Schools Secretary Ed Balls promotes "Teach First" at Westminster Academy

Published: 12 February 2010
by  JAMIE WELHAM

“WHAT does PR mean, sir?”

Schools Secretary Ed Balls probably doesn’t need a dictionary to answer that one, but given the number of classrooms he’s been parachuted into, a teaching role wouldn’t be past him. This week it was Westminster Academy, where he was visiting to promote the work of Teach First – a charity that sends top graduates into challenging schools for a minimum of two years.

Mr Balls leapt head-first into the classroom of 30 Year 7s to give a 45-minute lesson in conflict resolution. 

Westminster Academy headteacher, Smita Bora said: “My Teach First staff have ­contributed immensely towards the academy becoming one of the most improving schools nationally. I hope that the success we have had developing our current cohort into leadership roles leads to a greater allocation of Teach First staff to our academy in the future.”