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The launch
Teach First was officially launched on 15th July 2002 by former minister for London schools, Stephen Twigg.  Brett Wigdortz was appointed CEO. He was soon joined by a strong team to help build an organisation strategically placed to bridge the worlds of education, business, the public sector and non-profit. A group of dedicated business leaders, philanthropists and educationalists have also joined forces to ensure the new programme was a success. 

First successes
Between September 2002 and April 2003 Teach First recruited in a highly targetted fashion from major universities in the UK and Ireland, attracting a staggering 1,300 applications for just 200 positions in its first year. A highly selective assessment process ensures that participants are able to succeed both as successful teachers in the classroom as well as in fast-track positions with leading employers in any sector. Canterbury Christ Church University was selected as Teach First's teacher training partner to train and accredit participants intensively in the summer before starting in schools and throughout their two years on the programme. The programme has won praise and support from the press, business leaders, teaching professionals, unions, parliament, employers and undergraduates - most notably gaining entry into the coveted league of Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.

Looking ahead

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