Cover Manager
Location: Kirk Balk Academy, West Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, S74 9HX
Salary: Grade 6, SCP 23-24 FTE salary £34,434.00 - £36,363.00 (Pro rata salary £30,422.00 - £32,127.00)
Expires: 28/08/2026 23:59
Post: Cover Manager
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: Grade 6, SCP 23-25, £34,434.00 – £36,363.00 FTE (Pro rata salary £30,422.00 - £32,127.00)
Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year, they are subject to an equated salary adjustment
Working Type: Full Time, 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (45.942 paid weeks)
Base: Kirk Balk Academy, West Street, Hoyland, Barnsley, S74 9HX
Please note: the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
Northern Education Trust is a multi-academy trust committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. At Kirk Balk Academy, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, high-achieving environment where all students have equal opportunities to learn, develop, and succeed.
We are seeking an organized, proactive, and resilient Cover Manager to oversee all elements of staff cover within the academy. This is a pivotal role that balances administrative leadership with direct student interaction.
You will work closely with supply agencies to book and monitor staff, ensure seamless lesson coverage using our MIS system, and lead a dedicated team of Cover Supervisors. Additionally, you will work under the guidance of teaching staff to manage student behaviour and supervise whole classes during short-term teacher absences.
Key Responsibilities
- Cover Management & Agency Liaison: Oversee the daily staff cover schedule, accurately report absences in the MIS system, and manage room allocations or displacements. Act as the primary contact for supply agencies, evaluating the performance of supply teachers and ensuring they receive a proper induction upon arrival.
- Team Leadership: Take responsibility for the performance management, training, and development of the academy's Cover Supervisors.
- Classroom Supervision: Supervise pupils on work set during short-term teacher absences, answer student questions, manage behaviour to maintain a constructive learning environment, and ensure classrooms are left in good order.
- Student Support: Build positive relationships with students, promote independence, encourage inclusion, and escort pupils on educational visits or out-of-academy activities.
- Academy Operations: Assist with exam invigilation, accurately record lesson attendance, and contribute to the overall ethos and aims of the academy.
Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to build constructive relationships with both external agencies and internal colleagues. You should be proficient in using ICT to support learning and feel confident managing student behaviour in accordance with academy policies. A strong commitment to professional development, equal opportunities, and data protection (GDPR) is essential.
Northern Education Trust offers:
The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.
Employee benefits
- Free onsite parking
- High quality continuous professional development
- Occupational sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Employee Assistance Programme
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process.
The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
In order to apply for this position, please visit: https://northerneducation.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/account/login/202310?aisId=12&rmId=3361
For more information, please contact Erica Jackson, Business Manager at e.jackson@northerneducationtrust.org or Denise Young, Business Support Assistant at d.young1@northerneducationtrust.org
Closing date: 18th September 2026
Cover Manager (Secondary) in Barnsley employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
