iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

This GCSE results day, thousands of young people will receive the grades they've worked hard for. Behind every set of results is a journey that began years earlier.

A message stating a child starting school today will be 18 in 2040, emphasizing future changes shaping their growth, with ABC blocks and 'Starts primary 2026'.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

From September, more than 500,000 additional pupils will become eligible for free school meals as the Government expands eligibility to all households on Universal Credit... www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...

independent.co.uk

Free school meals: What to know as around 500,000 more children eligible

The Child Poverty Action Group has urged the Government to do more to let families know of the policy change

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Teach First Secondary Mathematics @teachfirstmaths.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

We had a fabulous time in Newcastle at the end of July with our incoming trainees for National Gathering. We loved geeking out on mathematics pedagogy with them and had some great talks from @meimaths.bsky.social on AI and from @ncetm.bsky.social on connections in mathematics

Photo of people round a table in discussion with min-whtieboards on the table with bar models on

Photo of a whiteboard with post-it notes stuck on with trainee's pledges for September

Photo of people sitting in rows working in pairs on shared whiteboards

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Last month, 1,300 future teachers, one photo. 💙 Our 2026 cohort came together in Newcastle for one unforgettable moment before heading into classrooms this September. We can't wait to see where this journey takes you. ✨

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Congrats to @lucympowell.bsky.social on her appointment as Education Secretary. We look forward to working together on our shared mission of ensuring that no child’s education is limited by their socio-economic background.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Too many young people are being left behind before they even get the chance to shape their future.

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

For pupils living in long-term poverty, also known as persistent disadvantage, it is often the norm to not pass their maths and English GCSEs. This can lead to poorer employment prospects. Lower lifetime earnings. Even their health can be impacted. They’re stuck in a cycle of poverty.

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

We had a fantastic time at the @educationfest.bsky.social! We hosted two sessions led by our brilliant staff, caught up with many of our ambassadors, and celebrated the incredible work they're doing. Thanks to the Festival of Education for such an inspiring event! 👏

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Education Policy Institute @edupolicyinst.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

A pressing topic on the agenda today, as EPI and @teachfirst.bsky.social brought together policymakers, school leaders and sector experts to discuss persistent disadvantage in schools, marking a new report drawing on research commissioned from EPI. Full report: www.teachfirst.org.uk/reports/clas...

20-30 people listening to a speaker at a lectern, giving a presentation.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Pupils living in long-term poverty face one of the biggest barriers to educational success in England. By the time they sit their GCSEs, persistently disadvantaged pupils are, on average, 22.4 months of learning behind their non-disadvantaged peers by the end of Year 11.

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

We’re excited to be attending the 16th instalment of the Festival of Education, run by @educationfest.bsky.social, on 2–3 July at Wellington College 🎓 The Festival of Education brings educators together for two days of inspiring professional development, discussion and networking. 🤝 #educationfest

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

MP Mark Sewards continues to support our mission. Discussing our latest research: “I want to see the government give every child counted in this research that same chance, and the first step towards giving it to them is finally agreeing to count them at all.” Read his views here: lnkd.in/e7GzHFfu

"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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Teach First is pleased to confirm that we are the preferred supplier for the next iteration of the High Potential Initial Teacher Training (HPITT) programme, commencing in 2027.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

🚨 The number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) has passed the 1 million mark for the first time in more than a decade. The rise is a stark reminder of the widening challenges facing young people in our system. 📈

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Maurice Helfgott as Teach First’s next Chair. He brings a breadth of senior leadership experience across executive and non-executive roles, covering a range of organisations, including Brightpearl, MyOptique, Long Tall Sally, Moss Bros and ME+EM.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Great to have linked our partner school with the Foreign Office for inspiring careers sessions. Pupils in Years 10 and 12 learnt about diplomacy, government roles, and pathways into the Civil Service.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

With the number of aspiring headteachers reducing, more should be done to support leaders who play an integral role in helping pupils rewrite the future.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Only one in four pupils facing disadvantage achieve strong passes in English and maths GCSEs. Two in three of young people facing disadvantage then leave education without a Level 3 qualification (A‑levels or equivalent).

