Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Teach First and the Leadership Development Programme.

• Applying to Teach First

  • What is Teach First?

    Teach First is a charity that provides the training and support to enable high-calibre graduates to make a real impact in addressing one of the UK’s most damaging social issues, educational disadvantage. At the same time, while they are transforming the lives of young people in schools around the country, Teach First helps graduates to dramatically enhance their own career potential, in schools and elsewhere, and become part of a movement that is effecting profound change throughout England and Wales.

    Teach First offers an exceptional Leadership Development Programme that focuses on education, and which includes in its first year a PGCE qualification. Over 350 primary and secondary schools across England and Wales have welcomed Teach First participants.

    With high-quality training, supportive coaching and on-going alumni opportunities, Teach First provides a unique platform of skills and experience to take forward into any future career. That’s why over 80 companies, government agencies and public bodies back Teach First’s ability to effect change and to develop leaders for the future.

     

     

  • Are you open for applications/when is the deadline?

    We fill our requirements for some subject vacancies very early; therefore we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.  Please check the website for the most up-to-date information on subject availability. You can find the vacancy listing here.

    We recruit on a rolling basis and will fill our vacancies as soon as we find those candidates that meet our competency and academic requirements.

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  • How do I apply?

    If you are interested in becoming an inspirational leader and contributing to the Teach First vision that no child’s educational success is limited by their socio economic background, then please visit our graduate site.

    For further information regarding Teach First please also have a look at the following information on our website:
    About the Teach First Leadership Development Programme
    Current Teach First Entry Requirements/Recruitment Process

     

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  • Can I apply for deferred placement with Teach First?

    Teach First is able to defer a limited number of offers from one recruitment year to the next. Please apply online following the standard process and should you be successful at your assessment centre you may request to defer your place to the subsequent year at offer stage.

     

  • Can I apply before my final year?

    The majority of our applicants apply when they are in their final year of university or after they have graduated.

    A small number of people do apply in their penultimate year of university with a view to defer. Deferred places are assessed on a case by case basis as availability in deferred places are in shorter numbers.

     

  • Does Teach First offer a reserve system if subjects are full?

    Yes, Teach First operates a reserve system. If the subject/s you are eligible to teach have reached capacity for one cohort’s intake and you are successful at your Teach First Assessment Centre you will be made a reserve offer. If an opportunity does not subsequently arise within that cohort you will be offered a place in the next cohort.

     

  • What are the minimum academic requirements? If I don’t meet them, can I still apply?

    In order to be eligible to apply for Teach First, we look for the following:

    1. 2.1 degree or above
    2. 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
    3. Have a degree or A-levels that satisfy our Teaching Subject Requirements
    4. Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English (Grade C in one Science GCSE is also required for Primary teaching)

    All applications are looked at holistically so if you feel you have other attributes that contribute to your application but do not fall within the above criteria then we would urge you to apply and outline these attributes on the application form.

     

  • I have Scottish FE qualifications. Are they considered equivalent to A-levels?

    Yes, Scottish Advanced Higher qualifications are considered equivalent to our A-level requirements:

    1. An Advanced Higher grade A is considered equivalent to an A-level grade A*/A
    2. An Advanced Higher grade B is considered equivalent to an A-level grade B.

     

  • Do I need any specific experience before applying to the programme?

    We do not ask that candidate have any specific teaching experience before applying to the programme.
    Selection is based on your ability to demonstrate relevant subject knowledge and the competencies listed on our website.

     

  • Can I apply with a 2:2?

    Academic performance is one of the areas we assess at application stage. Our assessment days are extremely competitive and therefore only candidates that are exceptional in many areas will be considered.

    In some circumstances we are able to accept a 2.2 degree. All applicants are looked at holistically so if you feel you have other attributes that contribute to your application but do not fall within the criteria we ask then we would urge you to apply and outline these attributes on the application form. Please also note any extenuating circumstances on the application form.

    Please note we are unable to accept applications from candidates who have a 3rd degree or candidates who do not meet the GCSE requirements.

     

  • Can I use my Masters degree as eligibility to teach a subject?

    We are able to accept applications from post graduates, but in order to apply for the Leadership Development Programme you are required to have an undergraduate degree. We cannot determine the subject you will be allocated to teach based on your post-graduate (Masters) degree.

    Please see below for our list of requirements when applying for the Teach First programme:

    1. 2.1 degree or above
    2. 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
    3. Have a degree or A-levels that satisfy our Teaching Subject Requirements
    4. Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English (Grade C in one Science GCSE is also required for Primary teaching)

    If you feel you meet these requirements, please do refer to our website and complete an online application form.

