From IT to the classroom
Amanda Bailey
Amanda, 43, lives in West Kirby, The Wirral with her partner, Glynn
Old job: Head of IT at a multinational equipment rental company
New job: Associate deputy head teacher
“I’ve always had a hankering to teach, but when I left university with a chemistry degree I was keen to earn money. I gained a place on the graduate trainee scheme at M&S and worked there for 12 years. I eventually becames head of IT at Hewden Stuart.
I was often amazed to meet people who lacked confidence to go as far as they might in their career because they didn’t have a degree or other qualifications. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I realised by becoming a teacher I could help make this happen.
I started studying for my PGCE at Manchester University. During the course we were sent on three work placements of about eight to ten weeks. My first job after qualifying was at a grammar school in Liverpool, teaching chemistry, and last September I was given a place on the Future Leaders initiative. It’s a programme for teachers who are considered capable of making head teacher within the next four years, and every day is different.
I get so much fulfilment out of what I do. Overnight I had to reduce my spending by about £700 a month – I downsized my life, but I’m very happy.”
Training costs: Free tuition and received a government grant of about £7,000. I was given a “Golden Hello” of about £4,000 at the end of the course for specialising in science
What I earned before: Around £100,000, including bonus plus a generous package
What I earn now: £35,794
Best move: Applying for the Future Leaders Program. The training I’m gaining rivals any I received at the major companies I’d worked for previously
Top tip: Don’t think you’re too old
to retrain – it’s amazing what skills and experience you can transfer to
a new career
Is it for you?
There are several routes to retrain…
Qualifications? Primary school teachers need Maths, English and Science GSCEs at grade C or above
Earnings? From £20,000 to £24,000. Head teachers earn £60,000 to £100,000 depending on the size of the school
Cost? Tuition costs vary, but you will receive a bursary of £4,000 to £9,000 according to the subject you plan to teach
For more: teach.gov.uk/talent. Future Leaders is run by the National College
for School Leadership. Visit ncsl.org.uk/futureleaders for more details
