Statement from Teach First’s Founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz in response to the announcement of support from Shadow Education Secretary, Stephen Twigg MP

Teach First welcomes the announcement from Shadow Education Secretary, Stephen Twigg MP, of his continued support for the work we are doing to ensure that no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.

We have always been extremely grateful for the cross party support Teach First has received over the past decade and will continue to work with all political parties - as well as schools, universities, businesses and others – to raise the achievement of pupils in schools in challenging circumstances, supporting them to reach their high aspirations and access opportunities.

Since Teach First was founded a decade ago, thanks in no small part to a range of people including the Shadow Education Secretary, we have seen positive change at pupil, classroom and school level, but we are yet to see the systemic change necessary to close the gaps that exist between Britain’s poorest and wealthiest children.

The impact of  an increase in the number of inspirational Teach First teachers in the classroom -  combined with committed individuals and organisations who share our vision of a more just education system for all - will help us all move one step closer to seeing young people from the poorest communities achieve on a par with their wealthier peers.

Brett Wigdortz
Teach First, Founder and CEO

For media enquiries please contact Garfield Myrie in the Teach First press office on: 0203 117 2378 or 07866 436 014. Email: gmyrie@teachfirst.org.uk or Hannah McCullagh on 0203 117 2469 or 07739 147 841 Email: hmccullagh@teachfirst.org.uk