     

  • Can I apply if I have already applied for a PGCE?

    If you have accepted a place on the PGCE course this year then you are not able to apply for the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. 

    Please refer to the Teaching Agency website for more information on the different routes into teaching at http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching.

     

  • Can I apply if I already have QTS?

    Teach First recruits graduates who do not possess Qualified to Teach Status or a PGCE.

    In the first year, participants undertake an 80% teaching commitment in school, during which they are supported by Teach First, our partner universities and school mentors in training to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the year, as part of a postgraduate / professional graduate certificate in education (PGCE award).

  • Can I apply if I have trained overseas?

    In the UK the government subsidises Teacher Training so we unfortunately cannot train and qualify people that are already trained overseas. We therefore cannot progress with your application.

    You could look to train in the UK through the overseas trained teachers route. (Please see the Teaching Agency website for further information.)

    There is also the potential of engaging with Teach First as an international alumni for roles within the organisation. If you are interested please visit our website for information on current vacancies.

  • If you have already gained QTS you will not be eligible to apply.

     

  • Do you accept CVs?

    In order to remain fair and consistent and to ensure all applicants are treated equally and fairly, we are not able to accept CVs and our application process is an online process.

    As this is a two year programme for graduates, in order to be eligible to apply for Teach First, we look for the following:           

    1. 2.1 degree or above
    2. 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies)
    3. Have a degree or A-levels that satisfy our Teaching Subject Requirements
    4. Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English (Grade C in one Science GCSE is also required for Primary teaching)

    If you fall within these criteria we would encourage you to apply via our online application form - http://apply.teachfirst.org.uk/

    If you’re unable to complete your form online because of a disability, please contact a member of our recruitment team at recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk.

     

  • I graduated a few years ago; do you have any age restrictions?

    At Teach First we want to attract the very best graduates onto our Leadership Development Programme as we believe that diversity can increase the impact of our teachers within the schools we work with.

    We are committed to ensuring that all our job applicants are treated fairly and with respect, irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, religion/belief or disability.

    Teach First has no restrictions on the age of applicants. It is designed for people who wish to teach for a minimum of two years but are open-minded about their future career options and would like to gain valuable and useful leadership skills they can then transfer elsewhere after Teach First. 

     

  • Can I apply with a disability?

    We are committed to ensuring that all our candidates are treated fairly and with respect, irrespective of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, religion/belief or disability. You will be asked to describe your disability as part of your application but this information remains confidential and is only used in monitoring our process. Therefore, if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to our selection process or would like to talk to a member of our recruitment team please email recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk

    If you are invited to an assessment centre we would ask that you also contact us at that point to inform us at that stage of any special requirements you will need at your assessment centre and we will endeavour to accommodate them.

     

  • What is the criteria to teach primary?

    Please see our requirements page for further information on criteria.

     

  • Do you work with SEN?

    Teach First works in primary and secondary schools across six regions of England. We prioritise schools which:
    

    1. Have more than 50% of their pupils living in the lowest 30% of the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI)
    2. Have low attainment of 5+ A*-C GCSEs amongst its students. Teach First works in schools whose results fall below the lowest 30% of the national distribution

    Whilst we appreciate your desire to work in a special needs school, unfortunately we do not have the resources to be able to offer this at this point time, however we wish you every success with your application to become an SEN teacher.

     

  • What if my subject is now closed?

    If your subject is closed for the current intake you will not be able to apply for it in that recruitment year. You can apply for vacancies in the following year when they open (usually June).  Please note we do sometimes review and change our requirements for a new recruitment year and therefore we would advise checking our website when we reopen to ensure you are still eligible to apply.

     

  • Can I choose where I will be allocated?

    Teach First is a national programme covering the following regions – East Midlands, Greater London, South East, North East, North West, South Coast, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber and Teach First Cymru. Our key strength is our mission-focused approach to educational disadvantage; this allows us to place teachers where there is the greatest need in any of our eight regions. This flexibility is crucial to achieving our mission of addressing educational disadvantage.

    You may have strong initial views about where you want to work but our focus is on placing highly motivated graduates where they are most needed and we recommend that you be open minded about location. During the application you will be able to state your preferences; all preferences and any extenuating circumstances will be taken into account but we are not able to guarantee you will be placed in your first choice. We will prioritise the needs of the schools and their children over the preferences of our applicants.

