FAQs – Teach First

Application and assessment

What you need to know before applying to our Training Programme.

Suitable for anyone thinking about joining Teach First.

Eligibility requirements

Check if you’re eligible to apply for our fully funded teacher training programme.

This page goes through the requirements for:

your degree grade
right to work in the UK
existing qualifications
your GCSEs
your degree or A-level subjects

Degree grade

To do our Training Programme, you normally need a 2.1 degree or above.

We’ll consider 2.2 degrees for secondary teaching.

If you do not meet this requirement, you can also train to teach in a school near you on our one-year unsalaried teacher training. Compare our teacher training options.

Right to work in the UK

You must have the right to work in the UK full time for the duration of the programme. This includes the summer training period and the two-year Training Programme itself.

We cannot sponsor visas, so you will need to have secured one separately by April of the year you’re due to start training with us.

Existing teaching qualifications

If you have an existing teaching qualification (PGCE or qualified teacher status, QTS) you cannot do the Training Programme.

You also cannot apply for the Training Programme if you’ve already accepted a place on a PGCE course this year.

Your GCSEs

To train to teach, you must have at least:

grade C/4 or equivalent in GCSE maths 
grade C/4 or equivalent in English
for primary teaching, grade C/4 in one GCSE science subject as well

If you’re applying from overseas, we will check your qualifications if you receive an offer. You may need to do an equivalency test. Your offer will be conditional until we’ve done these checks. Read more about overseas applications.

Degree subject and A-levels

What A-levels and degree subject you need depends on whether you want to teach early years, primary or a secondary subject.

Check your eligibility here for the phase/subject you want to teach.

Application

Application form hints and tips

Looking for help filling in your Teach First application form? Read our top tips for completing a successful application.

To apply for our Training Programme, you will need to complete an online application form. This includes competency-based questions, and a situational judgement test, as well as being the place where we gather relevant personal and academic information.

1. Do your homework

We are looking for you to demonstrate strong enthusiasm and commitment as well as an understanding of our vision and the journey you will take to become an effective Teach First ambassador. Read our website, search the web and make sure you fully understand what we do and why it’s important.

2. Use your best examples

The online application is your opportunity to demonstrate some of the competencies which we think are essential for success on the Training Programme. When answering the competency-based questions, we recommend that you take time to consider what example you use for each question. The first one that comes to mind might not be the best. Feel free to draw on professional, voluntary, personal or academic experiences. We are more interested in the skills and behaviours you have demonstrated than the opportunities you have had. Be explicit in your answers, we cannot infer or assume.

Your application form will be blind screened, meaning that all personal data will be removed. Any information previously shared with us will not be viewed. Your responses to the competency questions are your opportunity to demonstrate your true potential.

Remember that you are only able to complete one application per recruitment window. Take a moment to consider whether your responses to the competency questions showcase your abilities.

We would also recommend that you save your answers to the competency questions in a word document, as you may be asked about these during your Development Centre.

3. Reflect on your answers

Once you have written your answer, re-read the question to make sure you have fully answered it. The question will outline which competency we are expecting you to demonstrate so check that you’ve addressed this in your answer.

The word count is not just a limit on what you are able to write – it is a general guide to the level of detail we expect to see within your responses. You can effectively answer a question in under the word count; however if you are significantly below you may wish to consider whether you have fully answered the question. If you have up to 250 words, are you confident that an answer of 45 words provides enough detail to fully demonstrate that competency at a high level?

4. Try using the CAR structure for your answers

We’re looking for plenty of detail in your answers. To help you cover all the necessary points, try using the following structure in the competency choice question:

C: provide  the Context  for  the situation;
A: focus on what Actions you took
R: include what the Result was

5. Don’t lie, or exaggerate the truth

Never lie on your application form. You are likely to be caught out in the interview or later in the recruitment process. If you are offered a place on our programme you will be required to provide references and original certificates of your qualifications.

