Education charity Teach First has announced it will be placing over 50 new teachers in schools serving low income communities across the South Coast in September 2016, including a tripling the number on the Isle of Wight, from 4 to 14.
Teach First recruits, trains and supports teachers specifically for schools in disadvantaged areas to tackle educational inequality by closing the attainment gap between the wealthiest and poorest students.
Educational inequality remains a persistent challenge throughout the UK, where the link between how much your family earns and how well you do at school is stronger than almost anywhere in the developed world. The problem is particularly striking in the South Coast where the attainment gap between pupils on free schools meals and their wealthier peers is the highest in the country. Only around a third of pupils on free schools meals (36%) in the area achieve five good GCSEs compared to 62% of their wealthier peers.
Since 2013, over 150 teachers have been placed by Teach First in schools across the South Coast. From September Teach First will work with 39 schools in the area towards a shared vision of a day when no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.
Today’s announcement comes during Teach First’s 2016 Summer Institute – an intensive 6 week training residential which prepares incoming participants to teach in school and marks the start of a 2 year Leadership Development Programme. The Teach First programme combines a salaried teaching role with ongoing training and support from schools, a university tutor and Teach First, leading to a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status.
Helen O’Connor, Teach First Area Manager for South Coast, said:
“Sadly it’s still too often the case that if you grow up in a low-income community you are less likely to do well at school, find a decent job and lead a happy, healthy life.”
“Some of the country’s most challenging education inequalities are seen in our region so there’s still so much more for us to do with our partner schools and communities. That’s why we’ve tripled our presence on the Isle of Wight and will be working with more schools than ever before to help give young people the best start in life.”
Article continues below this advertisement “We are always looking for people who have the energy, enthusiasm and gritty determination to ensure that every young person gets an excellent education, regardless of their background. Applications to our programme are now open and I encourage anyone wanting to make a real difference to the next generation to apply now.”