     

  • I am going away travelling. When can I attend an Assessment Centre if my application is successful?

    Once you submit an application you will be notified of the outcome within 10 days. If successful, you will then be invited to attend an assessment centre day.

    We run assessment centres throughout the year. Therefore we will endeavour to be flexible and book you in for an assessment centre at a time that is suitable for you.

    Please be aware that delaying your assessment centre for a long time will run the risk that places for your subject may fill before you attend at a later date. We recruit on a rolling basis and will fill our vacancies as soon as we find those candidates that meet both our competency and academic requirements.

     

  • Are you able to accept applications from Non-UK Citizens?

    Yes, we do accept overseas applicants. Candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK have until May 10th to produce the documentation to Teach First. This documentation must prove eligibility to work in the UK for the Summer Institute and the two year programme in its entirety.

    Teach First currently places its Leadership Development programme participants in to 12 national curriculum subjects at secondary level, namely Business Studies, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Computer Science & ICT, Maths, Modern Languages, Music, RE and Science. You can also teach as a Primary school teacher on the Teach First programme. Please do check our website to see which of our vacancies are currently open.

  • Should you be successful in receiving an offer on the programme this will be conditional on you providing documentation to show your overseas qualifications are equivalent to the UK qualifications we require. We will explain more regarding this process at this time; however the process requires you to contact Naric (www.naric.org.uk). Naric is a governing body that will be able to provide documentation that will explain if your overseas qualifications are equivalent.

    However, as mentioned this will all be discussed in more detail at offer stage and not something you need to look into at application stage.

     

  • How do I apply with Non UK qualifications?

    It is possible to apply to Teach First with Non-UK Qualifications. Please apply via our online application form.

    When completing the application form, please ensure you tick the Non-UK Qualifications box where you will be able to fill in details of any qualifications you have studied.

    Should you be successful in receiving an offer on the Teach First programme this will be conditional on you providing documentation to show your overseas qualifications are equivalent to the UK qualifications we require. This will all be discussed in more detail at conditional offer stage.

     

  • Do you accept applications from graduates who require a work permit?

    Teach First is committed to ensuring that all our applicants are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their circumstance.

    Offers to join the Teach First Leadership Development Programme are conditional upon candidates successfully demonstrating our competencies, meeting our academic requirements and proving they have the right to remain and work in the UK for the duration of the summer institute training and two-year programme.

    Candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK have until May to produce the documentation to Teach First. This documentation must prove eligibility to work in the UK for the Summer Institute and the 2 year programme in its entirety.

    Applicants requiring a visa to work in the UK must obtain this completely independently of Teach First. We are unable to assist in the visa application or sponsoring process.

     

  • Can I apply to Teach First with a non National Curriculum degree subject?

    Teach First currently places its Leadership Development Programme participants in to 11 national curriculum subjects at secondary level, namely Business Studies, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Computer Science & ICT, Maths, Modern Languages (French or Spanish), Music, RE and Science. You can also teach as a Primary school teacher on the Teach First Leadership Development Programme.

    Click here to see eligibility requirements for primary and secondary teaching.

    Subject knowledge will be assessed at the Subject Knowledge Audit stage of our process. This is to ensure that you have the required knowledge to teach this subject and to identify areas of subject knowledge that you will need to develop further before the Summer Institute and begin teaching in September.  Successful completion of the Subject Knowledge Audit is a conditional part of your offer to join Teach First, and without it your offer will be withdrawn.            

    Should you join the programme Teach First will allocate you to a subject, in which you will teach at least 50% of your timetable in that subject.

    If there are particular subjects you would not be comfortable teaching we will take this in to consideration, you will have the opportunity to voice these concerns at a later date before starting the programme. A large number of our participants are required to teach another subject as well, this will depend on the needs of your school.

    Please also note we recruit throughout the year and therefore subjects can fill before our application deadlines. If you are only eligible to teach a subject that we are no longer recruiting for, a recruiter will have been in touch to talk about your options before the assessment centre.

    If you have any questions or concerns please contact faq@teachfirst.org.uk for more information.

     

  • What is the CRB process?

    If you have a criminal record, you should disclose this in the box provided when completing the application for the programme. Should you be made a conditional offer to join the programme, further CRB checks will be made and you should highlight your conviction at the offer stage.

     

  • What are the costs involved with Teach First?

