St Augustine’s CofE school in Pimlico hosted a visit from Mikael Damberg, Deputy Chair of the Swedish Education Committee last month.  Mr Damberg is investigating the Teach First model to see if something similar could be introduced in Sweden.

Mr Damberg met with the Head Teacher and Deputy Head of St Augustine’s as well as colleagues from Teach First and from Teach for All, which works to expand education opportunities around the world.  He observed Teach First participants teaching maths and English and spoke with them about their experiences working in the school and the impact of Teach First.

Rich Aung, Teach For All Partner Engagement Director for Teach First, said: “Many of the challenges faced by the pupils and teachers at St Augustine’s are similar to those faced by pupils and schools across the globe. By coming together, as we are doing here, we can learn valuable lessons from each other that will bring us closer to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a great education.”

Eleven Teach First participants and ambassadors have worked at St Augustine’s, while 24 students have taken or are enrolled in HEAPS (Higher Education Access Programme).  HEAPS is a Teach First mentoring programme that aims to close the gap in educational opportunity by empowering students to make ambitious and informed decisions about their futures.

The programme matches sixth form students with volunteer mentors who are Teach First employees and ambassadors. If you’d like to learn more about HEAPS get in touch with the team. heaps@teachfirst.org.uk