I WOULD like to reply to Mr Laneuville’s letter (TES, June 21) on his wife’s problems finding a job in Cornwall. There is not a “glass border” preventing teachers from “outside” gaining employment within Cornwall.
Each school selects candidates for a vacancy with no interference from the county’s education department. Governors and heads may well form opinions about specific qualities that they are seeking from applicants, but I genuinely feel that most Cornish schools would happily employ the strongest candidate regardless of where they live.
However, there is a range of issues that may be hindering teachers’
applications. In contrast to other regions, there are “no shortages” (TES, June 7) in Cornwall. Indeed, many of my colleagues are undertaking supply work as short-term contracts are difficult to find. On the other side of the coin, while living in Hull, I successfully applied for a post here in 1997. Admittedly, I received half a dozen rejections before my third invitation for interview brought its reward.
I was also prepared to take a risk by exchanging a permanent post for a short-term contract in Cornwall. I know many colleagues in Cornwall who could tell similar stories. In fact, I expect the majority of primary teachers working in Cornish schools originate from “up country”.
Keep trying! Good luck!
David Reardon Altarnun primary school Five Lanes Launceston, Cornwall
