Doubling the number of Black Headteachers at Teach First

Daniel Opoku, 2012 Teach First ambassador, has recently been appointed as Headteacher at Greenwood Academy in Birmingham – and credits the 100 Black Headteachers Network, supported by Teach First, as the reason he was ready for the role.

Yansé Cooper, 2010 Teach First ambassador and fellow 100 Black Heads member, has also gained a headship role at East London Arts and Music (ELAM) in London – part of a growing number of Black school leaders reshaping education in England.

Here, Daniel and Yansé explain why the network’s support has been invaluable to their success, why Black leadership matters and why others should join the network.

How the journey to headship began

Daniel began his career over a decade ago as a trainee at Harris Academy Purley.

After moving into leadership roles – from Head of English to Vice Principal – he set his sights on headship.

When his family decided to relocate to the Midlands, Daniel began looking for headteacher roles. The one that stood out was Greenwood Academy. But this wasn’t just a leap of faith – it was the result of years of support, development and exposure through the 100 Black Headteachers Network.

Daniel remembers how prepared he felt thanks to the network’s support:

“When I applied, I felt ready. That came from my second Vice Principal stint – but also everything I’d absorbed through the 100 Black Heads. I’d been exposed to so many strong leaders and sharp thinking.”

Yansé followed a more indirect route to headship, stepping away from the classroom twice to pursue a master's degree and work at Teach First.

While in the classroom, she went from teaching languages in mainstream secondaries to becoming an Assistant Principal at The Totteridge Academy (Barnet), before landing her most recent role at East London Arts and Music (ELAM).

Her aspirations weren’t fully formed when she joined the network. But Yansé credits it for helping her bold ambition to “take root”, inspiring and sharpening her leadership vision.

Support that shapes future leaders

The 100 Black Headteachers Network (often called "100 Black Heads") launched in 2023 to address the lack of representation in senior school leadership.

Daniel was the first of six core members to become a headteacher. Within a year, Yansé also stepped up to headship.

Daniel describes how the network helped shape his leadership thinking:

“I’ve been inspired by members of the 100 Black Headteachers Network and exposed to so many other ambassadors, leaders in the Heads Forward Network, and some of the best educational leaders in the country – who have helped inspire all of us in the network.”

“Being exposed to lots of strong thinking and lots of leaders has sharpened my own thinking. It definitely helped to support me.”

Yansé echoes his enthusiasm, highlighting how the network boosted her confidence:

“Almost every member contacted me separately to reaffirm their support, check in along the way, give invaluable pep talks where necessary and offer any useful professional connections that I might lean on.”

“The support was just as forthcoming, genuine and personal from Teach First network staff.”

The network also matched Yansé with a leadership coach who helped shape her personal and professional narrative – setting her cover letter and interviews apart. Alongside expert guidance, the coach offered excellent care that, as Yansé puts it:

“Created real safety during a process that was otherwise high pressure.”

Representation that changes outcomes

A cornerstone of Teach First’s 2023–2030 strategy is to build a more inclusive workforce.

Across England, there are still too few Black headteachers. That matters – not just for staff progression, but for pupils who benefit from seeing themselves represented in leadership.

Daniel shares the bold vision behind starting the network:

“When starting our network, we were quite ambitious to try to increase the number of Black headteachers across the country, especially in disadvantaged areas.”

He reflects on the value of long-term investment and exposure to top-tier leadership:

“Through the level of investment of Teach First and previous partner organisations like Mission 44, and exposure to brilliant coaches and leaders in education, we’re aware it’s a very unique network – and the proof is in the results.”

Since launching in 2023, the number of Black headteachers within the network has doubled.

Advice from aspiring leaders

Daniel’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. He applied for a principal role before Greenwood – and didn’t get it. But the network helped him turn that into growth.

He offers this advice for aspiring leaders:

“Read all the leadership books. Learn from strong schools. And talk to people who’ve walked the path before you.”

Yansé says her path hasn’t always been linear, but she's always been led by a passion for learning and widening her impact for young people.

Their shared advice? Stay connected, stay curious and keep learning. As Daniel puts it:

“You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just stay rooted in your values – and your ‘why’.”

Thinking of joining 100 Black Heads? Start here.

Yansé encourages ambassadors considering headship – now or in future – to go for it.

She says:

“If you’re anything like me, I’d say don’t wait; join this network of brilliant and positive people, take every single opportunity the network offers and see where you land.”

The network is growing – and helping shape a more inclusive future for schools.

As Daniel puts it:

“We’re building something powerful. If you’re thinking about headship, or even just curious, this network can open doors you didn’t know existed.”

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