    Teach First participants are paid, and employed by their primary or secondary school throughout the two years. Salaries vary according to the region and school in which you are placed. There are no training fees for the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. In your first year you are paid as an unqualified teacher and in your second year you will be paid as a qualified teacher. More information on salaries can be found at http://www.teachers.org.uk/node/14433.

    For further information regarding the Teach First programme please also have a look at the following information on our website:

    About the Teach First Leadership Development Programme.

    Current Teach First Entry Requirements/Recruitment Process.

     

  • Will I be paid during the Summer Institute?

    While accommodation, transport and food expenses are provided over the Summer Institute, Teach First are aware that there are those who will require financial support over this period and August. We would not want applicants to be discouraged from applying owing to financial reasons. For details around support that we can offer please contact the recruitment team.

    If you are made an offer for Teach First we will need to consider any particular needs, according to your disability, that will affect your ability to work in a normal school environment. You will be asked to inform your regional team of your needs when you are allocated to a Teach First region.

     

  • Am I able to receive feedback on my application/Assessment Centre?

    Last year Teach First received over 5000 applications for the Leadership Development Programme. Unfortunately this means we do not have the opportunity to reply to feedback requests at this stage of the Selection process.

    We appreciate the time you have taken to submit your application. We employ high standards to consider every application received is read separately by two experienced Graduate Recruiters.

     

  • What if I have made a mistake on the application form?

    If you discover after submitting your application form that you have entered anything incorrectly on your application form, including academic details, please notify the Graduate Recruitment Team immediately so that the information can be updated. You can do this by emailing recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk.

     

  • I am having technical difficulties with my application, what should I do?

    We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing technical problems with our application form. If your problem is related to the page not loading, you might find it helpful to try the following measures:

    1. Check that cookies and JavaScript are enabled on your browser
    2. Shut down all browser windows and then open a fresh one
    3. If dialling up on a modem, check that your internet connection is working at full capacity - sometimes if many people are using one internet provider, website pages can be slow to load and the connection will "time out" if the information is not transferred fast enough. Please be patient and try again.
    4. If your application is not being saved correctly please make sure you are using the next and previous buttons to navigate through the application, rather than the navigation bar at the top of the page.  Also, consider composing answers to longer questions in a word document so you can paste them into the correct field in the application form.

    If your problem is of a different technical nature then please email tf-helpdesk@teachfirst.org.uk for further assistance.

     

  • If I have an offer but later find out that I entered my academics incorrectly will I lose my offer?

    If you discover following an offer to the programme that you have entered any of your academic details incorrectly on your application form and they affect your eligibility to teach on the programme, it is possible that your offer may be rescinded. 

    If the mistake does not affect your eligibility to teach on the programme you may still be able to continue through the offer process however the information will still need to be updated. If you believe you have entered any details incorrectly on the application form, you must ensure you notify the Graduate Recruitment Team immediately by emailing recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk

     

  • I have forgotten my user name and/or password?

    If you are experiencing problems with your application or have forgotten your password or username please email tf-helpdesk@teachfirst.org.uk

     

  • I’ve looked everywhere on your website, but I can’t find the answer to an important question. Can I contact you directly?

    If you have looked at the website and FAQ section carefully and still can’t find the answer to your question, you can contact us at faq@teachfirst.org.uk or on 0121 210 5319.

     

• The Leadership Development Programme

  • What is the Summer Institute?

    The Summer Institute is the residential component of our initial teacher training, which will continue throughout your first year in the classroom.
    

    The primary purpose of the Summer Institute is to professionally prepare you to begin teaching in September. There are also a variety of pastoral and social events. The following is a general timetable for the summer, subject to change:

    Regional Summer Institute:

    The first three weeks of the Summer Institute are based in your region.

    1. Week 1: Training in Subject Studies and Professional Studies.
    2. Week 2: Teaching Experience Week - you will spend a week in a different school in your region to provide you with experience in teaching and observing.
    3. Week 3: Placement School Week - you will spend a week in the school you will work in from September onwards and engage in the school induction programme.

    National Summer Institute:

    The final three weeks of the Summer Institute bring all the regions together at the University of Warwick. During these three weeks you are joined by Associate Tutors, who are Teach First Ambassadors, who will contribute to your training.

    1. Week 4: Training in Subject Studies, Professional Studies, and Workshops.
    2. Week 5: Training in Subject Studies, Professional Studies, and Workshops. During this week participants from the first year cohort (09) will return for two days to present their final assessments and be rewarded their PGCE. They will present how they've impacted on student achievement and also contribute to Subject and Professional Studies.
    3. Week 6: Training in Subject Studies, Professional Studies, and Workshops.

