekends?
Some independent schools still have Saturday lessons, or sport on Saturdays. Some have lessons in the morning followed by sports fixtures in the afternoon which you may have to be involved with. Generally Saturday school means longer holidays.
How would teaching in a boarding school differ from a day school?
Your responsibilities as a teacher will take on a more pastoral role and your working hours will be different. At the most basic level you will probably be involved as a tutor, who might have some duties into the evening one night a week. It is possible to expand this role and become a deputy or even a house parent. The house parent will be on site all the time looking after anything from 10 to 60 pupils.
Will I work longer hours?
This all depends on the school and whether it has an extensive extra curricular programme, functions on Saturdays or is boarding. Boarding schools and day schools with Saturday teaching tend to have longer holidays, often up to 19 weeks a year. The teaching day also tends to be longer and can change from term to term.
Will I be better off financially?
Pay in the independent sector is calculated differently across different schools. Some will mirror closely the maintained sector, plus include some extra benefits. You might be given some housing allowance, or reduced fees for your children. Most boarding schools provide subsidised accommodation. The pension is the same as the maintained sector.
Will I teach the National Curriculum?
Independent schools don’t have to follow UK national curriculum. They are free to decide which subjects they offer and what type of exams. Some choose not to offer GCSEs while some offer the International Baccalaureate. Not all schools offer a massive range of subjects and some may offer unusual subjects not available in the maintained sector.
How does if affect my career?
Some teachers question if they will be allowed back into the maintained sector after teaching in a private school. If you have the right skills and experience for a job you will be welcomed back. Some teachers choose to stay in the independent sector as it suits them and find it opens up doors in other independent schools for career enhancement.