Taster programmes
Boost your CV and develop leaderships skills to help you stand out with our two-day Taster Programme.
- Develop transferable skills that all employers look for.
- Increase your chances of getting an offer to our graduate Training Programme, with an application fast-track.
- Discover what it’s like to teach.
- Receive tailored feedback from one of our experts.
- Add a Times Top 100 graduate employer to your CV.
- Network with our team, partners and likeminded students.
Duration
Two days
Choice of in-person or online
Get teaching experience while exploring career options - it could land you your first job.
Programme
Why join our Taster programmes?
Help us change children's lives
Too many young people are missing out on the opportunities they need to succeed at school.
We can and should, do better.
Pupils from low-income backgrounds are less likely to succeed in the classroom and less likely to go on to university or well-paid jobs.
The cycle continues from generation to generation, widening social inequality. It’s a cycle we’re determined to break. And our Taster Programmes are a way for you to get involved, whilst you’re still studying at university.
Experience teaching and gain key skills
By taking part in our Taster Programme, you’ll spend two days learning about Teach First and our vision and what it's like to be a teacher.
You'll be developing presentation, communication and networking skills.
Our experts will host sessions to:
- support your personal development
- teach you the skills needed to confidently plan and present a mini lesson
- give you tailored, one-to-one feedback
- boost your CV with skills that employers are crying out for
Get ahead in selection for our Training Programme
If you decide that teaching is for you after attending the Taster Programme, you’ll also be able to fast-track through stages of the application process for our Training Programme.
Taster Programme details
On the application form, you can tell us which Taster Programme you’d like to attend, and whether you’d prefer to attend in-person or join virtually.
Our next Taster Programmes are taking place on the following dates:
- Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 January 2025 (in-person, London)
- Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 April 2025 (in-person, London)
- Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 April 2025 (online)
- Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 June 2025 (online)
Applications now open
Need more information?
I hadn’t thought about becoming a teacher because I wasn’t sure how to engage students - but after the Taster, I think I could be one.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
To apply for our taster programmes you need to be in your first, second or penultimate year of studying for an undergraduate degree.
The eligibility checklist
To be eligible to apply for one of our Taster Programmes, you’ll need:
- a grade C (or equivalent) or above in GCSE English and maths
- for your degree or A-levels to meet our Training Programme curriculum requirements
- to be studying for an undergraduate degree and be in your first, second or penultimate year of study
- if you’re in your second or penultimate year of study, to be predicted a 2.1 degree or above (2.2 degrees will also be considered)
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact our team via taster@teachfirst.org.uk.
Applications now open
Need more information?
100%
of attendees would recommend the Taster Programme to a friend.
Apply
We screen applications for the Taster Programme on a first come, first served basis and close applications when each programme fills. We recommend applying as soon as possible to secure your preferred dates.
Our Taster Programme online application
The application form for the Taster Programme has questions about when you’ve shown the competencies we look for in our teachers.
We aim to support you as much as possible with your application. Once opened, you’ll receive an invitation to a short webinar with application tips, with the option for a one-to-one phone call with our team.
Our tips for a great application
Take your time and read each question carefully.
Do your research. There’s a lot of useful information about us and our vision on our website.
Structure your answers to competency questions using the CAR framework
Context: what is the situation and what needed to change?
Action: what did you do and why? Write in the first person (for example, ‘I did’) and be clear about how you demonstrated the competencies.
Result: what positive outcome was achieved? If it was negative, what did you learn? If the result was measurable, show us the numbers.
Base your answers on real-life situations. Give as much detail as you can about what happened.
Check your spelling and grammar! Copy your answers into a Word document and use the spellcheck, but don’t rely on it. Always proofread thoroughly.
Applications now open
Need more information?
If there's one key skill I learnt at the Taster, it’s confidence. Confidence that my ideas are relevant and that I can actually have an impact.