My name is Naomi, and I am currently studying Marketing Management at the University of Brighton. I’m loving university life, especially the opportunities to get involved with and lead on projects that I’m passionate about. When I graduate, my ultimate goal is to become a global orator and presenter, using my platform to inspire and motivate others around the world.
Attending a further education college was a crucial step for getting me where I am today. In 2020, I enrolled at London South East Colleges to study Creative Digital Media Production, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The course opened up so many pathways for me, allowing me to explore my interests and develop skills that have shaped my future. It gave me the confidence to follow my passions and pursue a career that I’m truly excited about. This wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of my college teachers. That’s why I was so shocked to hear that the 5.5% pay rise for school teachers announced this summer does not include teachers in FE colleges.
"My maths teacher at college was incredibly dedicated, always willing to invest extra time outside of lessons to answer any questions I had about the material. Thanks to his unwavering commitment and the help of my Get Further tutor, I was able to catch up and pass my maths GCSE. I’m just one of many students who rely on the dedication of college teachers to achieve crucial qualifications like GCSEs."
Throughout my time at college, I saw the dedication and impact of college teachers firsthand. My Creative Digital Media Production teacher, Orsolya, went above and beyond to support me. She didn’t just teach—she believed in me and my potential. She even nominated me for the Best Learner of South London Award, which I won. Standing in the House of Lords, receiving the award alongside Orsolya, who was recognised for her exceptional work as a teacher, is a moment I’ll never forget.
Support from my college teachers also helped me pass my maths GCSE, a subject I struggled with in school. Like many students, my school education was disrupted by COVID-19, and I fell behind in maths as a result. My maths teacher at college was incredibly dedicated, always willing to invest extra time outside of lessons to answer any questions I had about the material. Thanks to his unwavering commitment and the help of my Get Further tutor, I was able to catch up and pass my maths GCSE.
I’m just one of many students who rely on the dedication of college teachers to achieve crucial qualifications like GCSEs, which serve as gateways to higher education and future career opportunities. One in three students leave school without a standard pass in GCSE English and maths, and that number rises to over 50% for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Without college teachers, these students might not get the second chance they need to succeed.
My experience at college was life-changing, and I believe it’s incredibly unfair that the recent government pay rise for school teachers doesn’t extend to college teachers. The pay gap between school and college teachers already averages around £7,000 a year, and any widening will make it hard for colleges to find the teachers they need. This would directly harm students’ education, particularly those who rely on their college teachers to help them catch up on key subjects like GCSE English and maths.
I urge you to sign the petition to extend this pay rise to college teachers. They deserve the same recognition and compensation as school teachers. Our education system — and the future of countless students — depends on it.