6. Check your spelling and grammar

Applications with five or more spelling and/or grammar errors will be failed. Make sure you proof read your answers to help you identify and correct any errors.

Proof reading is also an opportunity for you to reflect – do you think that you have answered each of the questions to the best of your ability?

If you have written your answers in a word processing program and pasted them into the form, please double check that you have correctly pasted answers into the appropriate question.

7. Ensure that you complete your answers

Make sure that your response completely answers the question you have been asked.

In the competency choice question, you should also focus on one example to enable you to go into detail. We also recommend that you take time to reflect on the competency that you have chosen. Do you understand what it means and does your chosen example demonstrate positive evidence of this competency?

We look for the competencies throughout the application process, so it’s very important that you understand them.

8. Arrange a support call to discuss your application

Once you’ve opened an application for our Training Programme, we’d encourage you to speak to a member of our recruitment team. On the call they will be able to talk you through the application, answer any queries and offer you tailored advice specific to our recruitment process. Taking this on board will help you to submit the best possible application.

Just email recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk to arrange to speak to us.

Application process

How to apply for our Training Programme and what to expect from our Development Centre.

We’re looking for people with the attributes to become great teachers and our selection process is structured to find out if you’ve got what it takes.

We’re searching for potential—not the finished product.

Whether you get a place on our Training Programme or not, your development is important to us. That’s why we’ve created a process that builds your skills and experience.

Here’s how it works:

1. Complete our application form

Start by completing the online application form.

It asks for your degree and academic qualifications achieved before your degree, as well as information about yourself and any preferences you may have in terms of where and what Key Stage you teach.

Before starting your application, please make sure to read our eligibility requirements first.

2. Screening your application

Your application will be screened by two trained assessors who won’t have access to any of your personal details, to make sure it’s a bias-free process. You’ll hear the outcome of this within fifteen working days. If you are successful, you will be invited to take part in a Development Centre which will either be virtual or at our Head Office in London. You will be able to state your preference in your application.

3. The Development Centre

The Development Centre involves:

a competency-based interview
a group case study
conducting a teaching episode
two self-evaluation exercises.

You’ll get more details on these when we invite you to attend. Seven days before your Development Centre we’ll send you a list of teaching topics – you’ll select one to base your teaching episode on.

You will also be invited to a Development Centre workshop so you’re fully prepared and know what to expect. We’ll then give you another call, giving you chance to ask any further questions you have.

Although it’s tempting to spend lots of time planning your teaching episode, it’s important to remember each part of the day carries equal weight. So don’t overlook preparing for your interview. Think about how you’ll demonstrate the competencies we think make a great teacher.

4. You’ll hear from us within three weeks

If you’re successful you’ll receive a conditional offer which includes the curriculum area you’ll teach and the region you’ll be based in. It’ll also include information about the tasks you need to complete to confirm your offer, including:

filling in your Personal Information Form and accepting your offer
sending reference details covering the past two years
completing a subject knowledge assessment.

As part of this, you’ll develop a development plan to get your knowledge up to speed for the subjects you’ll teach. This will be assessed by a tutor from one of our partner universities. If you’re not successful you’ll get a chance to discuss feedback on your performance and what attributes you can work on, over the phone.

5. Getting your offer

Once you’ve successfully completed everything we need, we’ll confirm our offer and you can begin preparations to join the programme! We have put together a helpful list of all the tasks that need to be completed before Summer Institute.

Completing the Situational Judgement Test

Find out what’s expected when you complete the situational judgement test for the Teach First Training Programme.

Within the application form, you will be asked to complete a Situational Judgement Test. This has been designed to give you a preview of life as a Teach First trainee. It will present you with scenarios that teachers encounter and potential responses to these.

You don’t need any prior knowledge of teaching to complete the test. We’re looking to understand how you would typically respond to each scenario. For each question you will need to analyse the situation and weigh up the appropriateness of each suggested response.

