Is it realistic for me to apply to be assistant head of faculty at the end of my induction year?

It would be very unusual to apply for, let alone get, such a job straight after induction. You must consider whether or not you want to do the job and if you would be any good at it. What does it involve? Much more than you’ve been doing this year, I’m sure.

An assistant head of faculty has a considerable manage-ment role, but it would be hard to be taken seriously with only a year’s teaching experience. This could bring immense stress that wouldn’t be worth the extra money and status.

Can the induction year be done at an international school abroad which delivers the national curriculum and recruits only English-qualified teachers? Wold this be recognised by the DfEE and acceptable in Britain?

No, you can’t do statutory induction abroad. These regulations only apply to England, Guernsey, Jersey, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man. Teachers who qualified in England after May 1999, but teach abroad, will have to undergo induction when they return. Thus, it would be better to spend your first year in England, where you have the considerable benefits and protection of induction. Then you can market yourself as an experienced teacher, which will increase your chances of a job in an international school.

Email your questions to friday@tes.co.ukSara Bubb’s book, A Newly-Qualified Teacher’s Manual: how to meet the induction standards, is published by David Fulton, pound;15. More of your questions answered at www.tes.co.uk