INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT
Highgate School’s Head Adam Pettitt deep in discussion with students from the school council
PUPIL POWER
Pupil voices in independent schools are being heard loud and clear, and they’re having a positive impact on everything from school meals to diversity initiative, writes Katie Hughes
‘We can’t quite afford it but…’
Nathaniel McCullagh, Managing Director of Simply Learning Tuition, looks at how the squeezed middle is turning to bursaries to keep independent-school education within reach post-VAT
“I’M EXTREMELY GLAD I MOVED INTO TEACHING. I love the flow of school life. It’s a real privilege to work with likc-minded adults who want to give TIME AND ENERGY TO BUILD OUR COMMUNITY”
Hattie Yeates believes the communication skills gained from her PR background have served her very well in the classroom
SECOND TIME AROUND
Teachers
don’t step into the classroom without experience. Many come from other careers, influencing how they teach, connect, and bring realworld insight to their students, says
Elizabeth Ivens
Changing careers for a more fulfilling life has led an increasing number of ‘second jobbers’ into teaching – both in the state and independent sectors.
Research has found that three-quarters of teachers who came to teaching later in life have found that the profession has given them more of a sense of purpose than their previous career.
But it isn’t just the teachers who benefit. Being taught by someone with experience outside the classroom can also bring a host of advantages to schoolchildren.
The Now Teach charity has supported more than 1,000 career changers into teaching since 2017.
Funded by the Department for Education until last year and now reliant on charity funding, it was set up to recruit and support career-changers into teaching a decade ago.
It found that those looking to go into teaching most frequently cited the desire to give something back, a desire to share their subject passion and a long-term feeling that they wanted to teach.
Its research found that more than seven in 10 of them found their previous life experience was useful when it came to helping pupils that were experiencing academic
and personal challenges.
More than two-thirds also said that they brought their real-world experience into their lessons, applying skills from their previous careers.
Independent schools across the UK are also a popular choice for those who are swapping careers.
Specific subject knowledge which might come from working in a different sector is highly valued, often setting aside the need for a teacher to train to qualified teacher status before looking for a role.
Transferable skills and in-depth knowledge of other sectors is also highly sought after.
Staff in the sector nationwide include many who have previously worked in the services, healthcare, business world or even competed at a professional level in sport.
Ishaq Raheel
GORDONSTOUN, MORAY
At the famous alma mater of King Charles in north-east Scotland, Ishaq Raheel is thriving after swapping his highpressure nursing career for teaching.
Ishaq was a frontline nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic, working in A&E in a major trauma centre.
Renowned for providing the most playful party supplies, dress-up extras and celebration stationery around, Meri Meri has now opened a bricks-and-mortar store in the capital, at 19 Kensington Park Road in west London. Offering joyful decorative solutions for everything from family birthday parties to upcoming occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Easter, why not take your youngsters along for a fun afternoon of choosing garlands, tableware, cards and costumes? Prices from £3.75. merimeri.co.uk
ENJOY
THE SEASON
FAMILY LIFE
Read on for a spring refresh, from half-term day-out ideas and Austrian break inspiration to the chance to win a luxury Maldivian getaway for four
WIN a five-night stay for four in the Maldives
One lucky reader is in for a holiday of a lifetime with a luxury family getaway to the Grand Park Kodhipparu resort
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives is a refined one-island retreat where luxury is shaped by simplicity, space and a deep sense of connection to nature, to one another, and to the rhythm of island life. Just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, the resort feels both accessible and wonderfully removed.
Set on a barefoot island surrounded by a crystal-clear natural lagoon, the Grand Park Kodhipparu resort is home to 120 thoughtfully designed villas, including dreamy overwater villas, beachfront pool villas and spacious residences, each offering guests luxurious privacy and uninterrupted ocean or lagoon views. Days unfold gently here, shaped by serene sunrise swims, time spent on the azure water and unhurried moments designed to restore body, mind and soul.
Guests are encouraged to experience the island in the round. From snorkelling the house reef and daily yoga sessions, to lingering over contemporary island dining across three distinctive restaurants and bars. A tranquil infinity pool, moving marine encounters and restorative spa rituals complete the experience, all delivered with warm Maldivian hospitality and a philosophy the resort calls ‘connected island luxury’.
The lucky winner will enjoy an invigorating five-night stay for four in a Lagoon Water Villa on a half-board basis, including daily breakfast and dinner. Added extras include a group snorkelling excursion, a 30-minute couples spa treatment, daily yoga sessions and complimentary return speedboat transfers between Malé International Airport and the resort. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included.
To find out more, or make a booking for your next holiday, visit the website parkhotelgroup.com/grand-park-kodhipparu-maldives
PRIZE
A five-night stay for two adults and two children in a Lagoon Water Villa at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner). One group snorkelling activity, one 30-minute couples spa treatment, daily yoga sessions and complimentary return speedboat airport transfers are also included.