Since being awarded an MA, I have been teaching history and religious studies at a tutorial college in Bath. This work, although rewarding and challenging, is very limited in the hours that I am given and is based on a zero hours contract in term time only which has been a deep financial struggle. My wife, Helena, has been disabled since June 2015 and is now, sadly, unable to resume her own teaching job.

Despite many enquiries and applicactions to schools and colleges for a full time teaching position, as I am not a qualified teacher, finding one has proved fruitless.

To secure employment in a school or college I have to have the Diploma in Education and Training and the QTLS certificate.

I have now been accepted on a course at City of Bath College which leads to these two required qualifications.

Whilst I will have my fees covered with a student loan, and have been given some hours teaching at the tutorial college, this is not enough to live on and I am in need of financial support to cover the deficit for basic living costs.

After much number crunching, I have realised that to reach my goal of achieving the qualifications which will lead to a permanent and secure career, I need to find £6,250.

Any contributions to my fund in support of this would be so very much appreciated by both of us.

With love and many thanks,

Tom.