Thinking of applying for PGCE I never thought about working with kids until I worked with 3-5 years olds for the last two summers at a camp, it turns out I've fallen in love with that age group and I can see myself working with kids in the future. So I have been looking into doing a PGCE in primary education. I have finished my masters in biology and now i've just been travelling and looking at my best options for when I come back to the UK. 

I have a few questions:

1. I did 5 years of university and I changed uni after first year, I'm worried I won't be able to get a PGCE via student loan.

2. I likely be applying when i'm 27, does that put me into the independent student category? Will my parents income be taken into account?

3. I'm thinking it is best to try being a teachers assistant first to get a feel and see if teaching is the right path. What is the best path for becoming a teachers assistant?

Thanks guys, any other advice is welcome! x