Sara Perrett: Postgraduate Student Story

In the ‘third space’ / whatever you’d like to call it!

"Being in my mid-20s and having carved a successful career for myself in PR and marketing, the thought of returning to university after five years to follow my true passion of teaching, and completing a PGCE in Secondary English, was a daunting one at that. However, eight months into my journey, and with only a couple of weeks left, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. 

They say that ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ and this couldn’t be more true of completing a PGCE with QTS at the University of Chester. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lot of hard work, especially juggling being in school alongside academic learning at university, and just life in general, but it’s 100% worth it and you soon get into the swing of things. 

I chose to do my PGCE at the University of Chester, as I completed my undergraduate degree in English Literature and Journalism at the university in 2016, so I knew first-hand how supportive the staff were. Five years on and things haven’t changed… from submitting my application and being invited to interview to where I am now, nearing the end of my experience and (hopefully!) becoming a qualified teacher of English, there have always been members of staff in the Faculty happy to help answer the countless questions I always have and guide me on my way.  

Not only do the lecturers on the course provide you with the professional knowledge and skills required to teach, but they also support you in the next stage of your career and applying for jobs. I’m now at the stage where I have secured a full-time role as a teacher of English at a secondary school in Chester and can’t wait to start in September. 

Having changed career to train as a teacher, my time at the University of Chester and on placement in schools they work closely with, has reaffirmed my decision and I’m really looking forward to next stage in my journey as I become an Early Career Teacher (ECT)."

Sara Perrett
 

If you'd like to find out more about training to teach with us take a look at our Train to Teach pages. You can also visit us to find out all about postgraduate study, we're holding a number of Open Days in June.

Book an Open Day Place