Lord Jim Knight of Weymouth will teach an English lesson at Westfield Community Technology College in Tolpits lane, Watford, tomorrow.

Lord Knight will join dozens of other leading individuals from the worlds of politics, entertainment, business and sport who will swap their day jobs for the classroom, as part of charity Teach First’s annual Teach First Week.

The former Education Minister has been a keen supporter of Teach First since it was established in 2002.

Other guest teachers include Marks and Spencer Chairman, Robert Swannell, world record breaking sailor, Dame Ellen MacArthur, TV personality, Adrian Chiles, humanitarian and author, Terry Waite CBE, and Editor of The Independent, Chris Blackhurst, who will all go back to school to encourage pupils to strive for more.

With a brief to take on the challenge of inspiring a classroom of pupils, the guest teachers will step out of their professional comfort zones and, for a short time, experience the excitement, trepidation, thrill and rewards of teaching.

Lord Knight will take teacher Jenny Hoffman’s Year 10 English class, and will draw on his own experience to bring the lesson to life.

Each guest teacher will be supported by Teach First teachers who will be on hand to help with lesson planning and provide ‘teacher tips’ to help ensure the lessons make as great an impact as possible.

Teach First works in partnership with schools and other organisations to break the link between low family income and poor educational attainment, which is stronger in the UK than in almost any other developed country. It does this by recruiting and training high calibre, passionate graduates to become effective, inspirational teachers in schools in challenging circumstances.

Teach First founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz said: "I am thrilled that a record number of guest teachers have agreed to be part of Teach First Week 2012.

"It acknowledges the urgent need for us all, regardless of our day job, to play a part in eradicating educational disadvantage, and ensuring that a generation of young people from low-socio economic backgrounds have the same chances in life as their wealthier peers.

"We hope that the outstanding commitment these guest teachers have shown continues beyond the week, and they go on inspiring young people to believe that no profession is beyond their grasp."