Teach First Founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz visited Uxbridge High School (UHS) last month to thank the school for nine years of support. He was joined by Teach First Associate Director of Corporate Governance, Anesta Broad.

Brett and Anesta were welcomed with an impressive performance by the school’s drumming band, featuring year 7 pupils. They then met with Principal Peter Lang and teaching staff, before observing two classes - year 8 Spanish and year 10 English. 

Uxbridge High was one of Teach First’s first partner schools, joining in 2003.  That year, just 29% of students had achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE – 17% with English and maths. One year later, the proportion of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grades rose to 35% - 24% with English and maths. Last year, 88% of Uxbridge High students gained five or more A* to C grades at GCSE,  64% with English and maths.

Since the partnership began, 29 Teach First participants and ambassadors have taught at UHS, with 13 current members of staff.  Peter Lang said: “The impact at Uxbridge was instantaneous. The arrival of Teach First was the start of the change of culture in the school.”

The school was recently recognised as outstanding in an Ofsted inspection. The 2011 report stated that the school provides an “outstanding quality of education” under the leadership of an “inspirational” head. Pastoral care and support were also deemed to be “outstanding” and maths and science were singled out by inspectors for particular praise.

Brett Wigdortz said: “Teach First marks its 10th anniversary this year. As we look at how to maximise our impact over the next decade, we also reflect on our progress. This is no better highlighted than by our nine-year partnership with Uxbridge High School. I’m thankful to all at the schools who have worked so hard towards our shared vision that no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.”

Read more on the Uxbridge High School website.