[pineapple86]

Im quite excited to start my PGCE Primary this sept but i was just wondering do you manage to get a job straight away after the PGCE? Or has anyone? I just wondered what happens afterwards. I know im thinking ahead but i'm interested.

[affinity89]

Some people on my course started applying for jobs between Feb half term and Easter. Of them, some had secured jobs long before Easter, for the coming academic year. Another group secured jobs in this last term.

I would estimate that around half of my course are still looking for jobs.

May 31st is the final day for existing teachers resigning. Around that date, you seem to get quite a few vacancies but after that, things dry up for a while.

I decided to apply for teaching jobs on Monday last week. I applied for four. So far, two have shortlisted me for jobs. One is yet to announce its shortlist and the fourth was meant to be interviewing today [as I haven't heard anything, I assume I didn't make their list lol]. In other words, you can find positions during/straight after your PGCE... Those that got jobs early on were quite flexible about geography - they were willing to move to new areas to secure the job they wanted.

[pineapple86]

Thanks for replying I just wondered what the chances were, so i take it the earlier you start looking the better. Good luck to you though!!

[myblueheaven339]

I've just completed my PGCE and I have a job for September. I started applying in January and applied for 6 posts and was short listed for 5, the 5th of which I got. Each interview was different but I definitely learned something more from each one. I would advise you to apply for as many as possible, and make sure you visit them before the interview too.


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[gingerbreadman85]

(Original post by affinity89)
Those that got jobs early on were quite flexible about geography - they were willing to move to new areas to secure the job they wanted.

This.

If you are picky about location, be prepared to have a wait if you don't get lucky, or have to settle for a school that is less ideal in other ways.

If you are happier about moving around, you can pick and choose more & have greater chance at getting a job early.

Sure, I'm secondary which is a little different, but I found February half term isn't a bad time to start thinking about looking and worst case it'll give you interview practice for later. You'll also have done enough by then to be able to represent yourself well in an interview environment.

[pineapple86]

(Original post by gingerbreadman85)
This.

If you are picky about location, be prepared to have a wait if you don't get lucky, or have to settle for a school that is less ideal in other ways.

If you are happier about moving around, you can pick and choose more & have greater chance at getting a job early.

Sure, I'm secondary which is a little different, but I found February half term isn't a bad time to start thinking about looking and worst case it'll give you interview practice for later. You'll also have done enough by then to be able to represent yourself well in an interview environment.

Ahh thanks :-)

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[robo donkey]

I'm planning to start applying after Christmas (if I can)

[pineapple86]

(Original post by robo donkey)
I'm planning to start applying after Christmas (if I can)

I will probably start early as i can too

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[*Darcie*]

I would say start applying ASAP. It is tough trying to fit in university/placement responsibilities alongside school visits/writing applications etc but it is worth it. Some people on my course had jobs by Feb/March and it was such a weight off their shoulders. I only started applying after my course had ended and was extremely lucky to get the first post I applied for but most had 3-4 interviews before securing a job.

[pineapple86]

(Original post by *Darcie*)
I would say start applying ASAP. It is tough trying to fit in university/placement responsibilities alongside school visits/writing applications etc but it is worth it. Some people on my course had jobs by Feb/March and it was such a weight off their shoulders. I only started applying after my course had ended and was extremely lucky to get the first post I applied for but most had 3-4 interviews before securing a job.

How can you apply now without even starting the course?!

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[jaime1986]

(Original post by pineapple86)
How can you apply now without even starting the course?!

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I subscribed to TES last September (when I started my PGCE) and the first advertised post (in my subject/surrounding area) with a start date of September 2012 was in December. I applied for this but didn't feel that I had enough experience on my CV at that point in the course - the position ended up going to an experienced teacher.

I'd be surprised if you saw any posts for next year being advertised before December.

[*Darcie*]

(Original post by pineapple86)
How can you apply now without even starting the course?!

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Are you not familliar with ASAP? It means as soon as possible. Meaning, as soon as it is possible for you to apply for jobs for Sept 2013, do so. September 2013 posts are usually advertised from February onwards.

[myblueheaven339]

Your uni will forward any vacancies to you if schools contact them directly.


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[pineapple86]

(Original post by *Darcie*)
Are you not familliar with ASAP? It means as soon as possible. Meaning, as soon as it is possible for you to apply for jobs for Sept 2013, do so. September 2013 posts are usually advertised from February onwards.

Dont patronise me i know what ASAP means but you said apply before Dec so i was wondering how would you even managed to get an interview when barely starting the course. So i was wondering how you were applying before feb, you didnt even mention to apply after feb. You need to be more clear.

(Original post by myblueheaven339)
Your uni will forward any vacancies to you if schools contact them directly.


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Thank you for being really helpful, i was wondering if they would help

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[*Darcie*]

(Original post by pineapple86)
Dont patronise me i know what ASAP means but you said apply before Dec so i was wondering how would you even managed to get an interview when barely starting the course. So i was wondering how you were applying before feb, you didnt even mention to apply after feb. You need to be more clear.

Re-read my post. There is no mention of applying before December. If people offer you good advice you really aught to be gracious and take care not to misconstrue it.

That is all.

[Mr M]

We frequently appoint NQTs in the November of their PGCE year. It pays to advertise early so you can get choose from a bigger field before the best ones are snapped up. This is secondary by the way.

[ykh24]

(Original post by Mr M)
We frequently appoint NQTs in the November of their PGCE year. It pays to advertise early so you can get choose from a bigger field before the best ones are snapped up. This is secondary by the way.

I can see why you do that, but isn't it a bit early on in the PGCE year to establish which are the "best ones"?

[pineapple86]

Thanks for the reply guys, i was just wondering whether i'd have to stick out my part time job after i finish my PGCE some more or whether i'll get a chance to get into a teaching post.

[pineapple86]

(Original post by covered farm wagon)
Ah, well, it may depend on when your course finishes and when your local schools close for the summer too. The PGCE I took only finished on Friday last week, same day that my local schools broke up, so I have spent barely any time at the school I'm working at in September. But other PGCE courses finished like two weeks ago (the jammy dodgers) and some schools are still open this week, so some people are getting 3 weeks of paid work at the end of their courses. If you do this then some boroughs will pay you fo the summer too (but not all!), so if you're lucky you might have a salary next summer!

Oh i hope so, i cant live on what im earning for any longer, im dying to earn some proper money so i can move on with my life!

[Mr M]

(Original post by ykh24)
I can see why you do that, but isn't it a bit early on in the PGCE year to establish which are the "best ones"?

Not at all. Anyone with any experience can tell after watching them teach a lesson whether they are good, average or bad. If we have any doubts, we can phone the first teaching practice school and get the off-the-record lowdown from their mentor. It is often used to recruit someone who has caught your eye on teaching practice at your own school so you already know them pretty well.