Pros
Met some great people, that’s really the only plus If you’re willing to ‘play the game’ (in other words, lie) you’ll be promoted quickly They offer a starting bonus so your first year salary is pretty good compared to what you would receive in other schools
Cons
Exec head changed all my data to say that all the children were meeting their goals. Some of the children were ASD and non-verbal, this negatively impacted the children when they needed EHCPs further down the line. When I refused to keep the incorrect data I was told to ‘get on board or get out.’ I got out. Children with special needs were ignored and safeguarding issues were brushed under the carpet. The stress was unbearable. An NQT walked out one lunchtime due to stress and was not replaced when she never came back. One of the teachers was told to purchase £400 worth of equipment with their own money and not expect the money reimbursed. I was regularly working 12 hour days, being micro managed and expected to carry out the work of 2 teachers with no support. The headteacher would walk around after hours and take photos of the cupboards and classrooms, then send the photos in an email and cc in the executive headteacher detailing what was wrong with everything. Head office would send ‘experts’ in every week to scrutinise planning but never offer support. Trainee teachers are treated awfully, with no support and being used as full time teachers. Some are not paid. I left after 1 year, severely underweight and with my hair falling out due to stress.