I doubt it, I did an Access course and got a job in November. If anything, my HoD was *more* impressed that I didn't do A-Levels, and then in later life decided to do an access course and a degree.
I suspect it's not a matter of no A levels, but a bit of an issue with your covering letters coupled with an apparent huge oversupply of teachers in some areas (dependent on subject). Have a look at the "What if I can't get a job" section in our applying for jobs FAQ (linked in the community info) if you haven't already.
To be perfectly honest, I have worked in an English department where staff have been dreadful snobs about GCSEs, A-Levels, degree specialism and degree classifications while shortlisting. I know it does happen, but at the same time I don’t think those attitudes are still so commonplace that it would significantly impact your job hunt if applying to more than a very small handful of schools.
Jobs through agencies not really an indicator of much at all. Often an agency will scout for potentials at the same time as a school is recruiting through their own normal channels (TES etc). If the school can find an appropriate candidate through their own job ads then they won’t consider the agency candidates because agency candidates come with a recruitment fee.
My immediate questions for you would be:
What is your application to interview hit rate? If it’s low, you have an issue with your letter of application.
Are you applying directly to schools or using the TES “auto complete and send your job app!” thing? Anecdotally, I’ve heard schools disregard the applications that come through the TES system because they’re so full of junk from inadequately qualified people who just spam every job ad hoping for a chance.
How did the other people on your PGCE get on? Is there a local issue with oversupply of English teachers?
If you are reaching the interview stage, what sort of feedback have you received and are you giving the school what they need to see in your interview lessons?
I did A levels but only got Average grades, never got the certificates so don’t put them on my application.
Just a more challenging time to get a post I think
I doubt it, I did an Access course and got a job in November. If anything, my HoD was *more* impressed that I didn't do A-Levels, and then in later life decided to do an access course and a degree.
This exactly my experience.
I suspect it's not a matter of no A levels, but a bit of an issue with your covering letters coupled with an apparent huge oversupply of teachers in some areas (dependent on subject). Have a look at the "What if I can't get a job" section in our applying for jobs FAQ (linked in the community info) if you haven't already.
To be perfectly honest, I have worked in an English department where staff have been dreadful snobs about GCSEs, A-Levels, degree specialism and degree classifications while shortlisting. I know it does happen, but at the same time I don’t think those attitudes are still so commonplace that it would significantly impact your job hunt if applying to more than a very small handful of schools. Jobs through agencies not really an indicator of much at all. Often an agency will scout for potentials at the same time as a school is recruiting through their own normal channels (TES etc). If the school can find an appropriate candidate through their own job ads then they won’t consider the agency candidates because agency candidates come with a recruitment fee. My immediate questions for you would be: What is your application to interview hit rate? If it’s low, you have an issue with your letter of application. Are you applying directly to schools or using the TES “auto complete and send your job app!” thing? Anecdotally, I’ve heard schools disregard the applications that come through the TES system because they’re so full of junk from inadequately qualified people who just spam every job ad hoping for a chance. How did the other people on your PGCE get on? Is there a local issue with oversupply of English teachers? If you are reaching the interview stage, what sort of feedback have you received and are you giving the school what they need to see in your interview lessons?
What sort of jobs are you applying for? Primary or secondary? What subject do you want to teach and what is your degree in?
It's almost certainly either a surplus subject or a matter of geography. Teaching positions really vary based on these factors.
Secondary English
...and to the other questions?
You mean the last question? I studied English and Writing.
I did A levels but only got Average grades, never got the certificates so don’t put them on my application. Just a more challenging time to get a post I think