Networks

Many who are involved in education already connect and achieve extraordinary things, but there’s always room for greater collaboration – so we support networks of ambassadors and others who want to work together. Because if we work together, we’ll create equality in education sooner.

Join thriving networks of:

• teachers – working together to share knowledge, expertise and inspiration
• school leaders – supporting and inspiring each other to lead in tough areas
• the broader community working together in support of schools

How to join a network

Our networks unite anyone passionate about building a fair education, who are willing to lead the change they want to see in the world – whether you teach or work in other fields.

Contact a network directly via the tabs to join up. Please note that some are only open to Teach First Ambassadors.

How to start your own

If you have an idea for a new network, we can help you. Get in touch.

Be Bold Network 

The Be Bold network aims to expose ambassadors and fellow teachers to the very latest research in education. Leading speakers will share their most recent work, before chairing a question and answer session. Enjoy the latest in educational thinking, whilst having fun, sharing thoughts and connecting with others.

Contact the group to find out more.

The English Network

The English Network (TEN) offers professional development, teacher resources, support and guidance to English teachers via podcasts and Twitter. The teacher network was set up by Teach First ambassadors in the North West in 2018 and its great podcast delves into poetry, plays and much more.

Follow @TheEnglishNetw1 on Twitter or listen to their fantastic podcast series.

Greater Depth: Primary and EYFS Network

This network is led by ambassadors in London who are passionate about sharing best practice across Primary & Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Originally started in 2015 and formally known as the Primary Network, the group broadened their focus in July 2019 to include Early Years. This network aims are to show the best teaching practice through filming lessons, school visits and twilight debates and opportunities to develop teachers. 

Join the group on Facebook. 

LGBTEd

LGBTed is a network of LGBT+ teachers and leaders, helping teachers to be authentic in schools, colleges and universities and working to increase LGBT+ visibility in our education system. Teach First is proudly partnering with them to support their work. 

They are a national network but now have local hubs as well, some of which are led by Teach First ambassadors. Look out for their mentoring programmes, annual conferences and Pride events. Sign up to be the first to hear about their activities, follow them on Twitter or check out their website. 

Manchester Teacher Network

The Manchester Teacher Network is a teacher-led group sharing best practice and providing networking opportunities for teachers from all training routes in the Greater Manchester area.

They run regular brunch meet-ups (Breakfast and Best Practice) every second Sunday of the month, as well as organising trips to more formal CPD events in the area. Connect on Twitter: @MancTeachers

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) London Network

MFL London Network brings language teachers together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of language teaching in post-Brexit Britain, and to share best practice. Their reach on Twitter has seen them secure sponsorship from Amazon, the British Council and HarperCollins.

The teacher support network aims to go national, by making all events accessible online. It’s recruiting for a new committee to take them to this next stage, so it’s a great time to get involved.
 
Find out more. Follow @MFLLondon on Twitter or email the network.

Teach First LGBTQI+

This is a place for trainees and ambassadors to come together on-line and connect. A casual space to chat about LGBT issues relating to Teach First or teaching in general - potentially with a mind to setting up a more formal network or organisation. Everyone welcome - join the group on Facebook.

Science in Practice 

Science in Practice is a London based network looking at how to promote the expertise in science. A space for science teachers to come together, practice lessons, experiments and ensure they are addressing the misconceptions in the subject. An informal place for teachers to learn from each other, share resources, plan together and feel empowered. Contact the group to find out more.

West Midlands Teacher Network

The West Midlands Teacher Network aims to facilitate CPD sessions for teachers at different stages of their careers, through online and in-person events. They also help teachers get to know each other better via local social events. Overall, they aim to provide both a professional and social support network for Teach First trainees and ambassadors in the West Midlands. Connect on Twitter: @WMTeachNetwork.

Heads Forward Network

With over 60 ambassador Headteachers spread across the country, this network helps members connect, provide peer support and development, drive school improvement, and make positive change in tackling educational inequality. Its members come together for residentials. Attend one and you’ll get high-quality professional development, support and challenge, as well as building strong relationships with your peers. Members also visit one another’s schools to see best practice in action, and the network have an active whats app group designed to be a quick way of solving problems on the job.  
  
The network is led by established ambassador Chairs Rebecca Cramer and Dennis Simms.

Find out more. Email Lucy Empson.

The National School Forum

The National Schools Forum is a diverse group Headteachers of Teach First Partner Schools from across the UK. It brings together the expertise of school leaders across phases, geographies and governance structures to represent the voice of the school community and to make sure Teach First is led by the needs of schools.

It devises solutions to the key issues that affect our schools’ ability to improve. It enables school leaders from all regions to network and share good practice. The network was established in June 2016 by Dr Vanessa Ogden, CEO of Mulberry Schools Trust and meets twice a year. All members sit on their Local School Forums so what’s happening locally is connected to a national level – to galvanise action by schools, Teach First and others.

Membership is by invitation.