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Poverty First - our response to Public First and Star Academies’ inquiry on ‘White Working Class Educational Outcomes.' Read more: www.teachfirst.org.uk/reports/pover…

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Join our webinar for secondary schools. Because great teaching teams don’t happen by chance. Partner with Teach First to build yours. 👉https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/events/rewrite-future-your-school-teach-firsts-talented-trainees

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."

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Teach First ambassador and member of our Women’s Leadership Network, Abigail, is rewriting the future as founder of Rock Paper Write. Through her work, she delivers nature-immersed creative writing workshops for children, especially in under-resourced communities of Greater Manchester.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

We hosted a fantastic two-day Leadership Summit with the Heads Forward Network. 🚀 Across the two days, participants visited schools to see initiatives in action, joined focused leadership sessions and workshops, and connected over dinner to share experiences and ideas.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

We’re spotlighting Ed Kirwan, a Teach First ambassador rewriting the future with his creation of #EmpathyWeek – a movement has now reached 2.5 million students worldwide. His story shows the power of a teacher’s vision to spark global change: www.teachfirst.org.uk/stories/empat…

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Empathy Week returns in 2026! Teachers and school leaders can inspire empathy through powerful stories, films, events, and free resources that help pupils build this vital skill. Get free access to a full week of storytelling and activities. Register now: www.empathyweek.org/register2026

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We’re proud to support the Inclusion for All campaign from Impetus and The Difference, backed by 60+ organisations and now reflected in the Schools White Paper. We’re delighted to see government answer this call from across the sector.

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

We’re proud to have worked with Helena Dollimore MP on this comment piece, highlighting the urgent need to invest in schools in coastal communities and calling for the London Challenge to be emulated in coastal areas

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

This morning, our CEO James Toop joined Times Radio to share his reflections on the Government’s Schools White Paper.

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Teach First Secondary Mathematics @teachfirstmaths.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Was great to see our Y1s at training days in Birmingham, Leeds & London last week. We loved hearing how you're getting on in school and geeking out on some maths with you all. Trainees also got thinking about their next steps in their practitioner research for their PGCE assignment #MathsToday

Photo of a women delivering training with a screen that displays an activity about writing critically

Photo of a women delivering training with a screen that displays an activity that involves sorting quadratic graphs into a two-way table

Image of post-it notes stuck on a sheet of paper answering the question 'what's gone well?' The post-it notes cover things such as improved relationships with students and getting better at lesson planning

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

In partnership with The Reach Foundation, we’re developing a new leadership model that addresses the gap in middle leadership and supports schools working in the most disadvantaged communities. Join the conversation and sign up to an event: ow.ly/1IwY50YcR5K

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.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Josh Goodrich, Teach First ambassador and co‑founder of Steplab, is joining our mission to rewrite the future through innovation and systemic change. Read Josh’s full blog here: ow.ly/5KBv50Y5r27

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

We’re pleased to count Luke Sparkes among our Board of Trustees. Hear how Change Makers are rewriting the future for children facing disadvantage: www.teachfirst.org.uk/stories?utm_s…

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

"Rewrite the future: let’s debate." 🖊️ Right now, 1 in 3 children in the UK won’t reach their full educational potential because of where they grow up. We’re here to flip the script – as a movement of Change Makers and Change Partners - to believe in the possible. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZGB...

youtube.com

Teach First x Big Zuu - Rewrite the future

YouTube video by Teach First

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Yesterday, we supported seven teachers from our Ambassadors in Policy Network at a Parliament roundtable chaired by Saqib Bhatti MP. They shared what they love about teaching, their Teach First training experience, and policy ideas to strengthen schools.