It’s not possible to prepare for the test; just choose your response based on the information provided. There isn’t only one right way to respond – we are not looking for one particular type of person. What makes schools work are the different teachers and variety of approaches. The best advice we can give is to be yourself and be honest.

It is not a timed test but you will need to complete it in one sitting. Take time to read and fully understand each scenario and the possible responses.

Experiencing technical difficulties with your Situational Judgement Test?

First, try these steps:

Close all browser windows and open a fresh one.
Open the Situational Judgement Test in a new browser.
Check the speed of your internet connection: if your internet connection is slow, website pages can be slow to load and will eventually ‘time out’.

If you’re still having problems get in touch with us at recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

What to expect at our Development Centre

Got an upcoming selection day at a Teach First Development Centre? Find out more about what to expect.

If your online application for our Training Programme is successful you will be invited to attend our Development Centre. You will be given the choice to join a virtual or in-person day.

Unlike an assessment centre, a Development Centre is not just about the skills you have right now – it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your potential to learn and develop further.

The focus of the day will be you and your development. You’ll complete a series of exercises that will allow us to understand your strengths and your areas for development. We’ll share this with you as live, actionable feedback that will help you improve your performance – throughout the day and over the longer term. This will allow you to adapt and improve your performance as you progress, and ensure your key strengths get the space to shine.

Although the focus is on your development, it is a selection day. To ensure a fair process for everyone, your assessors in the Development Centre will not have seen your application. This means we’ll select participants for the programme based on the behaviours and potential you demonstrate on the day.

Your recruiter will also be in touch before your Development Centre to talk through the day in more detail, as well as to answer any questions you might have. You can reach out to them at any point to discuss it in more depth.

The day is comprised of the following elements, including a competency-based interview, a group case study with self-evaluation and a teaching episode with self-evaluation:

1. Competency-based interview

You will have a one-on-one interview with an assessor, focusing on how you can demonstrate our competencies. You will also have the chance to ask any questions you may have.

2. Case study and self-evaluation

You will be placed in a group of up to six candidates to work together to discuss a realistic school-based scenario. You will be given all the information you need in the task so there is nothing to prepare.

Following the discussion you will complete a verbal self-evaluation of the task to reflect on your performance.

3. Sample teaching episode and self-evaluation

You will be asked to deliver a pre-prepared four-minute teaching episode. The assessors will be looking for you to demonstrate your ability to communicate your topic in an appropriate and creative manner. Once your teaching episode is over, our assessors will give you feedback to incorporate into a second delivery of the task. You will then re-deliver your teaching exercise with this feedback in mind.

Seven days before your Development Centre you will be emailed detailed information and guidance on the sample teaching episode you’ll teach on the day.

Once you know the ‘title’ of your teaching episode, give yourself time to prepare: do your research, prepare any materials and practise on friends and family to get an idea of your timings. Think about the teaching episode from a pupil’s perspective when planning your content. It’s best to remember that this isn’t a ‘presentation’, but a teaching episode to engage and inspire.

Remember that your self-evaluation after the teaching episode is also being assessed and is just as important for your final result.

Example answers for competency-based questions

As part of the application process for the Training Programme you’ll be asked competency-based questions. Here are some examples you can use to create your own answers.

Answer one

The example below has been written for the competency ‘Problem Solving’, however, we would encourage you to consider your own individual strength when choosing from the competency options.

“I volunteer at my local animal shelter, helping to exercise dogs awaiting rehoming. Last winter we lost three volunteers within a month and were left understaffed. This led to a hugely increased workload for paid staff members, and dogs were only receiving two walks a day, rather than the usual three.

I began by considering what I could do to help – both the staff and the animals. I thought about volunteering more of my time. However, as I work part time and am studying for a Masters there was a limit to the amount of time I could provide. I considered trying to attract new volunteers – I knew staff members were already struggling to cope with their increased workload, so would have limited time to put to a recruitment drive or training new volunteers.

