Who are Teach First?

We help develop people into inspiring teachers. We’ll support you every step of the way to reach your full potential. Our Taster opportunities are for people who’d like to get a taste of teaching whilst still at university.

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.

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, once you’ve finished the programme, you’ll also be fast-tracked through the application for our Training Programme.

Register your interest

Register today

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Frequently asked questions

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 your recruiter after opening an application. 

Register your interest

Register today

Need more information?

Frequently asked questions

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.

Our recruitment team are on hand to support you. Your recruiter will reach out once you’ve opened an application to give you top tips and advice before you submit.

Our tips for a great application:

• Take your time and read each question carefully.
• Take breaks. There’s no need to do it all in one go.
• 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.

Register your interest

Register today

Need more information?

Frequently asked questions