Recent studies show the highest number of teaching vacancies in the UK since the School Workforce Census began. According to gov.uk statistics, the rate of new entrants is higher than those leaving education but the census points to a large shortage of teachers. But what might this mean for you and other supply teachers (also known as cover teachers) in the UK? It means there are a large number of vacancies, and there has never been a better time to become a supply teacher!

In this article, we take a look at how to become a supply teacher.

What is a Supply Teacher?

In the event that a regular teacher is absent, a supply teacher fills in to teach in the classroom. Most of the time, supply teachers don't have their own classroom and are capable of teaching any subject.

Unlike permanently employed teachers, who often earn an annual salary, supply teachers are frequently compensated on an hourly basis.

The Rising Interest in Becoming a Supply Teacher in the UK

It’s true, the demand is rising for teachers and the falling number of applicants only exacerbates this need. In contrast, interest in becoming a supply teacher is also on the rise and it’s easy to see why the supply role is so appealing.

While supply teachers may not receive the same perks as full-time staff, there is great interest in the role and the potential benefits it offers to teachers. You get to do what you love, and there is also a lot of flexibility with supply teaching which is very attractive. You can choose the days and hours that you work, while being able to dictate precisely how much of the year you wish to work. It’s not for everyone, but working as a supply teacher can help with your work/life balance for many different reasons.

You obviously have reasons of your own (given that you are here reading this post) and you likely know the required qualifications etc. but in case you might be unsure, let’s take a look at the requirements needed for this role.

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What Type of Supply Teacher Would You Like to Be?

Primary or secondary? There is a stark difference in responsibilities between primary and secondary school supply teaching; Primary school supply teachers are usually required to teach 5-11 year olds every subject on the curriculum. Whereas secondary school supply teachers specialise in just one (or sometimes two) subjects and this role might involve a bit more adaptability such as marking essays or lab work.

It’s also possible to choose between long and short term supply work. You basically know where you will be each day with long term supply work and this can often lead to offers of full-time employment. With short work – or 'daily supply' – you get to decide exactly when you work and this will likely involve being in and out of different schools which can be great for experience and building confidence early on.

Supply Teaching Pay

Employers sets supply teachers' rates of pay, taking into account any applicable local or national agreements and regulations. The type of employment relationship you have will have a significant impact on your supply teacher pay, benefits, and terms of service.

The pay will also depend on; whether you are qualified or not, and where in the country you’re teaching. Roles in London and fringe regions have a higher pay rate to the rest of the country due to the higher cost of living.

Another big factor in supply teacher pay is whether you opt for a traditional teaching agency, or an ethical, higher-paying alternative like Zen Educate.

With Zen Educate, you can ensure a higher rate of pay. This is because they cut out high agency fees, putting more money in school budgets while you get paid more. Sign up here to get started.

What Qualifications Do Supply Teachers Need?

You need to acquire “qualified teacher status” (QTS) through a relevant undergraduate degree or postgraduate certificate. This means you can qualify to become a supply teacher with something like a QTS in science (or similar) alongside an undergraduate degree. Alternatively, it’s possible to finish a postgraduate certificate in education or complete initial teacher training at a designated/recognised institution.

Why ECT Teachers Should Consider Supply Teaching

As an ECT, working as a supply teacher at the beginning of your career is a great way to get real classroom experience while getting all the help you need during your two-year induction period.

Starting supply work right away following final placement is an excellent way to get ready for the next school year. You can test out different year groups, work flexibly, and gain firsthand experience with a variety of management techniques and cultures. In order to get ready for your next job move, you can expand your experience, learn new skills, and improve your resume. Before applying, think about the year groups, abilities, or kind of school you want to get experience in.