Teach First announces appointment of new Chair

Maurice Helfgott brings a breadth of senior leadership experience across executive and non-executive roles. His early career was in retail, culminating in an Executive Director role at Marks & Spencer. He then moved into a portfolio career spanning private equity-backed, founder-led and listed businesses. His roles have included Chair, Senior Independent Director and Non-Executive Director positions across a range of sectors, including Brightpearl, MyOptique, Long Tall Sally, Moss Bros and ME+EM. Alongside this, he has chaired World Jewish Relief since 2021, leading the organisation through organisational development and significant income growth.

Maurice was identified through a rigorous search led by the Board of Trustees with his values alignment and commitment to the charity’s purpose being considered as exceptional.

Dame Vivian Hunt DBE, the charity’s Chair from 2019 to 2026 had informed the Board of her intention to step down after completing her second term and once her successor was in place. The charity recognises her exceptional leadership, energy, and unwavering commitment to the mission. During her tenure, Teach First recruited over 10,000 trainees, achieved three Outstanding Ofsted judgements, developed impact tracking with partner schools, responded rapidly to the Covid-19 crisis by securing 1,000 academic tutors and 1,500 devices for disadvantaged pupils. During this time Teach First made significant progress in advancing diversity and inclusion including gender, ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic across the teaching profession.

Maurice Helfgott said:

‘I vividly remember the excitement when Teach First launched almost 25 years ago, and I remain deeply passionate about its critical mission: building a movement of exceptional teachers and leaders committed to radically improving educational attainment and future life chances, for children facing entrenched disadvantage.

 

I’m hugely excited to partner with CEO James Toop and his team, work alongside a talented Board, and meet as many Ambassadors as possible.

I am acutely aware of having benefited from the privilege of an excellent education, and I’m determined to use that privilege to help this ambitious organisation extend those benefits to many more young people, at scale.’

James Toop, CEO of Teach First said:

‘Maurice brings a wealth of experience to Teach First from his executive and non-executive roles. He shares our commitment to social justice, a belief in the power of a great teacher, and passion for building a movement of change makers working together to rewrite the future so that no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background. I am excited to be working with him and the rest of the Teach First board as we enter this new phase.’

Dame Vivian Hunt said:

‘It’s a real pleasure to pass the baton to Maurice as our new Chair, and I’m delighted he’s taking on this role. He brings a strong commitment to our mission and to closing the education gap, and a genuine eagerness to meet and listen to our partners, ambassadors and staff.

An experienced Chair, Maurice combines clear leadership with warmth and humility and is committed to working in true partnership with James and the team. I’m confident he will make a meaningful difference.’

About Teach First

Teach First is an education charity committed to giving children facing the biggest barriers the chance to fulfil their potential. It backs the schools with the toughest challenges. The charity finds and trains teachers, develops school leadership teams and connects schools with networks of diverse expertise and opportunities to create real change.

Since launching in 2003, the charity has now placed over 20,000 teachers and leaders, has more than 150 headteachers in its alumni, and has supported over two million pupils.

Those on the flagship Training Programme commit to a minimum of two years at their partner school - gaining a fully-funded Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and earning a salary whilst they train. More than half then stay on for a third year, where they have the option to top up their qualification to a master’s. Over 60% of all the teachers who’ve completed training since 2003 are still currently teaching.