Teach First announces the departure of Chair Dame Vivian Hunt DBE after six years of leadership

Appointed in 2019, Dame Vivian has brought bold ambition, expert leadership and a deep belief in the power of education to transform young people’s lives at Teach First. The charity has grown under Dame Vivian, now working with more than 5,500 schools, and has supported over 1.5 million pupils in total. Independent research shows that students taught by a Teach First teacher get better GCSE grades and are more likely to go to university.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, her leadership was instrumental in helping Teach First respond swiftly to the crisis. The charity rapidly moved its recruitment and training online, created a Teacher Resource Hub, supported summer learning initiatives and partnered with businesses and sector leaders to secure more than 1,500 devices for disadvantaged pupils to continue their learning.

Dame Vivian has also been a driving force for greater diversity and inclusion within the teaching profession. Today, 37% of Teach First trainees identify as being from an ethnic minority background, and 28% grew up eligible for free school meals.

James Toop, CEO of Teach First, said:

"On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Dame Vivian for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment. During her tenure, Teach First has grown in scale, influence and ambition — always guided by a deep belief in the potential of every child. We will build on her legacy by staying focused on what matters most: tackling inequality, bringing brilliant people into teaching, and equipping them to become outstanding leaders — in schools and beyond."

Dame Vivian Hunt said:

“Teach First was founded on the belief that no child should be limited by their background — a mission I’ve been proud to champion throughout my six years as Chair. That belief has never felt more urgent or more vital. In a country where a child’s future is still too often determined by their postcode rather than their potential, we need bold leadership and brilliant teachers more than ever.

I step down with immense pride in all we’ve achieved — and even greater hope for what’s to come. Teach First is more than a charity; it’s a movement fuelled by an unshakeable belief in the potential of every child. Its work has never mattered more.”

During her time as Chair, Dame Vivian has provided expert leadership to the Board and Executive Team, offering vital support to both former CEO Russell Hobby CBE and current CEO James Toop — a Teach First ambassador with over 15 years’ experience in tackling social inequality, who now leads the charity into its next chapter.

We are very grateful to Dame Vivian, who has generously agreed to stay on until her successor takes up post. Teach First will begin the recruitment process for a new Chair in the next few days and will share further details in due course.

Media Contacts

For more information and interviews, please contact the Teach First press office on 020 3862 8000 (dial 4 for press), or email press@teachfirst.org.uk.

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. Read more about our impact.