Westminster teachers
Pippa Clay, 25
Pippa Clay, 25, from Camden, is carrying out her induction year as a Primary Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in Westminster. She says: “I applied to Westminster as the council was recommended to me by a friend. I was also attracted by its diversity and inner London location.
“From the word go, I had somebody to speak to, and I’ve also had access to lots of useful support. When I first started, I felt I needed more experience in physical education so the council organised someone from the sports unit to give me training.”
As part of the Westminster NQT programme, Pippa has a half-day training session at least once a month. She says: “the topics are always relevant and I am able to use what I learn back in my classroom. If I need additional support there is always an advisor to support me.
"I was attracted by the diversity and inner London location."
“My experience so far has been a positive one, from applying for schools, to the support I’ve received throughout my induction year. I’ve been impressed with everything, and I know that I’m lucky - friends haven’t had such a good start at other locations.”
" "There is always someone to support me.
I will be loyal to Westminster as I have had such a positive experience here so far. I want to develop my teaching career in a borough that I know provides ongoing professional development.”
Leon Barrett, 32
Leon Barrett aged 32 from Barnes, carried out his NQT year at St. Peter’s School in Westminster where he is now teaching as a fully qualified teacher.
After working in law for 10 years, Leon realised that he wanted a change, and says: “I was attracted to the creative side of teaching. I did a couple of weeks work experience at a local school, applied for a PGCE and then before I knew it I was placed in Westminster’s NQT pool applying for a full-time teaching job.”
Leon says Westminster's application process was simple and supportive: “The department was great. I was put on the list, which makes it so much easier as the schools then come to you to arrange interviews.”
"I was put on the pool list and the schools then come to you to arrange interviews."
Leon chose to teach in Westminster as he was keen to work in central London. He says: “Central London really is a children’s playground – the museums, art and culture are first-class and we’re luckier than other areas who don’t have this on their doorstep.”
"If you want to teach in a culturally rich area then Westminster is the best place for it."
He continues: “I also chose Westminster because of its diverse ethnicities. If you want to teach in a culturally rich area then Westminster is the best place for it.
“I am also fortunate that I am at such a great school. From the moment I had my interview I clicked with the staff at St. Peter’s straightaway and knew it was the place for me. It’s a joy to work here.
“I'm extremely happy where I am at the moment, teaching at such an exceptional school.”
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