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

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Sarah Hartsmith @sehartsmith.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Another fantastic set of History Subject Knowledge Masterclasses on offer for our @teachfirst.bsky.social Y2 historians this Wednesday! The training day has a strong focus on representation in history, with these masterclasses building on and shining light on a range of important areas.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Sanam is a passionate Teach First primary school teacher who’s joining our mission to rewrite the future by championing diverse voices in the classroom. ✨

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 about the importance of diversity and the rewarding experience of teaching, over a blurred background of classroom books and materials.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Jackie Bowen, Teach First ambassador and headteacher at The East Manchester Academy shares who they are rewriting the future. Read more on how Jackie Bowen is helping the next generation thrive inside the classroom and beyond:https://ow.ly/2IgZ50XJvIx

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

Quote about schools being accessible community hubs by Jackie Bowen, overlaying a school building at dusk.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

This morning, our CEO James Toop spoke at the Education Select Committee.📢 The focus? Driving real change in teacher recruitment, training and retention. 🎯 Our CEO said: "We need more focus on attracting teachers to the schools where they are needed the most."

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

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

We recently welcomed Saqib Bhatti MP, Shadow Minister for Education, to Grace Academy Solihull, and Deirdre Costigan MP to Greenford High School. MPs met Teach First trainees and ambassadors, spoke with pupils about school life, and heard from headteachers about their achievements and challenges.

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

Three students in school uniforms sitting around a conference table engaged in discussion in a bright classroom.

Three people in suits seated around a conference table in a modern meeting room with a school emblem on the wall.

Seven individuals in formal attire standing in front of a blue and white wall with educational text and graphics.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

We’re glad to have placed a high number of teachers in STEM subjects. But young people from poorer backgrounds remain less likely to take the subjects and achieve the top grades. Read more from our CEO: www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/guide/article/future-of-stem-arts-subjects-kqcxxgzf2

thetimes.com

Stem was the future, but has it gone too far?

Employers are still keen on computer and science skills, but a more inclusive approach to the arts in schools may be needed to thrive in the workplace

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

🎉 We're proud to have recruited 1,434 trainee teachers on our Training Programme this year. These teachers are part of a movement of Change Makers supporting thousands of pupils to rewrite their future.

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

22% of the 2025 Training Programme cohort identify as LGBT

27% of 2025 training program participants were eligible for free school meals as pupils

39% of the 2025 Training Programme cohort are teaching STEM subjects including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

With generative AI on the rise, schools serving the most deprived communities are being left behind. EdTechnical, led by Teach First ambassador Libby Hills, steps in.

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."

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Today’s #AutumnBudget makes a clear commitment to young people. It is hugely welcome to see the government’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap, estimated to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 450,000 by 2029/30.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

@sarahsmithlab.bsky.social , the Government’s champion for the opportunity mission, sets out why action is needed ahead of tomorrow’s Budget: feweek.co.uk/our-economy-... This Budget is a real opportunity to invest in young people facing disadvantage, so every child can reach their potential.

feweek.co.uk

Our economy won’t grow with 1M young NEETs left behind

This Budget must back the Youth Guarantee with real investment, or accept that wasted talent will cost us far more

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Your voice matters. Help shape our next chapter – take our 10-minute survey by 8 Dec. teachfirst.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/for…

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

🚨 Nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training - according to figures published today. James Toop, CEO, says, “It means futures grinding to a halt, with young people from low-income communities hardest hit, not because of a lack of talent but a lack of opportunity."

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

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Lee D @leedon1982.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Love this. And love that it’s a @teachfirst.bsky.social ambassador leading the call for the Trustee Adult Guarantee for young men @alistrathern.bsky.social 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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Sarah Hartsmith @sehartsmith.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Our @teachfirst.bsky.social History y1s have a great selection of subject kn masterclasses to choose from for part of Online Seminar1, selecting what is most relevant to personal subject kn dev now- a focus on GCSE, along with my masterclass on a global perspective to Medieval history.

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

New polling of secondary pupils reveals deep anxiety about their future prospects and careers. And those from low-income backgrounds face a double disadvantage - greater worry about what’s next and bigger barriers to getting there.

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"

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Teach First @teachfirst.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

When Teach First ambassador Rob joined the Training Programme, he wanted to make a difference for his pupils. What he didn’t expect was to spark a global innovation that’s now helping over 150,000 teachers.

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