TES Careers expert Professor John Howson answers your questions on doing your induction year in an independent school. Find out the pros and cons of taking this route and get advice on how difficult it might be to go back to the state sector from the private sector. 

Moving from independent to state schools

PGCEer: I'm currently studying for a Primary PGCE and wondered what your advice was regarding applying for NQT jobs in private schools? I've been told that it can be very hard to get back into state schools after working in private schools, and this has put me off, but I feel like I need to keep all my options open.

John Howson: If you have a successful career in a private school why would you want to transfer into a state funded school? However, at present crossing the boundary is probably easier than in the past. What it will be like in the future I am afraid I cannot say. Make sure you read this article about the pros and cons of taking up an NQT position in an independent school 

NQT year in an independent school

Anon: I'm currently doing my PGCE in general primary and am wondering about the possibility of completing my induction/NQT year at an independent school. Is this possible? My training provider seems to be fairly negative on the options out there and have given us little to no advice on taking this route. 

Lesley: I'm a currently a PGCE student. Would doing my NQT year in a public school have any implications if I wanted to get a job in the state sector in future?

John Howson: According to the TDA web site: independent schools (including academies and city technology colleges) who wish to offer an NQT the chance to complete induction must provide a suitable post and programme that will help the NQT to continue to meet the standards for QTS as well as all the core standards. For the additional criteria see paragraphs 2.6 – 2.7 of the Statutory Guidance on Induction for Newly Qualified Teachers in England (ref: DCSF-00364-2008).

Unless the school has a history of involvement with induction it may not want to be bothered. Now there is no time limit, other than the supply time clock, it probably doesn’t matter if you spend some time in a private school. You may, after all, not wish to return to the state sector anyway. Once again read our guide to the pros and cons of doing your induction in an independent school