“If I were to sum up my Teach First trainees in one word, I’d say dedicated.”
Shiraz Khan, Principal, Ark Oval Primary School
Why choose Teach First?
Through our rigorous selection process, we carefully select top-tier trainees who are passionate about education and matched to your school’s unique needs.
All our trainee teachers benefit from a comprehensive, expert support package including in-school mentoring and access to a strong network of experienced education experts to help them thrive in the classroom.
Our recruitment process ensures a diverse pool of teaching talent that brings fresh perspectives. For example, 37 per cent of this year’s cohort of new teachers identify as being from an ethnic minority background.
Our focus on the most disadvantaged pupils runs through every aspect of our recruitment and training. Our trainees understand the disadvantage faced by many pupils and know how to give every pupil the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Our two-year initial teacher training programme is rated outstanding by Ofsted. You can have confidence it will equip your trainees with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a lasting impact. (Read the full Ofsted report.)
Get in touch via our website to hire a Teach First trainee teacher.
“The recruitment process with Teach First is rigorous and challenging. We know that we will get people who aren’t just doing it because they don’t know what else to do. If I had to describe Teach First trainees in one word, it would be committed. They are deeply committed to the children.”
Chris Andrew, Headteacher, St James the Great Roman Catholic Primary School
What you can expect
In 2023, independent research was undertaken into the impact of Teach First trainees. There were some remarkable findings.
Teach First trainees are 12 times more likely to move into senior leadership positions within three years compared to teachers from other routes.
Departments that recruited a Teach First trainee saw a statistically significant improvement in pupil GCSE attainment.
Schools with Teach First trainees saw a rise in the number of pupils who go on to attend university.
How our training programme works
Before they start – Trainees complete a five-week Teach First training institute which fully prepares them for when they start in your school. Part-time and full-time options are available.
Year one of the programme – Secondary trainees will teach up to an 80 per cent timetable and primary trainees a 60 per cent timetable, increasing to 80 per cent before Christmas. All trainees will complete their contrasting school experience and by the end of year one will have gained qualified teacher status (QTS) and completed their PGCE.
As well as the in-school mentor, trained by us, Practice Development Leads support trainees with their QTS. Secondary trainees are also supported by Subject Development Leads with subject-specific knowledge and pedagogy. Our university partners provide academic support and services and award the qualification.
Year two of the programme – Trainees progress to a standard early career teacher timetable and continue to attend training days as they further develop teaching and leadership skills.
“Sometimes having a trainee can be seen as taxing to a school’s resources. Teach First trainees are different. In our schools, they were leading projects, suggesting and contributing their skills to the education that our schools offer.”
Johanne Clifton, Head of Curriculum and Virtual Learning,
Elliot Foundation Academies Trust
About Teach First
We believe that education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. We work with schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and our trainees are rigorously selected and trained to make a lasting difference to pupils.
Since 2003, we’ve recruited 18,000+ teachers to transform education in the most disadvantaged communities.
Bring a talented trainee into your school and create lasting change.
Visit our website to find out more about the programme and how to hire a Teach First trainee.
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