Find talented teachers for your school
Work with us to hire outstanding trainees who’ll make the biggest impact and support your pupils to thrive.
Why partner with Teach First
We believe that education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. We work with schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and our trainees are rigorously selected and trained to make a lasting difference to pupils.
Since 2003, we've recruited 17,000+ teachers to transform education in disadvantaged communities, boosting GCSE results, increasing university progression, and doubling teacher retention in low-income areas.
Bring a talented trainee into your school and create lasting change.
Discover how Buile Hill Academy transformed with Teach First
Part 1: Facing the challenge head on
We came in to stabilise the school… and prepare it for improvement.
- James Haslam, Principal
Part 2: A school reimagined
It’s everything I love about a school… but it’s gone on one heck of a journey.
- Farihah Alam, Vice Principal
Part 3: Teach First in every corner
If you'd come here four years ago, you'd have thought I was crazy for wanting to work here.
- Farihah Alam, Vice Principal
Part 4: Coaching through the storm
It’s not just one person on the senior team that’s having that coaching, it’s everybody.
- Rebecca Woods, Assistant Headteacher
Part 5: The Teach First difference: Maya’s story
This is my story - and it still matters.
- Maya, Buile Hill Academy student
Part 6: Hope, pride and what comes next
We’ve enabled them to excel… They’ve taken the opportunity with both hands.
- James Haslam, Principal
What you get when you hire a Teach First trainee
Rigorous selection
We carefully recruit top-tier trainees who are passionate about education, rigorously assessed, and matched to your school’s unique needs.
Comprehensive support
From day one, trainees receive expert training, in-school mentoring, and a strong educator network to help them thrive in the classroom.
Diverse talent pool
Our trainees bring fresh perspectives and dedication. Many come from underrepresented backgrounds or are first-generation graduates.
Outstanding training
Our two-year, Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ programme equips trainees with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a lasting impact.
How the programme works
Your trainee will follow a structured two-year journey - starting with preparation and training at Teach First Institute, and progressing to QTS, a PGCE and leadership development by the end of the programme.
- Year one
- Start in school on day one
- Secondary: Teach KS3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 in business studies), up to an 80% timetable
- Primary: Teach EY, KS1 or KS2 on a 60% timetable, increasing to 80% by Christmas
- Complete contrasting school experience
- Year two
- Progress to a standard Early Career Teacher (ECT) timetable
- Attend training days and continue leadership development
By the end of the programme, trainees will have gained QTS and a PGCE, completed teacher training and leadership development, and accessed career-long support through our networks and CPD opportunities.
Rigorous selection to find the right match for your school
Through our rigorous recruitment process, we find trainees who are:
- Dedicated and enthusiastic, committed to equality.
- From diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Talented, with top qualifications, and the potential to learn and grow.
- Passionate about working in schools tackling the biggest challenges.
Comprehensive support from day one
We ensure your school and trainee receive comprehensive support throughout:
- Subject Development Leads (secondary only): Support trainees with subject-specific knowledge and pedagogy, creating the best possible training experience.
Practice Development Leads: Responsible for QTS and work in partnership with Subject Development Leads to support trainees. - In-school mentor: An experienced leader within your school, trained by us to support your trainee.
- University: Our partner university provides academic support and student services, and awards the qualification.
Cost of hiring a Teach First trainee
- Salary: Schools pay trainees within the unqualified teacher pay range in Year 1, increasing in Year 2.
- Funding support: Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant, and programme fees vary by subject.
- Eligibility: Applicants need a degree (2:2+), GCSEs (C/4+ in English & Maths; Science for Primary), and the right to work in the UK.
- See full salary, funding, and eligibility details
Salary
- Year 1: Paid on the unqualified teacher pay range (U2 for most subjects, U3 for maths, MFL, and science).
- Year 2: Increases to a qualified teacher salary.
Funding support
- Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant in Year 1.
- Programme fees vary by subject (see below).
Programme costs
For a trainee starting in September:
- Secondary: £5,700 (non-shortage) | £6,700 (MFL) | £7,000 (maths, physics, biology, chemistry, computing)
- Primary/Early years: £2,400 (Year 1) | £1,600 (Year 2)
For a trainee starting end of October:
- Secondary: £5,200 (non-shortage) | £6,200 (MFL) | £6,500 (maths, physics, biology, chemistry, computing)
- Primary/Early years: £2,400 (Year 1) | £1,600 (Year 2)
Eligibility
- Degree: 2:2 or above
- GCSEs: Grade C/4+ in Maths & English (plus Science for primary)
- Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship unavailable)
- Commitment to tackling inequality
We’ll help you find the right trainee teachers – get started today!
Did you know you can also nominate a support staff member or other individual known to your school to train to be a teacher with us? Find out more.