A Generally, those who have started their careers as teachers fill the top posts in education in the same way as in other professions. But you don’t need to spend more than a few years in the classroom before looking for an education administration post.

As more education work is transferred to private sector companies, in the future a new career structure may emerge, allowing more freedom to cross traditional departmental boundaries than at present.

Q I work in science publishing, have a strong biology degree and summer school teaching experience with the Open University. I would like to become a teacher, but I can’t afford to take a year away from paid employment. I know the Government funds the Graduate Teacher Programme, but how do schools willing to support it and individuals wanting to embark on it find each other?

A The Graduate Teacher Programme was designed for intending teachers who had some employment experience and couldn’t afford to stop earning for a year. The scheme has been bedevilled by problems in bringing together would-be trainees and schools willing to train them. No solution has been found, but there are some practical actions, including writing to schools that advertise for basic grade science teachers to see if they are interested in the scheme; contacting the recruitment strategy manager at your local authority to see whether or not it carries lists of participating schools; and checking with the Teacher Training Agency information line (0845 6000 991) for its latest information and advice. However, biology has more teachers than the other science subjects, so schools may be less welcoming. Marketing your other strengths, perhaps based on your publishing experience, may pay dividends.

John Howson is visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University and managing director of Education Data Surveys. Do you have a career question for him? Email: susan.young@newsint.co.uk