Find talented teachers for your school
Work with us to hire outstanding trainees who’ll make the biggest impact and support your pupils to thrive.
Why partner with Teach First
We believe that education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. We work with schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and our trainees are rigorously selected and trained to make a lasting difference to pupils.
Since 2003, we've recruited 16,000+ teachers to transform education in disadvantaged communities, boosting GCSE results, increasing university progression, and doubling teacher retention in low-income areas.
Bring a talented trainee into your school and create lasting change.
What you get when you hire a Teach First trainee
Rigorous selection
We carefully recruit top-tier trainees who are passionate about education, rigorously assessed, and matched to your school’s unique needs.
Comprehensive support
From day one, trainees receive expert training, in-school mentoring, and a strong educator network to help them thrive in the classroom.
Diverse talent pool
Our trainees bring fresh perspectives and dedication. Many come from underrepresented backgrounds or are first-generation graduates.
Outstanding training
Our two-year, Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ programme equips trainees with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a lasting impact.
How the programme works
An overview of key milestones in the two-year programme.
Before trainees start
- Complete preparation work
- Complete initial teacher training at Teach First Institute
Year one
- Start in school on day one
- Secondary: Teach KS3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 in business studies), up to an 80% timetable
- Primary: Teach EY, KS1 or KS2 on a 60% timetable, increasing to 80% by Christmas
- Complete contrasting school experience
Year two
- Progress to a standard Early Career Teacher (ECT) timetable
- Attend training days and continue leadership development
Qualification and beyond
- Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and PGCE by the end of Year One
- Complete teacher training, leadership qualification, and coaching by the end of Year Two
- Access career-long support through our networks and CPD opportunities
Teach First’s streamlined recruitment process and the excellent calibre of trainees has brought a whole new dynamic to our school. Many of our trainees have been highly talented teachers from their first day.
Rigorous selection
Through our rigorous recruitment process, we find trainees who are:
- Dedicated and enthusiastic, committed to equality.
- From diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Talented, with top qualifications, and the potential to learn and grow.
- Passionate about working in schools tackling the biggest challenges.
Comprehensive support
We ensure your school and trainee receive comprehensive support throughout:
- Subject Development Leads (secondary only): Support trainees with subject-specific knowledge and pedagogy, creating the best possible training experience.
Practice Development Leads: Responsible for QTS and work in partnership with Subject Development Leads to support trainees. - In-school mentor: An experienced leader within your school, trained by us to support your trainee.
- University: Our partner university provides academic support and student services, and awards the qualification.
Cost of hiring a Teach First trainee
- Salary: Schools pay trainees within the unqualified teacher pay range in Year 1, increasing in Year 2.
- Funding support: Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant, and programme fees vary by subject.
- Eligibility: Applicants need a degree (2:2+), GCSEs (C/4+ in English & Maths; Science for Primary), and the right to work in the UK.
- See full salary, funding, and eligibility details
Salary
- Year 1: Paid on the unqualified teacher pay range (U2 for most subjects, U3 for maths, MFL, and science).
- Year 2: Increases to a qualified teacher salary.
Funding support
- Schools receive a £2,400 mentoring grant in Year 1.
- Programme fees vary by subject (see below).
Programme costs
Secondary: £5,700 (non-shortage) | £6,700 (MFL) | £7,000 (maths, physics, biology, chemistry, computing)
Primary/Early years: £2,400 (Year 1) | £1,600 (Year 2)Eligibility
- Degree: 2:2 or above
- GCSEs: Grade C/4+ in Maths & English (plus Science for primary)
- Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship unavailable)
- Commitment to tackling inequality
88%
Headteachers rated the quality of our Training Programme as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, recognising its impact in developing skilled, confident teachers who make a real difference in the classroom.