Director of Graduate Recruitment James Darley is encouraging graduates interested in applying to Teach First to apply early and avoid disappointment of subject unavailability.

Applications for the 2012 Leadership Development Programme opened on 1st June 2011 and James Darley is advising graduates not to leave applying for a graduate position until later in the year. “We have found ourselves closing certain subjects in early autumn. As Teach First continues to rise in the ranks as an employer of choice, we are finding all subjects we recruit for are filling faster and I would advise all graduates looking to apply to Teach First to beat the rush and apply now” The 2011 programme saw record numbers of applications – over 5000 – for 787 places. This year, there will be over 1000 positions available on the programme for both primary and secondary teaching, making Teach First one of the largest volume graduate recruiters in the UK. Teach First gives you the opportunity to make a difference, become an inspirational teacher and leader in the movement to address educational disadvantage.

We run assessment centres throughout the year, so if you get an application in during June you could attend an assessment centre and secure your graduate job all before you return to university in September. That means you can focus all your attention on your finals without worrying about what you’ll do after uni.

If you would like to find out more about Teach First and start an application visit http://www.teachfirst.org.uk . If you’d like to have a meeting with Shelly (the York Teach First Graduate Recruiter) on campus or on the phone to get some invaluable tips and help with your application please email her at smasters@teachfirst.org.uk or call on 0203 117 2383. She is also more than happy to discuss her Teach First experience with you.