Teach First
Teach First transforms outstanding graduates into inspiring leaders, ready to excel in any management career. Combining intensive teacher training and experience in challenging East Midlands, London, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire secondary schools with an innovative leadership and management skills programme, Teach First is a unique opportunity for you to be different, and to make a difference.
Working with specially selected partner schools and businesses, Teach First aims to build the leaders of the future by providing high quality teacher and leadership training, internships, coaching and networking.
It is for high-flying graduates who may not otherwise have considered teaching or aren't sure of it as a long-term career. It leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) but also provides the potential to develop a commercially oriented career.
How long does Teach First take?
Teach First takes two years to complete.
Where can you do Teach First?
Teach First places teachers in challenging secondary schools in the East Midlands, London, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire areas only.
What qualifications do you need?
Teach First aims to recruit from top graduates who have shown high levels of ability in areas such as leadership and communication. As such, its entry requirements are strict. In order to be eligible to Teach First, we look for the following:
- 2.1 degree or above
- 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding general studies)
- Degree and/or A-level grade A or B (or equivalent) in a subject that is aligned to a national curriculum subject
- Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English
- Flexibility to work anywhere within East Midlands, London, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire
- The ability to show high levels of competency in areas such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, critical thinking, communication skills, initiative and creativity, and respect, humility and empathy
What you studied at university is not important, provided at least 40 per cent of your degree or A-levels relates to a national curriculum subject.
Is any additional funding available?
In addition to the training salary you'll receive from your school, Teach First will pay for your food and accommodation during the Summer Training Institute. 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.
You will receive the relevant salary for your area on the unqualified teaching scale during the first year and normal newly qualified teacher (NQT) salary during your second year on the programme. It will also help you access any other financial support available to you in making the transition to teaching.
How do you apply?
Teach First only accepts applications through the online form available on its website. Visit the Teach First website
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a challenging day-long assessment at a centre in London.
Bear in mind that Teach First is a demanding two-year programme and definitely not for the faint-hearted. You should do some thorough research to ensure that it is the option for you before you apply.
When should you apply?
If you are interested in becoming an inspirational leader, please apply to Teach First now. Applications are now open for the 2011 Leadership Development programme.
Find out more on the Teach First website.
Teach First is a registered charity – Charity Number 1098294.
Becoming a teacher
