Academic Mentoring Programme

Announcement of new provider for 2021/22 Academic Mentoring Programme

The Department for Education announced on 2 June 2021 that the NTP, including the Academic Mentoring Programme, will be run by Randstad starting in the 2021/22 academic year. We are working closely with the Department for Education and Ranstad over the coming weeks and months to ensure a smooth and clear process.

Information for schools

How does this impact our mentors in school now?

This does not impact 2020/21 delivery of the programme, including extensions into August 2021 where these have already been agreed. Teach First will continue to support 2020 academic mentors and schools as planned.

How do I express interest in the programme for 2021/22?

Randstad will be sharing more information over the coming weeks. All queries regarding 2021/22 should be directed to Randstad via their contact form here, or via email at academicmentors@​randstad.​co.​uk.

How can Teach First continue to support my school?

You can use our Training Programme to hire high-quality trainees to start in September.  Our rigorous recruitment process means you’ll get the right trainees to make an immediate impact and we save your time by handling selection. The expert support we give continues throughout the programme, giving long-term benefits to your school, including a £2,500 grant per trainee to develop an existing staff member to support as a mentor. You can find out more and register your interest here. You can also view our latest range of programmes and initiatives on our homepage.

Information for academic mentors

How does this impact my current contract?

This news does not impact your current contract as an academic mentor for 2020/21 academic year. Your contract will continue to its end date as planned, including any extension to 31 August 2021 if you have previously agreed to this.

We have contacted your school to confirm this and advise them on how to find out the arrangements for continuing to use the programme next year through the new provider.

How do I express interest in working as an academic mentor for 2021/22?

If you are a current academic mentor interested in continuing your work next year, or a new candidate wishing to apply to become an academic mentor then the new provider, Randstad, have an expression of interest form here. Alternatively, email them at academicmentors@​randstad.​co.​uk.

If you have any further questions, please contact Teach First at academicmentoring@teachfirst.org.uk. All queries regarding 2021/22 should be directed to Randstad. Please note that Teach First will not be able to give advice on the 2021/22 programme.

FAQs relating to the current 2020/21 Academic Mentoring Programme for schools are below. Please note that this information only relates to the 2020/21 programme and the latest information is above. This information will be removed at the end of the 2020/21 Programme.

Information on 2020/21 programme for schools.

If you’re an academic mentor on 2020/21 programme, please contact your Curriculum and Training Lead (CTL) for any queries relating to current contracts, salary and working hours. For all queries regarding joining the Training Programme in June, click here.