CEO of Teach First, Russell Hobby steps down after seven years of service

After seven years at the head of Teach First, Russell Hobby CBE has announced his intention to step down as CEO in the summer of 2025. 

Russell has guided Teach First through a period of growth for the charity and considerable change in the education sector: overseeing the roll-out of ambitious new programmes and steering the charity through the educational crisis created by Covid. Throughout his time, Russell has worked tirelessly to inspire talented people to venture into the classroom and work in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Last year, one in four school-based trainees in low-income areas were Teach Firsters.

By the summer of 2025, Teach First will have recruited, trained and placed 20,000 teachers in schools serving disadvantaged communities and currently has more than 150 headteachers in its alumni. Independent research shows that students taught by a Teach First teacher get better GCSE grades, are more likely to go to university, and are less likely to be out of education, employment and training.

Most recently, Russell has overseen Teach First’s ambitious new strategy to 2030, to support the transformation of schools in disadvantaged communities to help ensure every child fulfils their potential. 

His contribution has been hugely valued by the Board of Trustees, colleagues at Teach First, a generation of teachers trained through Teach First and our partners from across the sector – all working together to drive change in the education system. 

Russell Hobby CBE, CEO of Teach First said: 

“I have loved my time at Teach First. It is like a shot of energy and enthusiasm. I stand in awe of our trainees and ambassadors, and of all the staff at our partner schools and trusts. I have learnt so much from them. I'm deeply grateful to our partners in university, business, philanthropy and government. My colleagues are amazing, some of the smartest, most dedicated people you could hope to meet; I will miss them a great deal. I am comforted by the fact I will keep meeting our ambassadors and staff in all sorts of fascinating places. 

“It has been an 'interesting' time in the worlds of education and charity. At Teach First, we've grown our reach, proven our impact, deepened our partnerships and worked with some of the most inspiring people in the country. We've celebrated our twentieth anniversary and watched our ambassadors make an ever-growing difference in education and beyond. Above all, I am proud that we have stood beside the schools and students who need us most, and that there are more young people who are getting the chance to realise their dreams because of our work together. I look forward to watching and supporting the next phase in that journey.” 

Dame Vivian Hunt, Chair, Teach First said: 

“Every pupil, teacher, ambassador and partner school are grateful for Teach First and Russell’s strong leadership over the last seven years. We are fortunate to have an ethical, hardworking and committed leader who places our mission - ending educational disadvantage - at the heart of everything he does. The Board and entire organisation offer our deep appreciation and respect.” 

Russell will remain in post until Summer 2025 to oversee an orderly succession and prepare the Charity for the transition. Teach First will be announcing plans to recruit a new CEO shortly. 

About Teach First 

Teach First is an education charity committed to giving children facing the biggest barriers the chance to fulfil their potential. It backs the schools with the toughest challenges. The charity finds and trains teachers, develops school leadership teams and connect schools with networks of diverse expertise and opportunities to create real change. 

Since launching in 2003, the charity has placed over 20,000 teachers and leaders, has more than 150 headteachers in its alumni, and has supported over two million pupils.

As well as recruiting new teachers into the profession, the charity provides a range of support for schools, including programmes to help develop teachers at every stage of their career. 

Read more about our impact.