What to expect as an NQT

As students near the end of their PGCEs and look to build the foundations for their careers in teaching through their NQT job search, we asked Ciara Smith, Recruitment Consultant in our Cheltenham branch, to speak about her experience as an NQT.

It is said that the hardest year of any teacher’s career is their first year of teaching for a few reasons:

It is the first time any teacher has full responsibility for their own class, as well as
Needing to gather evidence for every teaching standard to make sure they pass the year

It is also the most exciting year for any newly qualified teacher, as the experience of having your own class and having full control of the lessons being taught is something every new teacher can look forward to.

Every NQT’s first year will be filled with so many different experiences, and it is dependent on so many different variables. It’s difficult to tell what kind of year you are going to have, as it will always come down to the school you are working in, the class you have and the team you work with.

My NQT Year

I was offered my first teaching job within the school I completed my final placement at.

In my head, this was ideal because I knew the school, the staff and I came out with an outstanding grade from that placement, so it made sense to take on a job there.

I was teaching Year 2 in a two-form entry school, so I worked alongside another teacher who offered support in planning and was also my NQT mentor. I was very lucky as I was given the nicest class a teacher could ask for and a teaching assistant who I got on with very well.

Throughout my year, I went through many ups and downs.

There were times I was ready to throw in the towel as I felt like all I did was work and due to the lack of support, my evenings and weekends were taken away from me.

I was given a lot of unnecessary work; for example, I was told that I had to create every single one of my resources from scratch instead of customising existing plans from websites like twinkle, which is widely used by teachers up and down the country.

Because of the pressure put on me, I was initially scared to ask for help.

I felt that I was just expected to know everything. When I eventually did ask for help and honestly told the school I was struggling, they were able to support me in my workload and I passed my NQT year.

It was easily the hardest year of my teaching career.

Not because it was the first year of my teaching career but because of the school I was in and the lack of support from the appropriate staff.

Advice for NQTS

Everyone’s NQT year will be different. I know of many teachers who are still teaching within their NQT school, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right path for everyone. Many others I know have moved to other schools, gone into supply or left teaching altogether.

So, in light of my own experience, here are some pieces of advice I’d give anyone undergoing an NQT job search:

Consider working in supply

Because of my experience, I wish I had personally looked at supply teaching roles. I would always recommend taking the opportunity to explore different schools, meet different members of staff and see which school you would be happy teaching in permanently.

Try out a few different schools

I always explain that finding the perfect school is like finding the perfect university. Each has a different environment, which derives from its ethos, culture, catchment and core focus for each academic year whose aim is to address its overall performance.

The more you see and experience, even if it is just a taste of a day, you will know very quickly which ones you’ll love and which ones you don’t want to return to.

Take the year at your own pace

There might be pressure to get your NQT year finished, especially as now it has been extended to two years, but even a term of supply work will change your outlook on teaching. Don’t let other people’s decisions put pressure on your own.

Your friends and other teachers you know may have found their roles for September already, but don’t let that stop you from doing what’s best for you. Don’t be afraid to go down the supply route; in my opinion, it’s the best way to start your teaching career.

Going into your NQT year? Take a look at our other NQT-focussed blogs:

Need a hand with your NQT job search?

Here at Class People, we share a multitude of job opportunities across the South West that are suited for NQTs – whether you’re hoping to work full or part time, in a Primary, Secondary or SEN school, and permanently or as a supply teacher.

We’ll be with you at every step of the process to ensure we find a role for you that sets your teaching career off on the best path!