How do I move from working in Further Education to working in a secondary school?

I currently have a PGCE in further education to teach GCSE English Language, functional skills and ESOL. I want to move into secondary school to teach English Lit but I know you have to have QTS to teach in schools. Does anyone know how I can get QTS without having to do a PGCE again?

@Reality Check

You've basically got two options - do GTP (school's based training) or go down the 'Assessment Only' route for unqualified teachers (see https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/teacher-training-routes/specialist-training-options/assessment-only). I know it seems totally insulting for a qualified teacher to have to do an 'unqualified teacher' subject, but at £9,250 you're clearly not going to want to do a PGCE again. I would suggest the schools-based training is possibly the best option for you - at least you get paid whilst you train.

@Muttley79 might have some other ideas for you.

Out of interest, why are you making the move from FE to secondary?

I currently have a PGCE in further education to teach GCSE English Language, functional skills and ESOL. I want to move into secondary school to teach English Lit but I know you have to have QTS to teach in schools. Does anyone know how I can get QTS without having to do a PGCE again?

Thanks. It's mainly because of the lack of job security in FE. There are hardly any full time permanent contracts, with most being sessional work. I would love to carry on working with adult learners but the job prospects just aren't there.

What is your degree in?

Many schools will employ teachers without any PGCE so have you tried applying for jobs?

I thought it might be that. Such a shame - particularly if you want to carry on working with adults. I don't mean in any way to patronise or suggest you're not going into this fully prepared, but teaching in a state comp now is a very different proposition from what you're coming from. How do you think you'll be with the constant moving target chasing from SLT, unrealistic parental expectations (including for you to be available 24/7 via email) and general pupil behaviour?

Oh no you're right. It's an important thing to consider. I think I will be okay with the pressure from management and parents but the behaviour management is one aspect that I am kind of nervous about. I've only taught one 16-18 GCSE class and they were genuinely well behaved. I am a pretty adaptable person though so I think once I find methods that work with me, I'll be able to cope with behaviour management issues.

That sounds good then. I'd always look for a school with a clear and workable behaviour management policy - and if they act up in your lesson you teach at interview, then run for the hills

Thanks
I think you mentioned you taught in FE for a while?

I have a degree in English Literature and History. I've applied to teaching agencies mainly because I thought it might help if I build up my experience in schools first.

Yes, that's right. I still do, on an ad hoc basis. I totally understand the situation re funding (or lack thereof), and that you should want to seek a more stable job - one that pays all year round! As I say, shame though.

I think you'd get a job in a school - maybe look for a maternity cover so you aren't 'stuck' if you don't like it? Generally a school with a popular and/or high-performing sixth form will be good to teach in.

What subjects do you teach? Yes it is a shame because there is a huge need in colleges for more teachers but the funding just isn't there to be able to hire more teachers. If things change, I will definitely return to FE.

The sciences, with an emphasis on biology. I've also been roped in to help out with maths, but I think all science teachers end up doing that. I really enjoy teaching adults. Before the cuts, we had a good number of adults studying both GCSE and A level biology and chemistry at night school, but of course that's all gone now. It's mainly Access courses, with students of varying abilities and attitudes. As I say, it's just a jobbing thing now - I help out, rather than it's my main activity. But I keep my hand in, if you know what I mean.

Thanks. That sounds like a good idea

Oh okay cool. I am guessing you also taught biology at seconday schools too? I thought you taught a bit of ESOL because you have really good grammatical knowledge.

One of the advantages of teaching in FE is that it is a lot more flexible than teaching in schools. It's a great thing to do if you're nearing retirement.

Well spotted! I have taught TEFL rather than ESOL, but English (and language in general) is very much a love of mine. I'm a weird scientist, basically

I found ESOL very difficult to teach. There was so much grammar I did not know. I was frantically consulting grammar books before every lesson I taught.

Was it rewarding, though? I loved TEFL, but I think some of that was the stage of life I was at, and where I was living. It was all very bohemian and free.