Summer Projects
Our Summer Projects connect current Teach First trainees and ambassadors with host organisations. They’re a unique opportunity for networking and development in a professional setting.
- Build relationships across industries.
- Gain a fresh perspective and insight into another sector.
- Learn new skills and develop expertise you can apply in the classroom.
- Take part in inspiring and rewarding projects.
Applications now open.
Through Summer Projects, you can intern with a host organisation during the summer holidays.
It’s a unique opportunity to work with a new organisation, build on your professional development and take new skills back to school with you in September.
If you're an organisation that would like to host a Summer Project, visit our Summer Projects information for providers.
How it works
- Internships take place in August.
- They last between one and three weeks.
- You can apply for one of our Summer Projects if you’re a current Teach First trainee or a Teach First ambassador.
How many projects can people apply for?
You can apply for as many projects as you like. We’d suggest you apply for more than one to increase your chances of getting a place.
What does the application process involve?
Organisations offering Summer Projects manage their own applications. Each advert has clear instructions on how to apply for that project.
This could include:
- emailing a CV and cover letter
- clicking a link to an application form
- emailing to request an application form
Interviews will be 1–31 May. We expect all successful applicants to have received an offer by 7 June.
What if I’m not successful for any of the projects I apply for?
Any unfilled projects will be re-advertised in a clearing round. This will open on 17 June.
Applicants who were not successful may want to apply for projects in the clearing round. If all positions are filled in the first round of applications, there will not be a clearing round.
Are Summer Projects paid?
We ask all projects to pay at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (for over 25s).
Some third sector organisations may offer projects on a voluntary basis. In these situations, we ask that they cover reasonable travel expenses.
The project advert will make it clear if the project is paid or voluntary.
Key dates
Full 2024 dates are:
- Applications live on the Teach First portal: 2–30 April
- Recruitment and selection process: 1–31 May
- Offers made and accepted: 3–7 June (all offers to be made by 7 June)
- Clearing round: 17 June
- All offers accepted: 14 July
How to apply
To be eligible for Summer Projects, you need to be a trainee on our Training Programme or a Teach First ambassador.
To apply for a Summer Project, please click the ‘apply’ button below and log into the Teach First portal. From there, navigate to the top menu and select ‘Summer Projects.’
All Teach First programme members and ambassadors have a portal account, and you can login using the email address you used with Teach First for your programme.
For any questions, please email volunteering@teachfirst.org.uk and a member of our team will be in contact.
I would definitely recommend Summer Projects. I would never have known how much I would gain from doing each of them, but it’s been invaluable. Seeing what impact is being made by organisations in the sector that aren’t teaching was so interesting.