Sam Hayes

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Bancroft’s School

Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?

I have been a secondary school teacher. I started working two part-time teaching posts, then worked for nearly seven years at Francis Holland Sloane Square in London. I became Head of Classics at FHS after my second year after completing a PGCE. I then moved to Bancroft’s in September 2025 to become Head of Classics there.

How did you become interested in the area you work in?

I enjoyed teaching undergraduates as a PGR at Exeter. I liked the idea of using the subject I researched on a daily basis, and I found it more rewarding and impactful than research.

How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?

I used TES jobs and searched on teaching websites associated with my subject. I asked friends who had moved into teaching how to find and apply for posts.

What does your current role involve?

I manage a team of three colleagues and oversee the it teaching, marking and planning. I act as an ambassador for the subject within the school. I promote the subject and create marketing materials. I teach lessons and mark pupil work. I lead assemblies and run co curricular clubs and trips.

What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?

Time management – keeping on top of research helped with my project management and time keeping skills.
Subject knowledge – as a PhD student I had a greater depth of knowledge than average teachers.
Networking skills from attending conferences helped me to build relationships at work but also at CPD courses.
Public speaking – as a teacher I need to present clearly and efficiently, skills I developed from lecturing, leading seminars and presenting at conferences.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love teaching a subject that I love and engaging children on these topics. I also enjoy being in control of how Classics develops as a subject in my school.

What are the challenges in your role?

Teaching is very intense and requires you to spin many plates at once.

What has surprised you about your role?

I hadn’t realised quite how much extra training I needed to teach effectively after completing the AFHEA qualification. Training to do a PGCE is definitely worthwhile!

Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?

I organised a conference which helped me with organising events as a teacher.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My subject knowledge is my useful quality, and having contacts across the field of Classics has been incredibly useful for getting people in for talks and conveying the breadth of my subject to pupils and parents.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

I would recommend visiting a variety of school settings to see whether teaching is for you. Studying for a PGCE is very worthwhile, but if you want to get straight into a contract some schools do offer jobs to those without Qualified Teacher Status.

What are your plans for the future?

I am planning to stay in teaching. I can see myself working towards a more senior academic role within the school.