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- Tasks: Step into the classroom and lead lessons with confidence and presence.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Protocol Education, working with schools across Bristol.
- Benefits: Earn £95-£110 per day, enjoy flexible hours, and receive free training.
- Why this job: Perfect for Drama students wanting to gain experience while pursuing creative passions.
- Qualifications: No teaching qualifications needed; just bring your confidence and communication skills.
- Other info: Build a standout CV and network with educators for future opportunities.
If you’re a Drama student or graduate looking for a flexible, rewarding role where you control your working days, becoming an Unqualified Supply Teacher / Cover Supervisor could be the perfect next step alongside auditions, rehearsals, performances, or further study. Pay begins at £95 per day for Students (no hidden deductions as we pay through PAYE) and £100 for Graduates.
The ability to drive is valued to expand your number of schools, but not necessary - we work closely with schools across South Bristol and will match you with schools in convenient locations to you. You don’t need school experience, teaching qualifications or specialist training, because we provide all of that for free. What schools are really looking for are people with confidence, presence, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage an audience, all things Drama students naturally bring into a room.
You’ll gain real classroom experience, build your confidence in a completely different setting, and get to know a range of supportive secondary schools across Bristol. It’s a brilliant way to develop transferable skills, earn reliable income around your creative commitments, and open the door to long‑term or permanent school roles if education becomes part of your future.
Protocol Education work closely with schools across Bristol, and they regularly ask us for confident, positive, reliable people who can bring calm presence, clear communication, and strong classroom control into the room, skills Drama students often excel in. We support schools with their day‑to‑day emergency cover, so our Cover Supervisors are ready to jump in and support schools on the day. However, many educators secure long‑term placements within a few weeks of joining us. Whatever your career aspirations are, whether that’s in education, the arts, or something completely different, we can support your goals and match you to schools you love.
Pay, Location & Employment
- Pay: £95 to £110 per day
- Location: Secondary Schools in Bristol, with placements close to where you live. Driving is in no way required, but always appreciated to expand your opportunities.
- Type of employment: Part and full time available; day‑to‑day and permanent placements available.
Why people love working with us
- Work flexibly, choosing anywhere from 2 to 5 days a week
- FREE training, including Thrive and Cover Supervisor training
- Schools matched to your preferred locations
- Build a stand‑out CV with highly transferable, employable skills
- Dedicated consultant who listens and finds roles that suit you
- Network with schools and educators to springboard into long‑term or permanent roles
The Role
As an Unqualified Cover Teacher, you’ll step into the teacher’s shoes for the day. Lessons are already planned for you, so your main job is to lead the class, guide pupils through the set work, and create a positive, calm learning environment. This role is not about teaching or delivering content. It’s about presence, communication, and classroom management, areas where Drama students and graduates often feel confident. You’ll need to think on your feet, communicate clearly, manage a room, and build quick rapport with students. It’s a great fit for Drama students, performers, confident communicators, career changers, or anyone who enjoys working with young people and wants a role with variety that fits around other commitments.
Our Free Training
- Thrive Approach: Learn how to understand behaviour, build relationships and support emotional wellbeing. Ideal for both mainstream and SEND settings.
- Team Teach: Positive behaviour and de‑escalation strategies to keep everyone calm and safe.
- Trauma‑Informed Practices: Practical tools for supporting pupils who have experienced adversity, helping you respond with empathy and confidence.
- Cover Supervisor Training: A practical, hands‑on guide to leading classes, managing behaviour and delivering pre‑set work confidently.
The Ideal Candidate
- Drama, performing arts, theatre or stage experience
- Public speaking or presentation skills
- Confidence managing groups and holding attention
- Youth theatre, workshops, or facilitation experience
- Customer service or other public‑facing roles
- Youth work, mentoring or tutoring
- Summer camps, guiding, childcare or community roles
- SEND experience or transferable skills from care settings
Why Protocol Education?
- Competitive rates of pay through PAYE
- Guaranteed work agreements for consistent income
- FREE CPD including Team Teach, behaviour training and SEND courses
- Social events like free bowling and pizza nights
- Termly awards to celebrate outstanding performance
- Ongoing, honest support from your dedicated consultant
- £50 refer a teacher or TA bonus scheme
WHAT DO WE NEED TO CLEAR YOU
- Passport and 2 proofs of address (e.g. driving licence, utility bill, council tax, P45/60)
- CV covering 10 years of all work or education, with gaps accounted for
- 2 years of references (including childcare if applicable)
- OSPC if you lived overseas for 3 months or more in the last 5 years
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
Drama Students and Graduates - Become an Unqualified Teacher in Bristol employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Drama Students and Graduates - Become an Unqualified Teacher in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow Drama students, alumni, or even your professors. They might have leads on teaching roles or know someone in the education sector who can help you land that perfect gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your foot in the door by applying through our website. It’s super easy and puts you directly in touch with schools looking for confident individuals like you. Plus, you’ll get all the support you need from us!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During interviews or meet-ups, highlight your communication and classroom management abilities. Remember, it’s all about presence and engaging with students, which is right up your alley as a Drama student.
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible and open-minded. The more adaptable you are with your availability, the more opportunities will come your way. Schools love reliable Cover Supervisors who can jump in at short notice, so keep that calendar open!
We think you need these skills to ace Drama Students and Graduates - Become an Unqualified Teacher in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Drama Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your drama background! Talk about your confidence, communication skills, and any experience you have engaging an audience. We want to see how you can bring that energy into the classroom!
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect the skills and experiences that are relevant to this role. Focus on any public speaking, group management, or youth work you've done. Remember, we’re looking for people who can create a positive learning environment, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position and our training opportunities there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Show Your Confidence
As a Drama student or graduate, confidence is your superpower! During the interview, make sure to showcase your ability to engage and communicate effectively. Practice speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact to demonstrate your presence.
✨Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Think about the skills you've developed through your drama studies, like public speaking and group management. Be ready to share specific examples of how these skills can translate into the classroom environment, especially in managing a room and engaging students.
✨Research the Role and Schools
Familiarise yourself with what being an Unqualified Cover Teacher entails. Understand the expectations and challenges of the role, and research the schools you might be placed in. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the training provided, the support from consultants, and the types of schools you'll be working with. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
