Chris Kinread

As Director of Grad2Teach, I lead the design, growth, and delivery of a forward-thinking teacher training programme that prioritises salaried, school-based pathways into the profession. Our mission is simple but powerful: to build a more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive route into teaching—one that reflects the diversity of the communities our schools serve.

Before founding Grad2Teach, I built a career in education recruitment, working closely with schools across the UK. Over time, I saw the same challenges arise again and again: rising recruitment costs, falling teacher retention, and limited pathways into the classroom for people from diverse or working-class backgrounds. I knew there had to be a better way.

Driven by my experience as a father of three and a primary school governor, I created Grad2Teach to offer a real alternative—one that works for both schools and aspiring teachers. We help schools find and develop talented individuals who want to train on the job, earning while they learn, and making an impact from day one.

I’m especially passionate about ensuring that teacher training is not just for those who can afford to work unpaid for a year. If we want a representative teaching workforce, we need to break down the financial and structural barriers to entry. That’s what we’re here to do.