TWO former Stourbridge pupils are helping to fill the national shortage of maths teachers after gaining jobs straight after qualifying.

Beth Elvidge and Amy Eaton, both ex-King Edward VI College students, now have jobs at Kinver High School and Pedmore Technology College respectively.

Amy started work in Pedmore on July 1, while Beth starts at Kinver High School once the new term starts in September.

Dudley resident Amy, 26, said: “I used to work in a mental health hospital for young people and helped out in the school there which further inspired my passion for teaching.

“As maths is something I have always been good at, I wanted to help others understand and love the subject also.

“It felt amazing to get this job. I was so pleased that my hard work on this course paid off. I loved the school when I went for interview, everyone was so welcoming and I really enjoyed the day.”

The duo successfully completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Maths at the University of Worcester earlier this year.

Beth, 22, said: “I have wanted to teach for as a long as I can remember, and I have always enjoyed maths.

“I had work experience at special schools and primary schools but the pivotal moment came when I worked in the mathematics department at Holly Hall Academy.

“Since then everything I have done has been leading to becoming a qualified maths teacher.”