The Teach First Training Programme combines teacher and leadership development. The programme is based on global best practice.

  • Opportunity to be part of a movement that is changing lives and that will change society.
  • Intensive teacher training leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
  • Ongoing leadership development, coaching, business training and skills workshops.

Developed in collaboration Teach First and schools, the Teach First Training Programme combines world-class teacher and leadership training and leads to a qualification that formally recognises your advanced skills in both teaching and leadership.

The one-year paid programme is based on global best practice and research and has been refined through more than 20 years of experience and feedback from leading employers, teaching experts and previous participants.

What you'll learn

Overview

During the programme you’ll gain a fully-funded Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), covering both education and leadership, to become a qualified teacher. You’ll also acquire the key skills and personal qualities needed to develop into an effective leader – someone who can make a real impact.

If you can inspire in the classroom, you can bring resilience, efficiency and imagination to any environment, no matter where your career takes you.

Over 10,000 people have joined the programme so far. Many have remained in the classroom and many others are working in leadership roles across all sectors of the economy. What they all have in common is a belief that every child should have equal opportunities in education and in life, and the knowledge they are contributing towards this goal.

Course structure

Year one
You'll engage with the programme during an intensive Summer Institute our Autumn Institute before starting in your placement school.

While working in school, you'll undertake two modules with input delivered by Teach First and assessed by Bath Spa. On successful completion of Year One, including meeting the Teachers' Standards, you'll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by Teach First and be awarded a PGCE by Bath Spa University. 

Course modules
  • Subject and Phase Knowledge and Pedagogy
  • Teaching and Professional Practice in Context
How will I be assessed?

You’ll start at your school as an unqualified teacher and your progress will be continually monitored and supported by your school and Teach First.

How will I be taught?

You'll be taught through a mixture of online and in-person seminars, delivered by Teach First. You'll also apply and refine your practice by teaching in school, supported by subject and phase experts.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Facilities and resources

You'll benefit from access to Bath Spa's digital library resources.

Opportunities

Access to Professional Development

On successful completion of your PGCE, you'll have the opportunity to pursue our MA Educational Leadership (Teach First) at a reduced cost.

This course continues your leadership development. If you choose to continue with the MA, you'll get the chance to share experiences, reflect on your development and examine ways to accelerate your leadership skills in addressing our goals as a movement for lasting social change. 

Fees

2025 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time This is a fully-funded employment-based route.

Additional course costs

You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document (linked under the main image on this page) for details of any additional costs. You can also read our Additional Course Costs Policy for further information.

Funding opportunities

Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

All applicants should refer to the Teach First website for more information on eligibility and applications. 

How do I apply?

Please go to the Teach First website for the details on how to apply for the programme.

Acting programme leader: Francine McMahon
Email: f.mcmahon@bathspa.ac.uk