Alison Bramble, 39

Current role: head of year 9 English and teacher of English
Degree subject: law and English studies
Route into teaching: school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)

What first attracted you to teaching?

If I’m honest, the thought of holidays every six weeks was a definite incentive. However, I soon realised the end of term isn’t always about resting; there’s the planning for next term and the marking you need to catch up on. Putting those essential breaks aside, it was the chance for me to help empower young people so that they can be successful and contribute positively in whatever way they can to our growing modern world.

What route did you take into teaching?

I completed my degree in 2000 and was undecided as to my career choice. I found out about school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) at the South London Teacher Training Centre. I applied to do the postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with qualified teacher status (QTS). I was accepted and started teaching almost immediately at two south London schools. The training I received was invaluable.

How did you go about finding a teaching job?

The Times Education Supplement (TES). I applied to a south London school halfway through my teacher training. Newly qualified teachers are highly sought after. Once interviewed and accepted, the pressure was on to complete and pass my teacher training and the QTS tests. 

What is life like now you are a teacher?

The SCITT training prepared me for my role as a classroom teacher. Currently, I am a year 11 tutor with great children who are embarking on exciting futures. I have recently been promoted to second in charge of year 9 English. I run after-school classes for key stage 3 and 4 pupils. I teach English across the key stages including SATs and GCSEs.