Make your mark with Summer Projects
Gain new skills, explore a different sector, and bring valuable experience back to your workplace.
Expand your skills with Summer Projects
Our Summer Projects connect current Teach First trainees and ambassadors with host organisations for one-to-four-week internships, taking place in August.
You'll have a unique opportunity to work with a new organisation, enhance your professional development and take valuable skills back to your workplace.
Why take part?
- Learn new skills and develop expertise to apply in your work, whether you're currently teaching or pursuing other opportunities.
- Build relationships across industries.
- Gain fresh perspectives and insights from another sector.
- Take part in inspiring and rewarding projects.
A few weeks this summer could shape your whole career.
How Summer Projects work
What types of projects are available?
Each year, our partners offer a range of exciting opportunities. Previous Summer Projects have included:
- Policy research and analysis with education charities
- Marketing and communications roles with corporate partners
- Strategy and operations support in social enterprises
- Community outreach and engagement in third-sector organisations
Key dates
- Interviews: 1–31 May
- Offers sent by: 7 June
- Clearing round opens: 17 June (if positions remain unfilled)
- Clearing round closes: 7 July
If you're not successful in the first round, you can apply for projects in the clearing round (if available). If all positions are filled, there will be no clearing round.
Application process
Each business or third-sector partner manages its own application process.
The project advert will outline the exact steps, which may include:
- Emailing a CV and cover letter
- Clicking a link to an application form
- Emailing to request an application form
Are Summer Projects paid?
We ask all projects to pay at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (for those over 25). Some third-sector organisations may offer voluntary projects but are expected to cover reasonable travel expenses. Each project advert will clearly state whether the opportunity is paid or voluntary.
This is your chance to gain new skills and bring fresh insights to your work, whether you're still in the classroom or have moved on to a different role.
Have a question? We’re happy to help - email volunteering@teachfirst.org.uk
100%
of participants said they developed skills and knowledge to support their pupils in the classroom.
Great to venture out of teaching to explore what else is out there. Especially for people like myself who came from a disadvantaged background and didn’t know what kinds of careers outside of teaching there are.
What's it like to take part in Summer Projects
I use the skills from my summer project every day.
Thea, a South London history teacher, joined a summer project with Deloitte. She built real-world skills she now uses in school - and encourages others to do the same.
My summer project helped me land a new career.
After teaching and working in the Civil Service, Patrick joined a summer project with BCG - building skills that helped him move into a new career in consulting.
A chance to learn without changing careers.
Louise explored edtech with We Are In Beta, gaining skills in research, writing and SEO – all while staying connected to her passion for education.
Where could Summer Projects take you?
From global firms to grassroots organisations, here’s who makes it all happen.
Providers include IG Group, The Story Project, The Economist Educational Foundation and education charities from across the country.
Together, they support our trainees and ambassadors to build valuable skills, gain insight into new industries, and make a meaningful contribution beyond the classroom.
Are you an organisation interested in getting involved?
Become a Summer Projects provider
Discover where a summer project could take you
Join a summer project and take on something new, exciting, and made for your growth.