Teach First

👏 Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and to @educationfest.bsky.social for hosting such an energising event for educators and leaders across the sector. #EducationFest #LeadershipInEducation

It was great to see so many of our ambassadors and hear more about the great work they continue to do, inside the classroom and beyond.

🎤 Our session, "Leading at all levels: From Early Career to Headship," was led by Emily Davison (Head of Early Years & Primary) and Nicola Farley (Head of Secondary Subjects). They shared insights from Teach First on navigating the leadership journey with confidence.

🌟 We had an incredible time attending the @educationfest.bsky.social!

Educators from across the country came together for two days of thought-provoking content, connection, and collaboration. #EducationFest

📑 Read our report: www.teachfirst.org.uk/breaking-the...

Our admissions policies are a key lever for social justice We saw the affluence of our students rise as our results improved - so we did something about it

One of our recommendations include a targeted admissions reform pilot, with which our partner school, The Totteridge Academy, is already leading the way.

📰 Read more about the case for fairer school admissions: schoolsweek.co.uk/our-admissio...

In our latest report, Breaking the Cycle, we call on the government to take bold action so every child, no matter their background, has access to great schools.

In this exciting moment in our history, we want to hear from our ambassador community. 👋

Help us reach 5,000 ambassador responses before Sunday 20 July: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

We need bold, targeted action to ensure pupils from low income communities can access the high-quality teachers and education that they deserve.

31% of schools in the most disadvantaged areas do not offer computer science A-level, compared to 11% in the least disadvantaged areas.

9% of schools in the most disadvantaged areas do not offer physics A-level, compared to 1% in the least disadvantaged areas.

Teacher shortage: PAC report tells govt to look at pay and flexible working arrangements - Committees - UK Parliament Lack of clarity over delivery of 6,500 additional teachers pledge as report highlights impact of workforce shortfalls in disadvantaged areas.

Good to see our research on teacher shortages in low-income communities reflected throughout today's Public Accounts Committee report on recruitment and retention.

committees.parliament.uk/committee/12...

Giving every child the best start in life The government's strategy for improving child development and meeting the ambition that 75% of 5-year-olds in England have a good level of development by 2028.

Early years are a crucial stage for tackling educational disadvantage and improving outcomes.

We’re pleased to see strong focus on quality teaching, leadership, and Pupil Premium—areas we’ve long championed.

We welcome the Department for Education’s new report: www.gov.uk/government/p...

🎙️It's #WonderfulWednesday!!!!!
🎙️Our ECF team are celebrating their amazing facilitators: 41 facilitators have delivered 381 events this year to #ECTs & #Mentors
🎙️Thank you for your fantastic input
@jaynecarbf.bsky.social @emmataylorbf.bsky.social @brightfutureset.bsky.social @teachfirst.bsky.social

We’re hugely grateful for her service. She will remain in post until her successor is appointed. Recruitment begins soon.

🔗 Read more: www.teachfirst.org.uk/press-releas...

She has also championed greater diversity in the profession: 37% of our recent trainees identify as being from an ethnic minority background, and 28% grew up eligible for free school meals.

Since her appointment in 2019, Dame Vivian has brought ambition, expertise and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. Under her leadership, we’ve grown to work with over 5,500 schools and reached 1.5 million pupils.

02 July 2025 16:23 A quote from Dame Vivian Hunt: Teach First is more than a charity; it;s a movement fuelled by an unshakable belief in the potential of every child. Its work has never mattered more.

After six years of bold leadership, Dame Vivian Hunt DBE will step down as Chair of Teach First in November 2025, following two full terms in office.

We’re thrilled to be attending the @educationfest.bsky.social 2025 on 3- 4 July at Wellington College.

The Festival of Education gathers educators for two days of invaluable Continuing Professional Development (CPD), discussions, and networking.

Will we see you there? #educationfest

Read our key policy recommendations to Government in our latest report, Breaking the cycle 👉 www.teachfirst.org.uk/breaking-the...

‘The first duty of any government is to keep its people safe’ Thoughts on the Spending Review

“Education reform without resource is too familiar and uncomfortable a tune for many school leaders.”

Glad to see our Breaking the Cycle report highlighted by @northeastbylines.co.uk as a way to tackle child poverty and support every child's potential.

northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...

His leadership will help us build on the incredible work of our community of teachers, school leaders, partners, and supporters.

Please join us in welcoming James!

“I started in the very first cohort over 20 years ago, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference great teachers and leaders can make. But the challenge we set out to tackle is still with us — and in many ways, it’s growing. “I’m proud to lead this movement now, at a time when bold action on our mission to tackle educational inequality is more urgent than ever.” James Toop, Teach First CEO.

We’re excited to officially welcome James Toop as our new CEO at Teach First.

James is our first ambassador CEO, having joined our first teacher cohort in 2003. He joins us at a pivotal moment as we continue working towards tackling educational disadvantage.

Still buzzing from the @teachfirst.bsky.social Cohort Summit—a day full of connection, purpose, and the power of movement.
The energy in the room was clear: these future changemakers have the potential for so much impact!

Earlier this month, 100 professionals from across the health and education sectors came together for the inaugural Collaborative Futures conference to share ideas and collaborate.
💬 We asked conference delegates why days like this are so important…
➡️ collaborativefutures.co.uk

📰Read our key recommendations in our latest report ‘Breaking the cycle’: www.teachfirst.org.uk/breaking-the...

The Government’s focus on child poverty is welcome but more is needed for lasting change.📢

In his final interview as CEO of Teach First, @russellhobby.bsky.social tells @tesmagazine.bsky.social why we need targeted investment in schools in areas of “deep, sustained deprivation”. 🗨️

🧵2/2 Read our nine key recommendations in our latest report ‘Breaking the cycle’, where we campaign for much-needed change 👇
www.teachfirst.org.uk/breaking-the...

Blue background with text: We are delighted to see such meaningful investment in children’s education – a welcome step towards breaking down the barriers to opportunity. Uplifting school funding could transform outcomes for young people growing up in poverty – but only if it’s directed to where it is needed most. Disadvantaged pupils must be prioritised if this commitment is to translate into lasting change, unlock every child’s potential and boost economic growth.

🧵1/2 Following today’s 2025 Spending Review announcement, our CEO Russell Hobby CBE says 👇

Read our nine key recommendations in our latest report ‘Breaking the cycle’, where we campaign for much-needed change 👉 ow.ly/chgr50W5iJO

Doncaster school ‘leading example’ of embedding enrichment activities for students The charity Teach First praises Astrea Academy Woodfields for its work to give students a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

A lovely story about Astrea Academy Woodfields in Doncaster – one of our partner schools.

From music at the Barbican to poetry at the Globe, they’re showing that poverty doesn’t have to limit potential.

ow.ly/2QS850W6Pxu