     

  • Will I be paid during the Summer Institute?

    Teach First will provide all accommodation and meals during the six week Summer Institute training. We do not anticipate that you would normally incur any significant expenses during this period. Participants will not be paid during this period.

    While accommodation, transport and food expenses are provided over the Summer Institute, Teach First are aware that there are those who will require financial support over this period and August. We would not want applicants to be discouraged from applying owing to financial reasons. For details around support that we can offer please contact the recruitment team.

     

  • Will there be a different Summer Institute in Wales?

    We will use the core Teach First Summer Institute model, but the content and delivery design will be specific to the Welsh context and the needs of schools. The Welsh element of the Summer Institute will be for four weeks; Welsh participants will then join their English colleagues when all participants converge at the National Summer Institute in Warwick for two weeks.

     

  • What does the Leadership Development programme involve?

    Throughout your two years, you will take part in our unique Leadership Development Programme. The Leadership Development Programme is designed to develop your leadership abilities so that you can have a profound impact on raising the achievement, access and aspirations of all pupils, and thus develop as a leader. It combines theory and practice of effective leadership and is designed to maximise your impact towards addressing educational disadvantage, while preparing you to be a leader in any sector. Please visit the LD Programme section for a breakdown of the programme structure.

     

  • Will participants in Wales embark on a different programme to participants in our other regions?

    The core Leadership Development programme will be offered in both countries. The qualification framework is different to the English one, but both are interchangeable in terms of post qualification employment in either country. In addition, the Welsh government makes provision for an optional (but strongly encouraged) Masters in Education Practice for newly qualified teachers – which will be open to Teach First participants teaching in Wales. The programme curriculum will be specific to Welsh school and education system context. In common with England, the overall Leadership Development programme will be developed and delivered in ways which are relevant to the prevailing context and the needs of the schools in each location in Wales. In these ways the programme will be specific to Wales.

     

  • During the first year on the Teach First Leadership Development Programme, what will my student status be?

    During the Summer Institute you will be a full-time student of the initial teacher training provider. Once you start at your school, you will switch to become a part-time student and a full-time employee of your school.

     

  • What salary will I be paid?

    Teach First participants are paid and employed by their school throughout the two years. Your salary is based on the region in which you are placed, and in the case of London, salaries are further broken down by Inner London, Outer London and Fringe Areas. In the second year, participants are paid varying amounts dependent on the salary that our participating schools pay their Newly Qualified Teacher's and the level of extra responsibility a teacher takes on. For more detail on teachers’ salaries visit www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/salary.

    The cost of living in London is significantly more than that of other areas in the country, salaries therefore reflect this cost. The rent on a flat in London, based on 3 sharing, can range from approximately £360-£700 per month. Rent in other areas of the country is significantly less (in the area of £300 - £500 for a one bedroom flat per month). In each case, our participants live comfortably whether on their own, with friends or family, or with other Teach First participants.

    Read more about Salary & Benefits here.

  • What are the schools like?

    Teach First prioritises schools which:

    1. Have more than 50% of their pupils living in the lowest 30% of the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI)
    2. Have low attainment of 5+ A*-C GCSEs amongst its students. Teach First works in schools whose results fall below the lowest 30% of the national distribution

    Teach First schools vary in their ethnic make-ups, the age of their buildings and the communities they are in, but will often be in challenging areas. In all schools the Head Teachers have asked to employ Teach First teachers and have agreed to provide the level of support required by Teach First.

     

  • What is the difference between Teach First and the PGCE route?

    A traditional PGCE course is a one-year postgraduate training course, based at a university and including classroom observation and some teaching practice within the course. A PGCE student does get to do some teaching practice towards the latter parts of the training, but will not take up a full time teaching post until after the year of training is complete. Students will gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (which includes QTS) on completion of their PGCE course.

    Teach First runs a two year Leadership Development Programme, designed to recruit graduates who would not otherwise do a PGCE or take another route into teaching, but agree educational disadvantage needs to be addressed and want to do something about it.

    The two years start with a university-based 6 week Summer Institute which includes teaching practice. Then in September, Teach First participants take up posts in schools in the East Midlands, London, the North East, North West, West Midlands or Yorkshire and the Humber on a 80% teachers timetable, and continue to train towards gaining a PGCE (with QTS) while working. Teach First participants are paid and work as teachers for the whole two years in their school. Teach First is therefore an Employment-Based Route as compared to the PGCE route.