To find out more, email Lucy Empson.

The Local School Forums

Local School Forums are regionally-run networks of local school leaders. They are an opportunity for Headteachers of our partner schools to feedback on Teach First’s work at a regional and national level, and are a way of collectively working towards a fairer education for all. They’re a great way for schools to network, share good practice and resources, and contribute to the self-improving system. The networks are managed by regional teams.

Find out more by speaking to your school partnerships contact.

Shared Headship Network

The Shared Headship Network offers invaluable support to professionals looking to share a headship – with anything from networking opportunities, practical job application support and even coaching. It was formed by Teach First ambassadors in London as a reaction to the growing challenge of teacher recruitment, retention and lack of headteachers. It’s led by four Teach First ambassadors in senior leadership roles who all work 3 or 4 days a week.

There’s lots to get involved in. The Shared Headship Network aims include growing its membership, placing five to ten leadership job shares, and developing a pilot training and matching program with up to two London boroughs.

Visit the Shared Headship Network website or follow @SharedHeadship on Twitter.

Senior Leadership Teacher (SLT) Network

The SLT Network supports the development of aspiring and current senior leaders in schools. Formed in 2018 by Teach First ambassadors in London, it hosts school visit events and practical continued professional development. The network is run by assistant and deputy headteachers from different training routes, including Teach First.

Find out more by signing up for the SLT Network newsletter or follow @SLTNetwork on Twitter.

Teach First BAME Community

Teach First BAME Community promotes professional dialogue about race and works towards fair representation of all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) leaders, in all areas of education. Founded in 2017 by five ambassadors, its successes include hosting Affinity Group sessions attended by new trainees and featuring special guest speakers talking about championing and promoting diversity, as well as discussion on creating a workplace where all colleagues can thrive. The BAME Community has also delivered staff training sessions to the London team, and co-created and produced content for the training programme on speaking about race. It’s now hoping to inspire local champions to put on events outside London.

To find out more follow @TFBAMECommunity on Twitter or contact them by email.

Department for Education Teachers Network

The DfE Teachers Network builds connections between ex-teachers within the department. It bridges the gap between DfE and the classroom – through termly speaker events and by connecting policy makers and practicing teachers when opportunities arise. This network is led by Hester Lockley and Kwamina Korsah. It’s open to anybody with teaching experience.

To find out more, contact Hester or Kwamina.

Teach First Accenture Community

Ambassadors working at Accenture come together to raise awareness of inequality in education. As Teach First ambassadors, they’re passionate about working with staff and students from Teach First schools – and giving them valuable experiences that will help them develop.

They meet regularly, issue a monthly newsletter to around 200 ambassadors and ‘friends’ at Accenture, and hold an annual fundraising event. There’s lots to get involved in.

This network is open to employees of Accenture, contact Josh Rodgers for more information.

Deloitte Ambassadors

Ambassadors within Deloitte come together to take action on educational inequality. New ambassadors are welcomed, and they support networking for ambassadors across the organisation.The network is led by Leo Sutton, Freddie Frieman and Kitty Benzecry.

PwC Ambassadors

This community of ambassadors and friends from PwC aims to addresses social mobility issues where business and education meet. They welcome new ambassadors and support networking for ambassadors across the organisation.This network is led by Ruth Khaw.

Ambassadors in Business network

This network is united by its goal to help the business community have a positive impact on education across the UK. It’s open to any Teach First ambassador working in business, and will inspire and support you to set up new networks within your company.  

This network is led by Freddie Thomlinson (Accenture) and Leo Sutton (Deloitte). Join the group on LinkedIn.

Innovation Community

This community offers great support from a motivated peer network. Its members are charities and social enterprises (whether well-established, growing or emerging) that are founded or led by Teach First ambassadors.

It includes some of the most innovative and impactful interventions tackling educational inequality today, including Frontline, Jamie’s Farm, The Access Project, The Brilliant Club, First Story, Unifrog, Right to Succeed, Literacy Pirates and Yes Futures. The community encourages collaboration and shares best practice.

To find out more, contact our team.

Teach First Civil Service Network

The Teach First Civil Service Network is passionate about influencing the education system. It raises awareness of social mobility within government departments, supports consistency and quality of schools’ outreach work, and helps ambassadors in the Civil Service to become school governors.

With support from the Cabinet Office school’s outreach team, they are aligning activity across departments. This has huge potential for connecting policy decision-makers, advisors and party members with teachers, schools and pupils. And brings great opportunities for discussion, debate, collaboration and changes in the system!

They host quarterly speaking events (a great way to showcase your work) and have a fortnightly newsletter.

This network is only open to Teach First ambassadors.

To find out more email them or join the Civil Service Facebook Group.

East Midlands Impact Circle

The East Midlands Impact Circle is the trainee and ambassador network for educational impact in the East Midlands. The network focuses on cross-subject CPD, peer-support and community projects. Connect with them on Twitter at @EastMidsImpact.