Ifat Zafran, a Primary Education with QTS student at Bradford College’s Margaret McMillan School of Education, never originally planned to become a teacher.
Having studied Biology, Physics and Psychology at Rochdale Sixth Form, she initially imagined a very different future. However, a week-long work experience placement in a primary school changed everything.
“I really enjoyed it,” she says. “After that placement, I thought this is something I could actually see myself doing.”
Three years later, Ifat is preparing to begin her teaching career with confidence, passion and a clear sense of purpose.
A Place Where She Belonged
Like many students, Ifat carefully considered several university options through UCAS. Bradford College wasn’t initially the obvious choice, but everything changed when she attended her interview.
“Out of all my interviews, the staff here genuinely seemed really friendly. It felt like a family environment,” she explains. “You get a sense of belonging. It’s like, this is where you’re supposed to be.”
That welcoming atmosphere became one of the defining features of her experience. The smaller class sizes and close-knit nature of the Margaret McMillan School of Education allowed Ifat to build meaningful relationships with both staff and students.
“We don’t do huge lecture halls. It’s much more personal. You get to know your tutors and they get to know you. Learning is interactive and enjoyable. It’s like being with your friends all the time.”
Support Every Step of the Way
Throughout her degree, Ifat completed a range of school placements, gaining valuable classroom experience while developing her confidence as a future teacher.
Living outside Bradford meant commuting long distances each day, but she says staff consistently went above and beyond to help.
“I live quite far away, and they’ve always been able to accommodate placements close to my home. They’ve all been accessible and high-quality placements.”
The support extended far beyond practical arrangements. Ifat speaks warmly about the tutors who helped her through some of the most challenging moments of her studies.
“I’d like to say thank you especially to Paul, Liz and Gus. Gus was an amazing tutor. Placements can be scary because you’re in unfamiliar environments, but knowing you can message people and they’ll turn up for you and help you is such a nice feeling. They’ve got your back.”
That support proved especially important during her final year.
“I started third year as a complete mess,” she admits. “I came in on the first day and cried. I’d failed my first assignment and there had been a major loss in my family. I genuinely didn’t think I’d make it through.”
Rather than letting her struggle alone, the team at Bradford College rallied around her.
“They helped me turn it around. They took on a massive parental role for me and really supported me. I’m a completely different person compared to when I started.”
Growing into a Teacher
Looking back, Ifat believes her degree has transformed her both professionally and personally.
“As a person, I’ve grown 100%. I’m much more confident now. It’s helped me realise who I am.”
One area of learning that she expects to draw on throughout her career is behaviour management. However, she particularly values the positive approach promoted by the course.
“They’ve taught us that you don’t have to be the teacher who’s always shouting or telling children to sit down. There are so many positive ways to manage behaviour while building relationships with children.”
The course also provided opportunities to gain a broader understanding of education through specialist placements, including experiences in alternative and SEND settings.
“That really widened my experience. It gives you much more confidence and helps when you’re applying for jobs.”
Making a Difference
For Ifat, teaching is about making a positive impact on children’s lives.
“I want to be someone children look forward to seeing. We don’t know what children’s home lives are like, and for some children school is a really important place.”
She continues:
“I don’t ever want a child to dread coming to school. I want them to know they’re going to be okay, that someone cares about them and that they’re going to enjoy their day.”
The moment her new future truly became real came towards the end of her degree.
“When we handed in our dissertations, that’s when it really hit me. I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be a teacher.’ It felt really good knowing that we can make an impact on future children.”
Looking Ahead
After graduating, Ifat plans to spend a year working in supply teaching before undertaking her Early Career Teacher (ECT) years.
The experience will allow her to find a school that feels like the right fit, while continuing to build on everything she has learned at Bradford College.
Reflecting on her time at the Margaret McMillan School of Education, she describes her experience in three words: “Fun, loving and rewarding.”
She also has a clear message for anyone thinking about studying teaching at Bradford College:
“Do it. Don’t let any negative perceptions put you off. The support, the community and the people here make such a difference.”
Today, Ifat feels proud to be part of the Margaret McMillan School of Education community and the next generation of teachers it is helping to shape.
“It’s quite a big thing. We’re going to help educate the next generation, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
For Ifat, Bradford College hasn’t simply prepared her for a career in teaching, it has given her the confidence to believe in herself and the skills to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Ready to begin your own teaching career? Discover how the Margaret McMillan School of Education at Bradford College can help you build the skills, confidence and experience to make a difference in the classroom. Find out more: Margaret McMillan School of Education – Bradford College