I qualified as a primary teacher years ago but never taught. For the past 10 years I have been teaching adults ICT. Could I get a job in a secondary school teaching ICT?

Yes, as long as you have qualified teacher status - and you’ll have to convince schools that you have sufficient organisational and management strategies to cope with teaching adolescents. An interview panel will want to know that you’re familiar with secondary school issues. Study the key stage 3 and 4 ICT curriculum and read up on recent developments, such as the key stage 3 strategy.

You will be classed as a newly qualified teacher and supported as such, but you won’t have to undergo statutory induction and assessment because you qualified before Ma, 1999. This means that the school won’t get the pound;1,000 per term to spend on your reduced timetable and professional development.

When should I start making an application to cross the threshold? I have eight points.

You can apply only when you reach spine point 9 on the salary scale. The next deadline for applications is October 29. Your head will receive training and guidance on assessment in September, but start gathering evidence now that you meet the eight standard requirements.

Email your questions to friday@tes.co.ukSara Bubb’s book, A Newly-Qualified Teachers’ Manual: how to meet the induction standards, is published by David Fulton, pound;15. She regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. More of your questions answered at www.tes.co.uk