At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise classes, deliver pre-set work, and maintain a positive classroom environment.
- Company: Protocol Education partners with schools in Bristol for flexible student roles.
- Benefits: Earn weekly pay, gain valuable classroom experience, and receive free training.
- Other info: Opportunities for long-term roles and professional development available.
- Why this job: Flexible hours around your studies, perfect for aspiring teachers or youth workers.
- Qualifications: No formal teaching qualifications needed; just a passion for education.
Protocol Education partners with secondary schools across Bristol to offer flexible, paid work for university students and graduates looking to gain experience in schools. Whether you’re balancing lectures, placements, part-time work, or figuring out your next step after uni, this role can work around you. We work closely with students from UWE, University of Bristol, Trinity College and beyond, helping them step into classrooms with confidence, earn weekly pay, and build experience that looks brilliant on a CV.
The Role
- As an Unqualified Cover Supervisor, you’ll:
- Supervise classes when teachers are absent
- Deliver pre-set work and keep students focused
- Help maintain a calm and positive classroom environment
- Build confidence leading groups of young people
- Support schools across a range of subjects
However, if you would rather begin as a Teaching Assistant, this is a great place to start! As a Teaching Assistant, you will have a support role in the class led by the teacher, supporting students to focus on and access the learning.
Why students and graduates love this role
- Flexible work around lectures, placements, or other commitments
- Paid classroom experience in local secondary schools
- Great for anyone considering teaching, youth work, psychology, social work, or education
- Build confidence, leadership, and behaviour management skills
- Opportunities for long-term and full-time school roles after graduation
- A chance to make a real difference, while earning along the way
Free Training Included
We’ll help you feel classroom-ready with free CPD training, including:
- Thrive Approach
- Team Teach
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Cover Supervisor Training
To get cleared, we’ll need:
- Passport
- Two proofs of address
- CV covering the last 10 years of work and education history
- Two years of references
- Overseas Police Check (if applicable)
Why work with Protocol Education?
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
- FREE access to our online CPD Academy
- Friendly, local consultant support
- Flexible opportunities across Bristol
- Long-term and permanent opportunities available
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.
University Students - Become an Unqualified Supply Teacher or Teaching employer: Protocol Education
Protocol Education is an excellent employer for university students and graduates in Bristol, offering flexible, paid work that fits around your studies and commitments. With a supportive work culture, free training opportunities, and the chance to gain valuable classroom experience, you can build your confidence and skills while making a real difference in students' lives. Our friendly local consultants are dedicated to helping you succeed, whether you're looking for short-term roles or considering a long-term career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land University Students - Become an Unqualified Supply Teacher or Teaching
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university's career services or alumni network. They can connect you with opportunities and give you insider tips on landing that teaching role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local schools! Volunteer or attend events to meet teachers and staff. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to education, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences relate to the role of a Cover Supervisor or Teaching Assistant. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your journey to becoming a teacher.
We think you need these skills to ace University Students - Become an Unqualified Supply Teacher or Teaching
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role of an Unqualified Supply Teacher or Teaching Assistant. Highlight any experience working with young people, even if it’s informal, as this will show us you’re ready to step into the classroom.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re interested in this role and how it fits around your studies. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it show!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid jargon and make sure we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for all the fantastic opportunities we have available across Bristol!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being an Unqualified Cover Supervisor or Teaching Assistant entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as supervising classes and maintaining a positive environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you haven't worked in a classroom before, think about any relevant experiences you have. Whether it's tutoring, volunteering, or even group projects at university, be ready to discuss how these experiences have prepared you for the role. Highlight your ability to lead and support others.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the schools you'll be working with, and the training provided. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing a mock interview with a friend or family member. Practising common interview questions can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and reduce nerves. Focus on your communication skills, as they are crucial for this role.