I therefore decided to instigate this. I put up a sign advertising the opportunity in a local pet shop, as well as in the staff room at work. I organised a lecture shout out for my course at university. My work had a Christmas party and I persuaded them to let me hold a raffle, with the profits going to the animal shelter. We used this money to pay for an advert in the local paper as well as some treats for the dogs.

This generated three new volunteers, who I trained and are now a valuable part of the team. This sufficiently spread the workload, filled our voluntary vacancies and solved the problem.”

Answer two

The example below has been written for the competency ‘Planning and Organisation’, however, we would encourage you to consider your own individual strengths when choosing from the competency options.

“Whilst studying for my Psychology degree, I have had to demonstrate excellent planning and organising skills, as I have been managing my various responsibilities and working to tight deadlines. This has been particularly important during the COVID 19 pandemic, as I have been responsible for managing my own time, rather than adhering to a structured timetable, as my lectures have been recorded. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, exams were changed to coursework and deadlines were altered. This greatly increased my workload. On one occasion in January for example, I had four deadlines on the same day, which I had to prepare for. In order to manage this, I made a timetable at the beginning of the term planning out time that I would dedicate to each piece of coursework. I set aside one week for each essay based on when the topics were being covered in my course. During each designated week, I set aside time for conducting the research, writing the essays and proofreading them. I also ensured I had enough time to fit the essay-writing around my regular studies and gave consideration to taking regular breaks to manage my well-being. As a result of my careful planning and organisation, I was able to efficiently manage the quantity of work and still deliver high-quality assignments on time. This led to me getting an average mark of 74% across the four assignments and I am now still on-track for a first in my degree.”

Issues with the application form

Having trouble with our online application form for the Training Programme? We’re here to help.

I’ve forgotten my username and/or password, what should I do?

If you’re having trouble logging in, please reset your password or contact faq@teachfirst.org.uk.

When do you collect references?

Successful candidates will be asked to provide details of their referees and confirm they can be contacted, when they’re made a conditional offer.

I’m having technical difficulties with my online application, what should I do?

First, try these steps:

Check the speed of your internet connection: if your internet connection is slow, website pages can be slow to load and will eventually ‘time out’.
If your application isn’t saving correctly, make sure you’re using the next and previous buttons to move through it, rather than the navigation bar at the top of the page.
Check cookies and JavaScript are enabled on your browser. Close all browser windows then open a fresh one.

If you’re still having problems get in touch with us at recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

What if I make a mistake on the application form?

If you realise something is incorrect after submitting your application form, such as academic details, email recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk as soon as you can to update the information.

I’m in my penultimate year of university, what results should I enter?

Tell us your expected degree classification based on the results you’ve already got and enter all your module results for your first and second year. If you don’t know the results for these, list them as pending. Add ‘not applicable’ in the third and fourth year modules boxes.

What happens if I discover I’ve entered my academic results incorrectly after I get an offer?

If the mistake doesn’t affect your eligibility to teach on the programme you may still be able to continue once we’ve updated your information. But if it does your offer may be removed.

Get in touch with the recruitment team immediately if you think you’ve made a mistake by emailing recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk.

Overseas applications

We welcome overseas applications for our Training Programme. Find out more about whether you’re eligible and how to apply.

Are you able to accept applications from non-UK citizens?

Yes, we do accept overseas applicants, although you will need to prove your eligibility to work in the UK for the duration of the two-year programme by April in the year you’ll start Summer Institute.

The Graduate visa available from July 2021, and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa do not meet Teach First’s criteria to cover the initial training period and two-year Training Programme. Therefore, we are not able to accept either of these as proof of right to remain. Alternative routes into teaching may be possible using these and we would encourage you to contact ‘Get Into Teaching’ for more information.

Can I apply if I have trained overseas?

Unfortunately, we cannot train and qualify people that are already trained overseas. However, you could look to train in the UK through the overseas-trained teachers route – you can find more information on the Department for Education website.

Does Teach First sponsor visas?

