When Kevin Watson was made redundant from his job as an investment banker, he decided to embark on a radical career change.

Swapping his briefcase for chalk, the 47-year-old decided to leave the city behind and become a physics teacher.

The father-of-three explained: “It got to a situation where I was hardly ever seeing my family and was just constantly working.

“I studied physics at Cambridge university and always had a passion for the subject.

“Even when working as a banker I would regularly read the New Scientist.

“I had always had a plan in mind to change career, so when I was made redundant from bank Bear Stearns it was a perfect opportunity.”

Instead of training to be a teacher through the PGCE qualification, Mr Watson instead opted for the graduate training programme, learning how to teach on the job.

His first post was Clement Danes School in Rickmansworth from 2003 to 2005.

Since then he has moved on to teach physics at Watford Grammar Boys School.

He said: “It’s a completely different atmosphere teaching in a school.

“I feel like I’m giving something back, I making a difference to the lives of others.

“That’s not to say teaching is less stressful than banking – just completely different.

“In my other job the focus was constantly on making money or lose your position.

“But as a teacher it’s about striving to help students realise their potential. It’s not for everyone, but it’s very rewarding.”

Mr Watson said he had noticed a number of professionals changing careers to become teachers, something he believes is attributed to the growing support provided by local councils and teacher training schemes.

He added: “With age comes confidence and management skills, something I’ve found particularly important in this line of work.

“Even my wife, who is originally from France, has been inspired to change career path.

“She’s studying for her PGCE to become a French teacher.”

•The Training and Development Agency for Schools will be holding an annual teacher recruitment Train to Teach event in London on March 11 and 12.

•For more information visit: http://www.tda.gov.uk/