Uni Students - Become a TA or Unqualified Supply Teacher

Protocol Education is working in partnership with Secondary Schools across Bristol (and North Somerset) to offer flexible, paid work for current university students as Unqualified Supply Teachers / Cover Supervisors (or Teaching Assistants if that is where you would like to start). This role is especially popular with students at various universities looking for meaningful, flexible work that builds confidence, professional skills and future career opportunities. You do not need previous school experience or teaching qualifications. We provide all training free of charge and support you every step of the way.

As a Cover Supervisor / Unqualified Supply Teacher, you’ll supervise classes when teachers are absent, deliver pre-set work and help maintain a positive learning environment. The role is all about confidence, communication and building rapport with young people.

Why this role works well for students:

• Flexible working around your studies – choose the days you want to work each week, from 2–5 days.
• Schools in convenient locations to you – work with a large number of secondary schools across Bristol and North Somerset.
• Build towards a future career – many of our student educators go on to secure full-time or permanent school roles once they graduate.
• Temp‑to‑perm opportunities – after 20 working weeks, many educators are taken on directly by the school they’ve been working with.
• Outstanding experience for your CV – working in schools demonstrates confidence, leadership, resilience, communication and organisation – highly valued skills in any future career.
• Develop skills that set you up for life – strengthen your public speaking, behaviour management, adaptability, teamwork and professional communication skills every day.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated team – have a consultant supporting you throughout your journey, including training, classroom reflection, interview preparation and long‑term career guidance.

The Role:

• Supervise secondary school lessons in the teacher’s absence.
• Deliver pre‑planned work and keep students engaged.
• Maintain a calm, positive and structured classroom environment.
• Build professional relationships with students and staff.
• Gain experience across a variety of school settings.
• You are not expected to teach new content. The focus is on confidence, classroom presence and ensuring students stay on task.

Free Training Included:

• Cover Supervisor Training
• Behaviour Management Strategies
• Thrive Approach
• Trauma‑Informed Practice
• SEND Awareness Training
• Team Teach Training

Who this role suits:

• University students looking for flexible work.
• Graduates considering a future in education.
• Students with backgrounds in drama, sport, coaching or tutoring.
• Confident communicators who enjoy working with people.
• Individuals looking to build transferable professional skills.

Why Protocol Education?

• Flexible work that fits around your studies.
• Competitive weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella deductions.
• Opportunities for long‑term and permanent roles.
• Schools that genuinely value our educators.
• A highly experienced team supporting students across Bristol and North Somerset.
• £50 refer‑a‑friend bonus.

Requirements:

• Passport / proof of ID.
• Two proofs of address.
• CV covering the last 10 years of education/work history.
• Two years of references.
• Overseas Police Check if applicable.

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.