At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise students and deliver lesson plans in the absence of teachers.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, a dedicated team focused on safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional development, and potential for a permanent role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; experience with young people preferred.
- Other info: Free online training provided; DBS check required for all candidates.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Great classrooms don’t run themselves. That’s where you come in.
We’re working with supportive secondary schools looking for confident, organised Cover Supervisors to step in and keep learning ticking along when teachers are away. This is a brilliant role if you enjoy being in the classroom, like variety in your week, and know how to hold a room without needing to reinvent the lesson.
You’ll be the calm, capable adult in the room, keeping students focused, supported, and on task. No marking marathons, no planning at midnight, just solid classroom presence and clear expectations.
What you’ll be doing:
Supervising pre-set lessons across different subjects and year groups
Managing classroom behaviour and maintaining a positive learning environment
Supporting students to stay engaged and complete their work
Following the school’s behaviour and safeguarding policies
Feeding back to teaching staff at the end of the day
This role is ideal if you:
Have experience working with young people, in schools, colleges, youth work, coaching, or similar settings
Are confident managing behaviour and building quick rapport
Stay calm, fair, and consistent, even when a class tests the boundaries
Are considering a future in teaching and want valuable classroom experience
Enjoy variety and flexibility, no two days look the same
You don’t need QTS for this role, but confidence, clarity, and strong communication are key.
What you’ll get with Protocol Education:
Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
Flexible work to fit around your life
Opportunities in supportive local secondary schools
A dedicated consultant who knows your preferences and backs you properly
FREE access to our online CPD Academy
Clear information before each booking, no nasty surprises
Extra bonus, are you Thrive trained?
If not, we offer free Thrive training to help you support students’ emotional wellbeing. Schools value it, and it gives you extra confidence in the classroom.
If you like the idea of being a steady presence, keeping lessons on track, and making a real difference without the extra workload, this could be a great fit.
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 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.
Contact Detail:
Protocol Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the school’s ethos and values. Understanding what the school stands for will help you align your approach when supervising students, showing that you’re a good fit for their environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Cover Supervisors or Teaching Assistants. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to effectively manage classroom dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with young people in detail during the interview. Think of specific examples where you successfully engaged or managed a group of students, as this will demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for professional development opportunities. Expressing a willingness to learn and grow within the role can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your commitment to education.
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with young people, especially in a school setting. Emphasise any previous roles as a Cover Supervisor or Teaching Assistant, and showcase your communication and classroom management skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your enthusiasm for working with students. Mention specific examples of how you've maintained classroom discipline and supported student learning in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your GCSEs in English and Maths. If you have a degree or are pursuing a career in teaching, make sure to mention this as it aligns with the desirable criteria for the role.
Prepare for Safeguarding Checks: Be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices during the application process. Familiarise yourself with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' and be prepared to provide details about your DBS check.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young people and your commitment to education. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion, such as volunteering or tutoring.
✨Demonstrate Classroom Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a classroom or group of students in the past. Discuss strategies you use to maintain discipline and keep students engaged, especially during teacher absences.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
As a Cover Supervisor, you'll need to adapt to various subjects and teaching styles. Be prepared to talk about how you can quickly adjust lesson plans and support different teachers' approaches.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with students, parents, or colleagues, and be ready to share these during the interview.