When Marfey began teacher training with Mulberry College of Teaching (MCoT), she was newly married and working as a key worker supporting young people.   "I really enjoyed helping them overcome challenges, build confidence and work towards their goals. Through that experience, I realised how much I enjoyed working with young people and wanted to make an even bigger impact on their lives." Teaching felt like the natural next step. What attracted her to MCoT was its school-based teacher training programme, which offered the opportunity to learn within a network of East London schools whilst gaining practical classroom experience from the very beginning. "As someone with limited classroom experience, I wanted to learn from experienced teachers and gain exposure to different schools and teaching styles. MCoT stood out because it offered high-quality training, a sense of community and the chance to build connections with excellent practitioners." Like many people considering a career in teaching or exploring Initial Teacher Training (ITT), Marfey had plans for the future. What she couldn't predict was how much life would change during the programme. Today, Marfey is an Early Career Teacher (ECT) after successfully completing her training and achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). When plans change During her training year, Marfey became a mum. Alongside the excitement of welcoming her daughter, she found herself facing questions that many people would recognise.   "My main concern was whether I would be able to pick up where I left off and keep up with the demands of the programme after having my baby. I was also worried about balancing family life with training and whether I would still feel confident in the classroom after taking time away." For a period of time, the programme paused for Marfey so she could take maternity leave. What made a difference was knowing that she would be supported when she was ready to return.   "MCoT stayed in touch, checked in on how I was doing and reassured me that I would be supported when I was ready to return. Knowing that they were understanding and flexible made the whole experience much less stressful." Returning to school-based teacher training Returning to any professional programme after a significant life event can feel daunting. For Marfey, what made the difference was knowing she was returning to a programme that understood her circumstances and had a plan in place to support her.   "There was a clear plan in place and I was given the time and support I needed to settle back into the programme. Everyone was very welcoming, which helped me regain my confidence quickly." Rather than feeling like she was starting again, Marfey returned knowing that her mentors, colleagues and programme leaders were invested in her success.   "The support from my mentors, colleagues and the MCoT team made a huge difference. Having a supportive network around me helped me get back into teaching and enjoy being in the classroom again." Learning alongside a wider community One of the aspects of the programme Marfey valued most was the combination of practical classroom experience and high-quality training.   "Being able to learn theory and then immediately apply it in the classroom really helped me develop my confidence and teaching practice." Training in East London gave her the opportunity to work with pupils from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences whilst learning alongside colleagues from across the Mulberry Schools Trust. Throughout the programme, she developed relationships with mentors, colleagues and fellow trainees that extended beyond her placement school.   "Throughout my journey, I definitely felt part of a community." Achieving QTS and securing a teaching role This year, Marfey achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and secured her first teaching role as an Early Career Teacher.   "Achieving QTS felt incredibly rewarding. There were definitely challenges along the way, including taking time out for maternity leave, so reaching that milestone felt like a real achievement. It made me proud of how far I had come, both personally and professionally." Moving into her first teaching role brought new responsibilities, but she felt well prepared for the transition.   "By the time I started as an ECT, I felt well prepared. The programme had given me a strong foundation in planning, behaviour management, assessment and building positive relationships with students." Today, she continues to develop her classroom practice whilst balancing life as both a teacher and a parent.   There is no perfect time Reflecting on her experience, Marfey's advice to anyone considering teacher training is simple.   "Life doesn't always go to plan, and there may never be a perfect time to start something new. What matters is having the right support around you." Looking back, she is most proud of what she has achieved both professionally and personally. "When I first started the programme, one of my biggest worries was whether I would be able to pursue a teaching career and still be present to see my daughter grow up."   "This journey has shown me that it is possible to do both."   "I'm proud that I didn't have to choose between being a teacher and being a mum." Throughout her story, one theme appears again and again: support, community and the belief that people can succeed when they are known, encouraged and challenged. It is a reminder that there may never be a perfect time to become a teacher, but with the right support around you, it is possible to achieve more than you imagined. If you're considering a career in teaching and would like to find out more about school-based teacher training in East London, we'd be happy to talk. Find out more about Mulberry College of Teaching and our school-based teacher training programmes.