I was working as a supply teacher at the time, juggling different schools, enjoying the flexibility, but still very much rooted in the classroom routine. That summer, I had completed a temporary nanny job which I really enjoyed, but as September rolled in, I found myself back in schools. Working as a supply teacher, it suited me. I was able to enjoy the teaching and being present for the children without having to concern myself with all of the other non teaching aspects. At that point in my life, I was content. Then one lunchtime, I received a phone call that would quietly, but completely, change the course of my life.
Supply Teacher to Private Governess
It was a nanny agency asking if I’d consider interviewing for a governess role. The agency had been looking for a qualified teacher to help twin girls gain a place in an international school in their home country. At the time I knew nothing about governess roles, so I wasn’t sure. It felt like a huge leap into the unknown. I wasn’t even sure if I was leaving teaching or just taking a detour. Leaving teaching to become a governess was not part of my life’s plan. But something told me to say yes to an interview… and I’m so glad I did.
A few days later, I found myself nervously walking into a café inside a busy shopping centre, where I was due to meet the family’s PA who had flown into London specifically for the interview. It felt surreal, not the usual school-style panel interview I was used to, but something far more personal and informal… yet still somehow high stakes. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I knew this was different.
Over coffee, the PA explained more about the family’s situation. She informed me of the families extended summer break in the South of France and how they were looking for a governess with Year 2 SATS experience as the children were hoping to secure places in an English speaking International School. They had previously failed. While the twins spoke English confidently, their written work and comprehension were below the level expected for their age. With my background in primary education and experience preparing children for these assessments, I was in the position to be able to offer the focused support they needed.
Thrown in at the Deep End
We agreed on a short trial period, and soon I was flying out to join the family at their home. I stayed in a small guest house on the same grounds as their main residence, tucked inside a private, gated estate that felt a world away from anything I’d ever known. It was beautiful, serene, and completely removed from my own life back home. Standing there with my suitcase in hand, it quickly became clear that I hadn’t packed properly, not just clothes, but mentally too.
I didn’t really know what the family would expect from me in terms of resources or activities. At this point I hadn’t even met the family. Not the parents or the children. So far I had met the family driver who spoke very little English and held up a board with my name on it at the airport. All sorts of thoughts were going through my head. This was an entirely different world and the steep learning curve started the moment I arrived.
Building a Bond with the Children
The four-week trial flew by in a blur. There was so much to take in, a new environment, new routines and a completely different way of working. Thankfully, the children were an absolute delight. They were warm, curious, and eager to learn, and their spoken English was strong enough to help me settle in. In fact, they often translated for me, not just with the chef, but even with their father, who didn’t speak any English at all. Despite everything being so unfamiliar, those little moments of connection gave me the confidence to keep going.
Before I knew it, I was back on a flight to London, suitcase in tow, mind racing with everything I’d experienced. It had all gone so quickly, and yet I felt like I’d stepped into a completely different world. The trial may have been short, but it was enough to show me that this career path was not only possible, it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.
Not long after I got back, the agency called to offer me the position and I accepted without hesitation. There was so much I still didn’t know, but I felt ready to step into this new chapter. The family were preparing to travel to France for their summer holiday, and I was invited to join them as their new governess. I started gathering resources, my passport, past exam papers and English teabags! I was trying to imagine what life would look like working so closely with one family. It felt exciting, daunting, and completely unlike anything I’d done before, but I was all in.
Why I Now Help Others Make the Transition
That first role was the start of an exciting new chapter in my life. All these years later, I still feel incredibly grateful that I took the leap. It’s been over 15 years now, and my role has evolved into more of a VIP nanny position. I continue to find the work fulfilling, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
But I’ll be honest, in those early days, I felt completely out of my depth. I had no idea what to pack, how to interact in a private household, or what would really be expected of me. I often wished there had been a guide, a friendly voice, or something to give me a clearer sense of what I was stepping into.
That’s exactly why I created this blog, my free resources and the Teacher to Governess Mini Guide. My aim is to help other teachers who are considering a move into private childcare feel informed, prepared, and confident. I want you to have the clarity and support I didn’t have when I started.
Today, I work in a rota role that gives me time to rest and pursue my hobbies. I truly enjoy my downtime, something I never had during my years in the classroom. And while the lifestyle may look different now, the heart of the work remains the same: helping children grow, learn, and thrive.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career that’s given me so much. The adventures, the experiences, the lifestyle and most of all, the privilege of working closely with children in such a unique and personal way. Travelling to beautiful destinations and also being part of a child’s everyday world, has offered me opportunities I could never have imagined. My governess and nanny career has been worlds away from classroom teaching. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
What to Know Before Leaving Teaching to Become a Governess
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you could do the same, my honest answer is yes, you absolutely could. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. I certainly didn’t. But having someone to guide you, share what to expect, and help you avoid the mistakes I made, makes all the difference.
That’s why I’ve created resources to help you take those first steps with confidence.
I have created a short mini guide which you can download for FREE here Teacher to Governess: First Steps
Every week I publish a new blog post related to careers in private childcare. You can access these here Careers in Private Childcare and you’re welcome to join my FREE facebook community here Classroom To Playroom Community for advice, support, and a friendly space to ask questions and meet others on the same journey.
Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to make a change, you’re not alone and I’d love to help you take the leap.