Trainees are not employed by Teach First during their time on the Training Programme. We are therefore not able to sponsor visa applications.

How do I apply with non-UK qualifications?

Please apply via our online application form (you can find this on our Training Programme page): you will have the option to tick a non-UK qualifications box, then you can fill in details of any qualifications you have.

Should you be successful in receiving an offer to the programme, this will be conditional upon you providing documentation to show your overseas qualifications are equivalent to the UK qualifications we require.

We will let you know more about this process at the time; it requires you contacting ENIC, a governing body that will provide documentation confirming if your qualifications are equivalent.

Teach First Portal

This page provides guidance on using the Teach First Portal.

What is the Teach First Portal?

The Teach First Portal is an online platform used by various roles in the organisation. It allows you to submit applications, access events, update your details and manage your work with us.

Please note: the portal is still in beta and we’re hard at work to address any issues that you may experience. During this period, you may see content and navigation items that are irrelevant to your work – if this happens, or if you face any other issues, fill out our contact form.

How can I log in to the Teach First Portal?

It’s possible you already have a login for the portal. If you do you can go ahead and log in.

If you’re not sure, visit the login page, enter your email address, and select ‘Forgot your password’. You’ll receive a password reset link if you have an existing account.

If you don’t have an existing account, start an application to create one.

If you experience any technical issues with the portal, please let your Teach First contact know, or email us at recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk.

What can I use the portal for?

As a programme candidate, you can:

complete and submit your application(s) to our teacher training and school leadership programmes
see upcoming events related to your application (e.g., Development Centres)
complete your onboarding tasks
schedule calls with your Teach First support roles, for example your recruiter or programme Development Lead.

I need help, who can I speak to?

Speak to your recruiter if you have their contact details, or email us at recruitment@teachfirst.org.uk.

Subjects and teaching locations

· What you could teach

What you could teach

What subjects are available to teach on our Training Programme across England right now, and how we match you up.

Subject availability

The list below shows which curriculum areas are currently available – bear in mind you may be asked to teach more than one in your school.

Places often fill at different rates across regions. That means subject availability can differ in certain locations.

The following subjects are available to teach:

business
computing
design and technology
early years
English
geography
history
maths
modern foreign languages (French and Spanish)
music
primary
science
religious education

We regularly update this page with subject availability. Make sure to check back to see if your desired subject is still available.

If you get a place on our Training Programme, we’ll match you to a subject. This will be based on the needs of our schools and your eligibility to teach it. You can rank your subject preferences in your application, but we’ll only take into account your preferences for subjects you’re eligible to teach.

The need for teachers is particularly great in science, maths, computing and modern foreign languages, so if you are eligible to teach one of these subjects it is unlikely you will be considered for others.

What if there’s no availability in the subject I want to teach?

If there are no more places left for your chosen subject in the current intake you won’t be able to apply for it in that recruitment year. You can apply for vacancies in the following year when they open.

We sometimes change our requirements for a new recruitment year so keep checking our website when we reopen applications to make sure you’re still eligible to apply.

Does Teach First offer a reserve system if what I want to teach is full?

We review availability by subject and region throughout the year; if there are no places left in a particular subject/region we will make you an offer to teach an alternative so long as you are eligible and there is availability. If this is not possible, we may be able to consider a reserve list place.

I’d like to teach science. How can I boost my subject knowledge?

If you have A-levels at grade B or above in biology, chemistry or physics, or have studied a science degree, you can still be a physics or chemistry specialist in school.

Teach First will help you access a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme to develop your knowledge. The SKE course will be free to eligible candidates.

How old are the pupils I will be teaching?

Thinking of teaching a secondary school subject? The pupils you’ll be teaching will be aged 11-16, apart from Business Studies where the pupils are aged 14-19.

If it’s primary you’re interested in you’ll be teaching pupils aged 5-11.

For early years, the pupils you’ll be in the classroom with are 3-7 years old.