I really missed being in the classroom

2012 ambassador Rachel Arthur always had an interest in teaching.  After completing a four-year degree in computer science, when Teach First offered her a place on the Training Programme she jumped at the opportunity.

Rachel spent the next two years teaching computer science in Leeds. After completing the programme she went on to be an IT Cyber Security Consultant for PWC but, ultimately, she knew she wanted to get back to making a difference to the lives of young people. After 14 months she was looking for a way to reconnect with teaching.  

I quickly realised that I really missed being in the classroom and doing something that mattered. For me, delivering reports wasn’t life or death, but being there for pupils who often don’t have anyone else to turn to was extremely important.

Rachel returned to the classroom as Head of ICT at a school in Croydon and later as Head of Faculty at a school in Battersea. She moved out of London and is now Assistant Headteacher at The Oldham Academy North, continuing to transform education for the better.  
 

When I was thinking about returning to teaching I got a lot of help and support from Teach First. As I had moved down to London I didn't know the schools in the area but they were able to help and advise me on the best school to fit my needs and where I could have the biggest impact. This insight gave me confidence I had chosen the right school for me and helped me at interview.

The power of the Teach First network has been a key part of her successful progress in her school career:  

Since completing the programme, Teach First has been really supportive in all my career moves, helping put me in touch with current ambassadors and participants working in schools which I was interested in and helping build my network when moving to the North West.