What the schools say
Clare Frost, Headteacher, Quintin Kynaston
“Every time I walk into Briony’s classroom, the children are on task, enthused and motivated; in four months she has got her head around what to do in the profession, and that’s high praise indeed.” [Talking about Briony Phillips, 2003 Participant]
Jo Harding, Headteacher, Plumstead Manor High School
“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.”
Carol Jones, Deputy Headteacher, Mulberry School
"Mulberry’s Teach First staff have been so utterly enthusiastic and motivated that it’s changed the quality of the school.”
Diane King, Head of Business, Crown Woods School
“She is brilliant. I have to keep pinching myself to remind myself she’s new to teaching. She’s so organised, and has a real rapport with students, although I don’t think she ever raises her voice.” [Talking about Laura Donovan, 2003 Participant]
Michael Murphy, Headteacher, Crown Woods School
He has seven Teach First-ers on his staff and says they have done “well overall, and there are some real stars among them, who I really hope will be seduced by education and want to stay.”
Elizabeth Phillips, Headteacher, St Marylebone School
"Everyone was a bit nervous about all these unqualified teachers, but it's worked brilliantly. The Tomlinson report goes on about changing the names of exams but, in the end, what counts is the teaching, and if Teach First can convince the cleverest people in the country to become teachers, that will do more than any report."
Gordon Smith, Headteacher, Selsdon High School
“It’s been fantastic for the school. They’ve put in so much extra in terms of clubs, sports and so on, and it’s really paid off. But what’s been equally fantastic has been seeing the teachers develop and learn so much along the way.”
Jenny Wilkins, Headteacher, Skinners’ Company School for Girls
“I want to see if the Teach First teachers can train up the rest of my staff too!”
