Teach First

@teachfirst.bsky.social

217 Followers 28 Following

We’re building a movement to make sure every child, no matter their background, gets the education they deserve. Let’s rewrite the future.

One in four persistently disadvantaged pupils will not participate in education or training between ages 16 and 18.

Text highlighting that it is common for persistently disadvantaged pupils to fail their maths and English GCSEs.

Persistently disadvantaged pupils are on average 22.4 months of learning behind their non-disadvantaged peers at the end of Year 11.

"We have no standard definition of persistent disadvantage, no annual count of these pupils, and no regional breakdown of where they are. You cannot close a gap you refuse to measure."

Mark Sewards

MP and Teach First Ambassador

Over 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education,
employment, or training

White text against a black background that reads: "Poverty underpins educational disadvantage. Opportunity is the solution. Rewrite the future."

Announcement that says: "Calling all secondary schools. Find out more about partnering with Teach first. Online webinar. Tuesday 21 April, 4:30pm to 5:15pm."

Ed Kirwan wearing an Empathy Week shirt stands indoors with a quote about understanding schools and student behaviour from Ed Kirwan, Teach First ambassador.

Graphic announcing over 60 organizations collaborated on the Schools White Paper through the Inclusion for All initiative.

Upcoming leadership events in March with dates and locations: London on 9th, Leeds on 12th, Bristol on 24th, plus online sessions on 16th and 18th.

Portrait of Luke in a suit outdoors with a quote about dedicated Change Makers in tough classrooms by Luke Sparkes.

Group of professionals engaged in a discussion inside a historic building with arched windows and stone walls.

Primary school teacher standing in front of a classroom whiteboard with educational content and orange paper cones displayed above. Text that says “I want girls like me to see themselves in the stories we tell and be inspired by people from every background.

Quote from Jackie Bowen emphasizing the importance of local professionals helping pupils overcome challenges and expand their futures, set against a school building backdrop.

James Toop wearing a suit with a purple tie and sitting on a green chair in a conference room.

Group of seven people standing in a classroom or office setting with framed certificates on the wall behind them.

38% of the 2025 Training Programme cohort are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Libby smiling looking to the left. Her quote "I'm drawn to understanding how technology actually works in classrooms - not the hype, but the reality."

Underneath " Libby Hills, Teach First ambassador, CEO & Co-founder of EdTechnical "
Underneath is the campaign strapline, "Rewrite the future."

Professional portrait of James Toop, Teach First CEO, alongside a quote which says: "There can be no growth without supporting the next generation."

White text against a black background which reads, "76% of disadvantaged pupils worry about getting into university, securing an apprenticeship or finding a good job. Source: JL Partners commissioned by Teach First. Caption: Rewrite the future"

Luke smiling standing in front of a classroom whiteboard with text "I want to do the best for our young people, and to see it is to believe it."
Underneath "Luke, Teach First history and politics teacher"
Underneath is the campaign strapline, "Rewrite the future."

James Toop, Teach First CEO, smiles with pride in a portrait photo. On the left, a quote from him says: "No group sacrificed more in the pandemic than the poorest pupils. The government's next chance to put this right is in the budget."

A black background with bold white text reading: "Five times more teacher vacancies in the poorest areas of England. Sources: Department for Education and Teach First." Underneath is the campaign strapline, "Rewrite the future."

text on a black background: pupils growing up in the poorest areas are twice as likely to leave school without strong English and maths GCSEs

Headteacher Anthony in suit and tie shares his pride in improving school status from special measures to good. Text: "Nothing compares to the elation I felt as a headteacher, going from special measures to good." Rewrite the future

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.

“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.

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.

Blue background with text: The best way to back schools? Strengthen and expand pupil premium

1. A white flip calendar on blue background with text: Pupils from disadvantage background are on average 19.2 month behind their wealthier peers in GCSE English and maths.

Expansion of free school meal eligibility is a welcome step. But further action is needed to ensure schools are fully equipped to help every child succeed.

This eligibility should also be rolled out to pupil premium funding as without it, schools miss out on essential resources that could further support the most disadvantaged pupils.

Russell Hobby, Teach First CEO