Teach First combines excellent initial teacher training with volunteer coaching, networking opportunities and a bespoke leadership development programme. We believe that by giving exceptional graduates the opportunity to teach and make a difference in the most challenged schools, we are equipping tomorrow’s leaders in all fields with the motivation, skills and understanding to address educational disadvantage on all levels.

In partnership with supporters in both education and business, participants work to achieve Qualified Teacher Status during their first year as well as ‘learn to lead’ through the combination of leading the learning of their students, and the additional leadership development training. The skills our teachers acquire and practice over the two years are aimed at developing leadership so they will be successful whether they choose to stay in the classroom or pursue a different path. Components of the programme include: training on strategy/marketing/finance, skills workshops and masterclasses, coaching, and networking events.

The Leadership Development Programme is currently under review and from 2009 onwards will focus on three key areas, Leading Learning, Leading People and Leading Organisations. These three areas will lead to a Masters level qualification. Each strand will have tailored core and optional experiences to develop the learning of participants and apply it to the school and other contexts. Teach First work with a range of high quality providers and consultants to deliver the bespoke training that we offer across the country. More information on the Masters will be available from May 2009.

After two years, our Ambassadors (alumni) choose either to remain in schools or move into other sectors in which they have the opportunity to use the experiences and insights they have gained in teaching to inform future decision-making in a way that will positively impact education. As of February 2009, 55% of Teach First Ambassadors remain in teaching, with 57% of these currently moving quickly into school leadership positions. Almost two-thirds of those Ambassadors who move into other sectors continue to stay involved with the Teach First mission through pupil mentoring, school governance or undertaking other school support positions.

Click here to gain a more in-depth view of the two year programme.