Nicole Harrison completed her degree in fine art in August 2025, and just days later stepped straight into the classroom as a trainee teacher at The Queen Elizabeth Academy.
For Nicole, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s helping her overcome nerves and grow in confidence, as she enters the world of teaching.
Becoming the teacher she once needed
Teaching wasn’t always something Nicole imagined for herself.
“I thought, ‘I’m never going into teaching – it’s not for me, I’m too scared,’” she explains.
After university, it became clear that teaching should be her next step. And it’s a move that’s been both challenging and rewarding. Now, Nicole is training to teach with our local partner Academy Transformation Trust.
“I felt very introverted at the start of the programme, but as the weeks flew by, I felt a strong sense of belonging. I'm so proud of myself and how far I've come. My confidence has skyrocketed and looking back, in comparison to the start, I'm a completely different person.”
Nicole’s own experience as a pupil continues to shape her approach in the classroom.
“My teachers were the main drivers for success for me, especially my art teacher, who really supported me and inspired me to pursue art,” she explains. “We all had one or two of those teachers that we loved and could go to about anything. That’s the type of teacher I strive to be.”
She wants her pupils to feel seen and supported. “By giving pupils confidence and constructive criticism and being there as a supportive figure, I can positively impact the way pupils develop and their outlook on their futures.”
A pupil sits writing at a desk.
Building confidence in the classroom
Starting the programme straight after university brought its challenges. As one of the youngest trainees, Nicole questioned whether she was ready. “I thought I was too immature,” she says. “I’m only 22 and everyone’s older than me, so when I started, I sometimes felt like I was on the same level as the pupils.”
“There are so many experienced teachers in the school who are so professional. So, I keep reminding myself that I’ve got a degree. I am academic. I can do this. I am smart enough to be here. I think it’s just more self-doubt rather than anything else."
“My development from day one has gone far beyond my expectations,” she says. “During the early stages of the course, I was incredibly anxious about even stepping foot in the classroom. The idea was so overwhelming.”
Now, her outlook has completely shifted. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else or wanting to be anything else really. I can’t fully comprehend how much I actually enjoy teaching.”
Nicole runs an after-school art club too which has contributed to this growth. “Seeing what pupils create and knowing I’ve helped them get there is just amazing,” she says.
Overcoming self-doubt
Training in school from day one played a big part in helping Nicole build her confidence.
“I struggle a lot with anxiety and self-doubt,” she explains. “I think if I were to study at university rather than training in a school, I wouldn’t have made the same amount of progress.”
“Just learning the theory and then trying to apply it wouldn’t have worked for me. Having both at the same time, although it sounds daunting, is actually so much better.”
“For example, we were learning about how to model what we’re teaching to pupils. I’ve been able to apply the theories and learnings by adapting and embedding them in my lessons with the Year 10s.”
For anyone who is nervous about teaching, Nicole’s advice is simple: “Don't self-doubt. That's what I wish I could tell myself from day one. You may feel really anxious, but the kids aren't judging you, they're there to learn. So just go for it.”
“Being nervous is normal, and it usually means that you care enough to do what you want to do and do it well. It gets easier every day, and you aren’t alone.”
“Everyone’s really open to getting to know you, they’re eager, they’re excited, they’re happy that you’re there. You definitely make a difference.”
Support every step of the way
“The support I have received during my time on this programme has been outstanding,” Nicole says. “I’ve had my mentor in school, my lead mentor through Academy Transformation Trust, and support with my assignments. It’s just support left, right and centre. I’m never on my own or feeling anxious anymore. I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else because the amount of support that you get on this course is phenomenal. It’s just spot on, so easy to follow and informative.”
Despite her initial nervousness, Nicole is thriving on the Teacher Training programme: “Choosing to train with Ambition is one of the best and most character-building experiences I’ve had so far in life. As someone who has started teaching straight after university, I can say with confidence I couldn’t imagine changing my decision. It was like a natural next step in my development as an art practitioner and teacher.”