The chief executive of the education charity Teach First is stepping down after seven years in the role.

Russell Hobby will remain in post until summer next year as he explores future opportunities and to ensure an orderly transition, said the charity, which trains teachers and school leaders in disadvantaged areas. 

Hobby became chief executive of Teach First in 2017 and has guided it through a “period of growth”, the charity said, including rolling out new programmes and steering it through the educational crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Most recently, Russell has overseen Teach First’s ambitious new strategy to 2030, to support the transformation of schools in disadvantaged communities to help ensure every child fulfils their potential,” the charity said.

Before taking up the post at Teach First, Hobby was the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers. 

He serves as a trustee of the charities Fair Education Alliance and Teach for All UK and is a member of the education committee at the charity Royal Society. 

In 2023, he joined the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a non-executive director.

Teach First said it will announce plans for the recruitment of its next chief executive shortly.

Hobby said: “I have loved my time at Teach First. It is like a shot of energy and enthusiasm. I stand in awe of our trainees and ambassadors, and of all the staff at our partner schools and trusts. I have learnt so much from them. 

“I’m deeply grateful to our partners in university, business, philanthropy and government. My colleagues are amazing, some of the smartest, most dedicated people you could hope to meet; I will miss them a great deal.”

Dame Vivian Hunt, chair of Teach First, said: “Every pupil, teacher, ambassador and partner school are grateful for Teach First and Russell’s strong leadership over the last seven years. 

“We are fortunate to have an ethical, hardworking and committed leader who places our mission – ending educational disadvantage – at the heart of everything he does. The board and entire organisation offer our deep appreciation and respect.”