Teach First
Teach First is a programme run by an independent organisation, enabling top graduates to spend two years working in challenging secondary schools qualifying as a teacher while completing leadership training and work experience with leading employers.
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. It is available at primary level but there are extremely limited places for modern foreign language students only – visit the Teach First website for more details.
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. You must have all of the following:
- a 2.1 degree or above
- 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding general studies)
- a degree and/or A-level grade A or B (or equivalent) in a subject that is aligned to a national curriculum subject
- a grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE maths and English
- the 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 there 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. You will receive point 3 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. We have two deadlines for applications: 5 December 2008 and a final deadline of 3 April 2009. We recommend you apply early.
Apply to Teach First.
Find out more on the Teach First website.
Teach First is a registered charity.
Becoming a teacher
