Outstanding training, outstanding teachers
Work with us to find talented trainees for your school and together let’s rewrite the future for the pupils who need it most.
Why partner with Teach First
We know education transforms lives. That’s why we work with schools serving disadvantaged communities, training brilliant trainees to make a real difference to pupils.
Since 2003, we’ve recruited 18,000+ teachers, helping boost GCSE results, increase university progression and strengthen teacher retention in low-income areas.
Meet the Change Makers
When you welcome a Teach First trainee into your school, you get more than a vacancy filled. You bring in someone dedicated and driven to help children facing disadvantage get the opportunities they deserve.
Need support?
Contact your regional partnerships team about your staffing needs.
View our short webinar to learn how we work with schools to find and place talented trainees.
This webinar focuses on secondary schools, but the process is similar for primary schools.
Discover how Buile Hill Academy transformed with Teach First
Part 1: Facing the challenge head on
We came in to stabilise the school… and prepare it for improvement.
- James Haslam, Principal
Part 2: A school reimagined
It’s everything I love about a school… but it’s gone on one heck of a journey.
- Farihah Alam, Vice Principal
Part 3: Teach First in every corner
If you'd come here four years ago, you'd have thought I was crazy for wanting to work here.
- Farihah Alam, Vice Principal
Part 4: Coaching through the storm
It’s not just one person on the senior team that’s having that coaching, it’s everybody.
- Rebecca Woods, Assistant Headteacher
Part 5: The Teach First difference: Maya’s story
This is my story - and it still matters.
- Maya, Buile Hill Academy student
Part 6: Hope, pride and what comes next
We’ve enabled them to excel… They’ve taken the opportunity with both hands.
- James Haslam, Principal
What you get when you hire a Teach First trainee
Outstanding training
Our two-year, Ofsted rated outstanding programme equips trainees with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a lasting impact.
Wraparound support
From day one, trainees receive expert training, in-school mentoring, and a strong network to help them thrive in the classroom.
Rigorous selection
We carefully recruit top-tier trainees who are passionate about education, rigorously assessed and matched to your school’s unique needs - ready to hit the ground running in September.
Diverse talent pool
Our trainees bring fresh perspectives and dedication. Many come from underrepresented backgrounds or are first-generation graduates.
How the programme works
Your trainee will follow a structured two-year journey – starting with preparation and training at our Summer Institute, and progressing to QTS, a PGCE and leadership development by the end of the programme.
- Year one
- Start in school on day one
- Secondary: Teach KS3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 in business studies), up to an 80% timetable
- Primary: Teach EY, KS1 or KS2 on a 60% timetable, increasing to 80% by Christmas
- Complete contrasting school experience
- Year two
- Progress to a standard Early Career Teacher (ECT) timetable
- Attend training days and continue leadership development
By the end of the programme, trainees will have gained QTS and a PGCE, completed teacher training and leadership development, and accessed career-long support through our networks and CPD opportunities.
95% of headteachers
rate the quality of our Training Programme as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
Rigorous selection to find the right match for your school
Through our rigorous recruitment process, we find trainees who are:
- Dedicated and enthusiastic, committed to equality.
- From diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Talented, with top qualifications, outstanding training and the potential to learn and grow.
- Passionate about working in schools tackling the biggest challenges.
Wraparound support from day one
We ensure your school and trainee receive comprehensive support throughout:
- Subject and practice Development Leads: Two expert Teach First teacher educators who will oversee all training and your trainee’s development.
- In-school mentor: An experienced leader within your school, trained by us to support your trainee and accredited by the Chartered College of Teaching.
- University: Our partner university awards the qualification, while providing academic support and student services.
Meet your local Teach First team – find your Regional Partnerships Manager and get in touch.
Cost of hiring a Teach First trainee
- Salary: Schools pay trainees within the unqualified teacher pay range in Year 1, increasing in Year 2.
- Funding support: Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant, and programme fees vary by subject.
- Eligibility: Applicants need a degree (2:2+), GCSEs (C/4+ in English & Maths; Science for Primary), and the right to work in the UK.
- See full salary, funding, and eligibility details
Salary
- Year 1: Paid on the unqualified teacher pay range (U2 for most subjects, U3 for maths, MFL, and science).
- Year 2: Increases to a qualified teacher salary.
Funding support
- Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant in Year 1.
- Programme fees vary by subject (see below).
Programme costs
- Secondary: £5,700 (non-shortage) | £6,700 (MFL) | £7,000 (maths, physics, biology, chemistry, computing)
- Primary/Early years: £2,400 (Year 1) | £1,600 (Year 2)
Eligibility
- Degree: 2:2 or above
- GCSEs: Grade C/4+ in Maths & English (plus Science for primary)
- Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship unavailable)
- Commitment to tackling inequality
Take on a trainee and see how far they can go
Not sure where to start? Find your regional contact and we'll guide you through the process.
Did you know you can also nominate a support staff member or other individual known to your school to train to be a teacher with us? Find out more.