I graduated in 1996 from a part time Business School degree at Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, whilst also working Full time.

Before university, I was a soldier for 8 years, and then worked in hospitality for six or so years before moving into the hr / recruitment industry in the year 2000. More recently, I ran my own recruitment business for the last 15 years or so.

I have always wanted to teach, but being a parent, I found the whole system for ‘late entry’ to the profession a bit difficult not to mention virtually financially impossible. Spending 10 years or so as a part time rowing coach made me realise that teaching didn’t have to be just a hobby. After much research, The GUTP’s SCITT seemed to tick all the boxes for me, a good condensed and intense course but a school centred PGCE where I could attain the practical classroom skills required.

The recruitment process was fairly simple and quite easy, and I was given ample time to prepare for my interview which was great. The response and offer to join the course was prompt which really helped.

There are a few options available for teacher training but if looking to enter the profession in later life (I turned 50 during the first week of the course), the SCITT route seems the best option. Life skills definitely help but I would heavily recommend picking up on subject knowledge as early as possible and definitely get ahead over the summer months on the recommended reading list.

I went through the recruitment process during the pandemic. All was handled as well as could have been expected and I was given advance notice of the process so I had sufficient time to prepare, all involved during the interview and presentation made me feel very welcome (Kate, Ann and Helen) and advice was offered every step of the way.

Having been out of academia and learning for some 30 years, I’d strongly recommend getting ahead on the reading, I’ve struggled a bit with the theoretical side of things but have had plenty of support and advice from others on the course and from everyone on the GUTP team (big shout out to Assie) which has really helped. My SBT (school mentor) has been fantastic and is a really great source of practical skills and experience that I am able to draw on.

I would recommend The GUTP to others; the team have always been quick to respond and are extremely supportive and helpful.

October 2021