PEOPLE say that the classroom can sometimes seem like a war zone.

But two trainee teachers at The Ridgeway School have more than enough experience to deal with whatever a classroom full of teenagers can throw at them.

They were both soldiers in the Army before deciding to take up a new career.

Andrea Mutch, 40, and Paul Bates, 41, are both nearing the end of their School Centred Initial Teaching Training (SCIT) at the Wroughton school.

SCIT is a way of giving trainee teachers practical training, as well as allowing them to gain the academic Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualification.

Mrs Mutch spent 17 years in the Royal Logistic Corps, commanding troops as a major in countries across the world, including Bosnia and Kosovo.

"Teaching was a great route for me to take when I left the Army," she said.

"At 40 it meant I could have a second career.

"I would definitely say that I have made the right decision.

"I first started thinking about teaching six years ago and found out about the SCIT programme.

"It's been great for me because I am a mother and logistically to train in Swindon is perfect for me."

Although teaching inside a warm classroom is worlds apart from the battlefield, Mrs Bates said there are a lot of similarities between the two careers.

"In the Army I had to be a role model for my soldiers and that applies to school.

"You use communication skills, leadership and organisation in both careers.

"You just apply those skills differently and adapt them to suit the situation."

Both teachers have already secured jobs in schools.

Mrs Mutch will begin teaching science in September and Mr Bates ICT (information, communication, technology).

Mr Bates was a sergeant major in the Army but after 22 years he too decided to move in a new direction.

"I decided on teaching mostly because I have a special needs child," he said.

"I taught in the military for two years and towards the end of my career did a masters in special education so teaching seemed the right route for me to take.

"But when I started the SCIT I decided that I would teach in a secondary school.

He added: "The last year has been tough.

"It is all-consuming. You cannot go into teaching half-heartedly but it is rewarding."

The pair said it was too early to say how their new careers compare to their action-packed Army life but they are both looking forward to commanding their very own class in September.

Rosie Cairns and the University of Bath in Swindon run the SCIT programme at The Ridgeway School.

For more information about joining call the SCIT office on 01793 328850 or call Mrs Cairns on 01793 846100.