Join the UK's largest teacher training and leadership programme. You’ll get:

A fully funded, internationally recognised qualification
Professional coaching worth over £10k
A salary from day one in the classroom
Opportunities for quick progression (and pay increases to match)
The chance to help pupils reach their potential
Access to our 15,000-strong network of teachers, leaders and businesses.

*Two years (optional third year to complete Master's Degree)

Earn a competitive salary from day one

You’ll earn from the outset – no fees, no debt. During their first year of the Training Programme, Teach First trainees will be at point two on the unqualified teacher scale if teaching secondary, and point one if teaching primary/ early years. This will then rise in year two to a minimum of point one on the classroom teacher scale. You’ll also receive corporate coaching worth an estimated £900 and a fully-funded teaching qualification.

From September this year starting salaries for teachers will increase by 8.9%.

Gain internationally recognised qualifications

Completing our programme will earn you a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (PGDE), worth double the credits of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). 99% of people who qualify as teachers with us achieve the top two grades (good or outstanding). You’ll also have the option of completing a master’s degree part-time over a third year.

Because they’re recognised across the world, your qualifications will allow you to teach abroad, too.

Join a growing community of graduates and career changers

Join a network of like-minded individuals who understand the potential in all young people, and the challenges that affect their education. At every stage of your career, this community will be on hand to share ideas, offer support or simply have a chat.

Our community is made up of people from many different backgrounds. In 2020, 31% of new trainees joined us from another career, 26% had graduated in the past two years, and 43% came straight from university. Your diversity is your strength: wherever you're coming from, you've got a set of unique skills to bring to the classroom - enabling you to develop as a fantastic teacher.

Access to rapid career progression opportunities

After completing the Training Programme (and when you’re ready), we’ll help you to step up and lead change at school. This support makes our teachers over seven times more likely to progress to senior leadership roles early in their career than those who train through Higher Education Institution routes. With career progression comes salary progression: middle leaders working outside London can earn up to £40,500 per year, and headteachers can earn upwards of £100,000.

During your training you’ll get the chance to take on work placements with businesses and organisations that support us, opening the door to even more opportunities. You'll also build a solid list of skills in the classroom, setting you up to impress any employer.

Close support from your school and from us

You’ll have a mentor in school you can turn to whenever you need. You'll also have a university tutor to assess your progress. A dedicated Teach First expert will oversee all your training and help with any issues inside or outside the classroom. We’re with you every step of the way.

Eligibility requirements for our Training Programme

To be eligible to apply for our Training Programme, you need:

2.1 degree or above (2.2 degrees will also be considered)
A degree or A-levels that satisfy the curriculum requirements listed below
Grade C/4 or equivalent in GCSE maths and English Language for secondary teaching
Grade C/4 in one GCSE science subject (in addition to maths and English) for primary teaching

The right to work in the UK full time for the duration of the programme (inclusive of the summer training period and the two-year Training Programme). Teach First cannot sponsor visas so you will need to have secured one, separate to your Training Programme offer by April of the year you are due to start training with us.

We do not have a minimum requirement for total UCAS points to apply to the programme (or the equivalent).

Unfortunately we cannot be flexible with our GCSE requirements, as these are required by the Department for Education.

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