It is easy to move from state to private, but not the reverse. I worked in the state sector (primary) for 5 years, then independent for 3 and now, because of my previous state experience, I have been able to return to state education.

In my experience the pros for independent were: smaller classes; motivated & polite pupils**; supportive parents*; broader curriculum- ballet, sailing, Lamda etc; longer holidays; Isis inspections rather than full Ofsted; sense of pride in the school and it's fantastic results - great public image; family atmosphere.

As for the cons: no pension, pay increases only when the head 'felt like it;'  no regular Inset provided by the LA - felt very out of touch; pushy parents;* expected to do above and beyond- before and after care, lunch duties, often at school in the evenings, weekends and running holiday club in August; no set budgets- had to beg for resources which were very limited at my school,  independent experience not counted as far as state pay scale goes; not allowed any time off , as the cost of supply came out of the head's daughter's wedding fund!; forced to struggle in on snow days; had to wear a suit all year and all weathers; had to suck up to parents as they were 'customers,'  and so sugar coat the truth about their kids; attention seeking pupils** because they hardly see their working parents and get fobbed off with expensive gifts rather than parent time; told I could not get pregnant while working there!!!

This was an extremely prestigious school with huge termly fees. I left 5 years ago but still feel bitter about the experience. I had 3 1/2 days off during my 3 years there and the head called me into her office to accuse me of excessive absence. I had gastroenteritis and a sick note!

With the help of the NUT, I walked out. If you are determined to go private be aware:

a larger school would be safer with a head/ manager who is not the owner;

be prepared to organise your own pension;

your pay may seem attractive at first but might not increase steadily each year;

the state system does not recognise the years spent in the private sector, should you wish to return (Your payscale will be frozen;)

sense of isolation - no cluster meetings ( Private schools are in fierce competition with each other!);  no LA training or resources, no LA consultants, no Uni students.

I'm so happy and relieved to be back in the state system, which is so supportive. It felt like coming home!!! 

 I feel that I must respond to the view given by the previous poster.

I have spent 14 years working in the private sector - in fact my whole teaching career has been in 5 different boarding schools in 4 different countries, so I feel that I have some experience of the independent sector.

Yes you can find schools that treat you like dirt. Unfortunately you can also find them in the state sector. Having a useless head is not something that is an exclusive preserve of any system.

My question would be to the previous poster, if the school was as bad as you describe it, then why stay there for 5 years? Surely a single year without a pay increase would have alerted you to things not being quite right?

Every school that I have worked in - and they have also been somewhat prestigious, without blowing my own trumpet - have been very particular on salary structures and benefits. They have all followed whatever the national pension agreements have been - in the UK this was the standard teachers pension that the state school teachers receive. Resources have been excellent. My current school does not have a budget for departments or activities. The philosophy is quite simply order whatever you wish to enhance your teaching - there is no cap. 

When applying to a school do your homework - and do not be fooled by a schools reputation. Once you have been in enough schools you will get to know people who have taught in or know about most of the schools on the circuit. Use these contacts for information. However before you get there here is some advice:

A schools fee structure will have nothing whatsoever to do with your salary structure and neither will a schools reputation. Make sure you know what it is before accepting a position.

 If a school does not feel right - for whatever reason - do not go there. Do not accept whatever an independent school may be offering you just to get your foot in the door. You may end up with your proverbial foot being crushed.

You are expected to work longer hours in the private sector and especially in boarding schools. This is offset by enhanced pay and longer holidays. If it isn't then ask yourself why you want to work there.

No school I have been in has ever asked me to sugar coat information for the parents. In fact the schools - and the parents - are more interested in the truth. They may not like it, but that is not the same as not wanting it. Schools thrive on good exam results and these do not occur by building up a false picture of little Johnnies abilities, only for him to fail at exam time.

One final note of advice. Do not join an independent school because of the salary, the housing or the perceived "easy teaching". The first two will instantly discount you and the last one will hit you for six when you do start teaching. Teaching in an Independent is not more difficult or easier than a state school, just different. Behaviour is not a problem which means you really have to be able to teach the subject well. If you cannot then a hard time will be had by all.

Good luck.

 Thank you for your informative replies. Your personal experiences have given me a lot to think about.... :0)

Some excellent points made here.

I had one teacher who was unhappy making the change from state to independent, and moved back.  His complaint was that the students were too well-behaved and too keen, so there was too much preparation work to be done.  In his state school he wasted half or more of each lesson "playing the policeman", which required no preparation.  He was horrified to discover that what he expected to be a whole week's learning was gobbled up by our pupils in only 2 lessons.

Nuff said.

I have to say a cause of confusion on this forum is that there seem to different types of independent school.

Theo's old one sounds so good as do Karvol's.

Some sound dreadful.

Mine lies in between. I have a pension and parity of pay with the state sector. In spite of it being a boarding school I can't say the duties are that onerous for non-resident staff. There is a freedom from the mass of paperwork I had in the state sector.

 However, we do have a problem with behaviour in the prep school. This problems seems absent in many of the schools posted about. Our problem is severe enough that many staff have left because of it. It may be just down to inept management.

 Possibly, I am looking to move in the future. I suppose the key is to do your homework. I fancy a more academic school as I love to teach, not police and am not afraid of that kind of hard work.

Good luck to all looking.