MORE people across the South registered to change their career to teaching last year than anywhere else in the country, figures released today show.

The profession looks set to remain a popular choice for people in Southampton looking for a new challenge according to the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).

Last year, January was one of the busiest months of the year for registrations of interest in teaching in the region, with more than 54 per cent of all registrations logged with NCTL coming from those looking to change career to teaching.

In 2014/15, registrations from people in the South East who were considering changing career into teaching topped 6,840 – the highest number in three years.

Katherine Cowlard, 26, swapped her job as a journals publishing assistant for a career in teaching.

She is now employed as a physics teacher at Crestwood College, Eastleigh.

She said: “I love being a teacher.

“Everything that you are used to seeing, looks different when you see it with a physics standpoint.

“If you’re even a little curious about teaching, what better time than New Year to start looking.”

Potential career changers who are interested in finding out more about becoming a teacher have the chance to meet with NCTL advisors and local teachers at a Train to Teach roadshow which is coming to the Holiday Inn in Southampton on March 8.

The events provide an opportunity for potential teachers to learn more about how to get into the profession and the different training routes available. People can meet with representatives from local schools and universities who offer teacher training, as well as current teachers and teaching experts who will give practical tips and one-to-one advice.

The NCTL is also hosting six online events this month which are specifically designed to show what a switch to teaching can offer, the routes into the profession and the financial support packages on offer for those making the change from established careers.

NCTL provides a comprehensive programme of support to help people become teachers, providing guidance all the way through the application process.

Geoff Coulson, NCTL teaching and leadership advisor (TLA) for teachers in Hampshire said: “The start of the New Year is a natural time for people to think about whether a change could make them happier or more fulfilled.

“Some of our best teachers entered the profession after pursuing careers in other fields, bringing a wealth of experience to help inspire the next generation.

“That is why we are running a series of events so people can find out more about the options and support available.”

Applications for teacher training in 2016 are now open. Visit education.gov.uk/getintoteaching or call the Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500. To find more information about the live, interactive events, and to sign up, go to education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching.

The online sessions cover a host of topics and they begin on January 11 and run until January 27.