Procter & Gamble UK (P&G) is proud to have established a Platinum partnership with Teach First, supporting the charity's drive to create a movement of leaders to break down the link between low family income and poor educational attainment.

As the exclusive Platinum Graduate Recruitment partner in the consumer products sector, P&G's sponsorship helps Teach First recruit top graduates to a two-year Leadership Development Programme where they are tasked with raising the achievement, access to opportunity and aspiration of children from low socio-economic backgrounds, whilst developing a network of future leaders with a life-long commitment to ending inequality in education from both inside and outside the classroom. P&G are also the exclusive supporter of the Teach First Primary Pilot. Teach First's two year Primary Pilot Programme recruited, trained and placed 35 Teach First teachers into primary schools in challenging circumstances, tackling educational disadvantage at the earliest stage. The pilot was hugely effective with 22 teachers now working in 22 primary schools across London, reaching over 1,900 pupils at KS2. This is set to expand from September 2011 as Teach First officially launches its primary programme, placing up to 80 outstanding graduates in primary schools across the country.

During 2010, P&G's corporate cause, 'Live, Learn & Thrive', supported a pioneering approach to address a shortage of headteachers choosing to work in primary schools in challenging circumstances. P&G is helping Teach First develop a training and transition scheme which will target its ambassadors and equip them to move into leadership roles in primary schools where they are most needed.

The impact of P&G's partnership is further leveraged through employee volunteering. P&G employees offer their time to support Teach First Participants to become effective leaders by facilitating the development of their professional goals and helping them to address fundamental leadership challenges. In-turn, coaches are able to develop theoretical and practical knowledge of coaching enabling them to develop skills which are of benefit both personally and professionally.

"Teach First is a truly inspiring organisation. A passionate organisation, driven forward by passionate people, all centred on a common goal improving the lives of under-privileged children across the UK. At P&G, we focus our charitable efforts on improving the lives of children in need and there is no better place to start than education - particularly educational disadvantage - and there is no better way to achieve this than through our support of Teach First. Together with Teach First, our shared vision… our shared purpose, is to give every child in the UK a chance to succeed… to raise expectations for every child, and make every classroom a place of high ambition and high performance".
Irwin Lee - Vice President and Managing Director, P&G UK