    Please be aware that Teach First cannot accept an application from anyone who has accepted a position on a PGCE course.

     

  • Am I likely to be teaching any additional subjects other than my QTS subject in my school?

    In many instances Teach First teachers are expected to teach another subject as well as the one they are working to gain QTS in. In fact, some of our current participants teach up to 50% of their timetable in another subject, dependant on the needs of the particular school in which they are placed.

    In your first year on Teach First you are not likely to be able to influence your school's choice of subjects for you, although you will always be guaranteed at least 50% time in your QTS subject. Once you are qualified and have established good relationships in your school, it maybe easier in your second year to request the opportunity of teaching an additional subject you are interested in.

    Throughout the Summer Institute there will be opportunities for attending sessions / workshops pertinent to your additional subject, meeting and discussing teaching issues with Ambassadors and Associate Tutors and developing networking and 'buddying' relationships with fellow colleagues whose principle subject is your additional subject. There are also Subject based online forums on the ParticipantNet (a website for Teach First Participants) where you can access support and ideas from participants and Ambassadors whose principle subject is your additional subject.

    Within our placement schools we work closely with Head Teachers and Mentors to ensure you also receive sufficient help and support for any additional subject teaching.

     

  • Is it compulsory to complete the two years of the programme?

    We require all Teach First participants to commit to the two year Leadership Development Programme. The two years are vital to complete the training to become a qualified teacher and the programme's leadership development events. Failure to complete the two years will result in you not graduating as a Teach First Ambassador and as such will not have access to the Teach First Ambassador programme and its benefits.

    Most importantly, we believe that we best further our mission by ensuring that all of our teachers complete the minimum two year commitment they have given to their schools and pupils.

     

• After Teach First

  • What is a Teach First Ambassador?

    Teach First Ambassadors are former participants of the Teach First Leadership Development Programme who continue to work to address educational disadvantage whilst also further developing as leaders. Currently the community numbers just over 1,100 approximately 50% of whom remain teaching in challenging schools. In 10 years' time, this number will have grown to over 6,500.

    All Teach First Ambassadors have completed a minimum of two years working in challenging schools and have met the criteria to graduate from a bespoke Leadership Development Programme. They are spread across a range of sectors and locales, but remain united by their experience as teachers and their commitment to eliminating disparities in access to educational excellence.

    The Ambassador Department is focused on unlocking the potential of this growing network of individuals to make a widespread, lasting impact on society. Unlike many other alumni networks, it is founded on the belief that Teach First must provides ongoing leadership development support, networking and volunteering opportunities and special benefits to its alumni in order for them to truly develop into leaders of the future, properly equipped and motivated to make a difference.

     

  • What opportunities will I get as an Ambassador?

    Through the Ambassador Department, you will gain access to a unique network, defined communities, career development support and a range of specially tailored initiatives aimed at progressing your impact on the mission, including:

    1. Teach On - sign-posting, support & leadership development for ambassadors continuing in challenging schools
    2. Social Entrepreneurship - training, networking & support for ambassadors interested in launching social ventures
    3. Governance for Change - develop leadership skills whilst maximising your long-term impact by serving on a school governing body
    4. Policy First - a forum for you to share your insights on current education issues and help shape education policy for the future
    5. The Higher Education Access Programme for Schools (HEAPS) - opportunities to support pupils from Teach First schools to progress to competitive universities
    6. Supporting Teach First - through this initiative you can help Teach First's sustainable growth into more schools across the country by engaging in various activities including engaging employers as supporters.

     

  • Am I guaranteed a job with one of the supporting companies at the end of the Teach First Leadership Development programme?

    Many of our sponsors recognise that Teach First Ambassadors will have gained invaluable experience and skills through teaching for two years and are actively looking to recruit Teach First Participants at the end of the two years. There will be opportunities to build contacts in these organisations through the Career Development events and activities (including the option to complete a two week Summer Project towards the end of your first year on the Leadership Development Programme), but it will be up to you to see these opportunities out and make the most of them!

     

  • If I complete the Teach First Leadership Development programme, can I leave teaching and return later in life?

    A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and QTS are the standard qualifications for teaching in England and Wales and as such you are able to return to the profession at any time.

    Teach First is designed for those who commit to teach for two years but not necessarily for the long term. That said, there are many ambassadors who have left the profession but have now returned to the classroom having explored other career options.