About Teach First

Schools & pupils

Teach First schools vary in their ethnic make-ups, the age of their buildings and the communities in which they are located. But, as well as targeting our efforts to the schools where we can have the greatest impact, Teach First also places a high priority on working with schools that are committed to supporting our participants as they tackle the enormous challenges of developing as teachers in ‘real time’. In every school that we work with the Headteacher has actively requested Teach First teachers and has undertaken to provide the support required by Teach First.

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

What our schools say about us

“Teach First teachers are very enthusiastic, they’re extremely committed, and they want to make a difference. They really want to learn and I’ve found them a tremendous asset.”

Sally Coates, Head teacher, Burlington Danes Academy, London

“Teach First graduates who come into our schools have high self-esteem, very high expectations and high aspirations. That rubs off on the students and results in a can-do culture.”

Lesley Lyons, Head teacher, Manning School for Girls, Nottingham

“Teach First is not just a case of putting some people into a classroom and filling some gaps. Teach First is about creating leaders who are going to have a much wider impact in the communities they serve.”

Max Haimendorf, (’03 Ambassador) Head teacher, King Solomon Academy

“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, Head teacher, Manchester Academy

What Teach First pupils say

“He doesn’t just give you the answer; he points you in the right direction”

“He always makes the lessons interactive and he listens to what we have to say”

“She never takes any excuses and she makes us work really hard so we can get the best grades possible”

“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”