Charity's schools focus

The group recruits, trains and supports teachers specifically for schools in disadvantaged areas.

It will be placing 16 new teachers on the Fylde coast in September 2016, bringing the total number of Teach First participants in the area to 29.

The graduates will be placed at Fleetwood High School, Unity Academy, Aspire Academy, Montgomery High School, Highfield Humanities College and St Mary’s Catholic Academy.

The charity expanded into The Fylde Coast last year, identifying it as an area of greatest need.

The area has some of the country’s lowest educational attainment.

Up to 29 per cent of pupils from low income backgrounds and 50 per cent of those not on free school meals left secondary school in 2015 with five good GCSE’s.

The attainment figures are lower than both the national average and the average across the North West, where 38 per cent of pupils on free schools meals achieve five good GCSEs compared to 62 per cent of their wealthier peers.

Colin Ferguson, Teach First Director for the North West, 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’re reiterating our commitment to The Fylde Coast and will be working with schools across the North West to help give young people the best start in life.”

“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.”

Since 2006, more than 800 teachers have been placed by Teach First in schools across the North West.

From September, Teach First will place 118 teachers in 59 schools in Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and The Fylde Coast.

Teach First believes no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.

Trainees commit to a minimum of two years at their partner school, where they teach a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) timetable and around half stay on for a third year.

Their 13 month Initial Teacher Training starts with the six-week Summer Institute which provides trainees with intensive preparation for teaching in their school.