About Teach First

Schools & pupils

In addition to satisfying these criteria, schools must also demonstrate that they can and are willing to provide the necessary support for Teach First Participants. This last element is very important as we see the school and its staff will play a critical role in our participants’ training as teachers.

*FSM eligibility is often used as a proxy for socio-economic status or financial hardship. Students are eligible for the scheme if their parents claim certain benefits or earn below an annual threshold of £16,040. Although referred to as FSM ‘eligibility’, these data actually refer to the numbers claiming FSM (those known to be eligible). High levels of FSM eligibility can reasonably be seen to correspond with high levels of social deprivation, but may underestimate the actual numbers of students living in low-income families.

Click here for a full list of the schools we are currently working with.

What our schools say about us

“They came in young and unqualified but very enthusiastic and committed, and with the support we’ve given them they’ve done very well indeed.”

Jo Harding, Head teacher, Plumstead Manor High School

“Mulberry’s Teach First staff have been so utterly enthusiastic and motivated that it’s changed the quality of the school.”

Carol Jones, Deputy Head teacher, Mulberry School

“We are now a school with a great future. Our Teach First teachers are very talented, work long hours, don’t accept mediocrity, care passionately about our young people, and have made an impact.”

Mark Keary, Head Teacher at Bethnal Green Technology College

“I am delighted that we have been able to benefit from involvement in Teach First. Our students have benefited from being taught by some of the best graduates, all of whom have made a conscious and principled decision to spend some time in the most challenging schools in urban contexts. The whole experience has been a very positive one for our school and has been a hallmark of the relationship with Teach First as an organisation.”

Kathy August, Headteacher, Manchester Academy

“Having Teach First in our challenging and enjoyable school is making that difference. Long may it continue. Our children deserve the best.”

Marian Catterall, Headteacher, North Manchester High School for Girls

What Teach First pupils say

“Without my teacher I wouldn’t have made it into year 11”

“Even when I was really struggling he encouraged me not to give up”

“Always happy to answer our questions no matter how obvious the answer might be”

“She treats us like adults and doesn’t talk down to us”

“Miss, you’re the best science teacher ever!”

“Miss, in your first year I hated you. But I think you’re alright now”