Become a Change Maker
Train to teach with the UK's largest teaching and leadership training programme and rewrite the future for children facing the biggest barriers.
Train to teach
For over 20 years, thousands of teachers and leaders have trained with Teach First, delivering a lasting change in schools that need it most.
As a Change Maker, you’ll be part of a national movement of over 20,000 ambassadors working to end educational inequality. Over 3,000 of our trainees are now in school leadership roles across the country whilst nearly 350 work in government.
Become a teacher and a Change Maker
Help give every child, no matter their background, the education they deserve.
View our Training Programme brochure
Have a question? Contact our recruitment team
Key details
Duration
Two years (from summer 2026)
Location
Partner schools across England
Fees
None – your training is fully funded
Salary
Earn £23,000–£33,500 from day one
Rising to £33,000–£40,000 in year two
Qualifications
Fully funded PGCE and QTS
Why train to teach with Teach First?
Earn while you train
Start your career, paid from day one in the classroom.
Gain funded qualifications
Earn internationally recognised PGCE and QTS - fully funded.
Fast-track to leadership
Build skills that accelerate your career in and beyond education.
Teach where it matters most
Make a real difference in schools serving disadvantaged communities.
Meet the Change Makers
"Teaching isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about being a role model."
– Tawheed, an English trainee teacher, is helping students in Ilford overcome disadvantage and see their potential, just as his teachers once did for him.
“You can never stop improving - teaching has changed how I see the world and myself.”
– Rachel, an English trainee teacher, relocated to Hastings and found purpose, growth and deep connection with her pupils through the Teach First Training Programme.
"You choose Teach First because of the mission."
– Nicole, a science trainee teacher, swapped the lab for the classroom - and hasn’t looked back since.
“Those everyday interactions remind me just how influential and impactful this role can be.”
– Claire, a trainee primary teacher, returned to the community she grew up in.
"I have no regrets in deciding to switch to teaching – I only wish I’d done it earlier.”
- Joe, a former police officer now Assistant Head, is building a safer future through education.
Are you eligible?
You can apply to our fully funded Training Programme if you have:
- A UK undergraduate degree – 2:1 or above, or 2:2 for some secondary subjects
- GCSEs at grade 4/C, or equivalent, in English and maths (plus science for primary)
- The right to work in the UK for the full two years (we can’t sponsor visas)
You won’t be eligible if you already have a PGCE or QTS, or have accepted a PGCE place this year.
What the two-year journey looks like
Year 1
Salary: £23,000–£31,000 | (up to £33,500 in London)
Earn while you train in the classroom from day one.
5-week summer training – get classroom ready
Gain the skills and confidence you need before term starts.
Complete PGCE and QTS
Earn nationally recognised qualifications as you teach.
Teach your own classes
Take on real responsibility and make an impact straight away.
Support from mentors
Receive regular support from your school and Teach First.
Year 2
Salary increase: £33,000–£37,900 | (up to £40,300 in London)
Your salary will increase as a qualified teacher.
Progress as an early career teacher
Build on your first year and grow in confidence.
Leadership coaching
Develop leadership skills with expert support.
Join 20,000+ alumni network
Connect with other leaders and teachers across the UK.
Earning potential: up to £51,048 | (up to £62,496 in London)
Your salary will increase with experience and responsibility.
Sometimes all it takes is one person to change a child’s future.
With the right training, support and determination – it can be you. Become a Change Maker.
With the right training, support and determination – it can be you. Become a Change Maker.
Ready to rewrite the future?
Want to know what it’s like to teach? Find out about our Taster Programme.
Already working in a school and want to take the next step? Look at our nomination route through your school.