Hello DiS,

I'm hoping to draw on your collective knowledge here. I'm about to do my third and final year of studying English and journalism at university and having spent the two previous ones doing work experience at various papers and magazines I've decided journalism really isn't something I want to pursue for a career. Taking inspiration at least partly from the channel four sitcom teachers, I've decided over afew months that I really think teaching is something I'd be really good at, and continually rewarding etc.

What I want to know is, how easy is it to get into after university? Should I be getting some work experience done before I graduate? When and where do I need to apply for Initial Teacher Training? I (will) have a relevant degree, as I want to teach English). Also, quite pertinently I suppose, what are the job prospects for teaching English, is it really competitive? I think I want to teach GCSE kids, but wouldn't mind any other level.

I appreciate I can get alot of this information through the government's TDA site but it's nice to hear first hand from people who've actually done it. Cheers!