How to Become a Supply Teacher in the UK – A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Consider Supply Teaching?

✅ Flexible schedule – choose when and where you work
✅ Work-life balance – ideal for parents, carers, and semi-retirees
✅ Explore different schools – gain varied experience in local settings
✅ Boost confidence – especially for returners or ECTs looking to build classroom time
✅ Get paid weekly – with fair daily rates and regular assignments

Step 1: Check You Meet the Requirements

To become a supply teacher in the UK, you typically need either:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• A relevant teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or BEd

• Experience in a UK classroom, either through training or previous teaching roles

If you're an overseas-trained teacher, you may also be eligible - contact us for tailored guidance.

Step 2: Decide What Type of Work You Want

Supply teaching can take several forms:

📅 Daily cover – perfect for flexibility and variety
📘 Short-term assignments – 1–6 weeks, often to cover sickness or training
📗 Long-term placements – term-by-term, often maternity or longer absences
📍 Permanent roles – supply is a great stepping stone into full-time jobs

Knowing your availability, preferences, and subject strengths helps agencies match you with suitable schools.

Step 3: Register with a Trusted Supply Teaching Agency

The easiest and safest way to get started is to register with a reputable supply agency like Mana Education.

We’ll guide you through the process, offer roles that suit you, and handle all the admin.

What you’ll need to provide:

🛡️ Proof of QTS and qualifications (if applicable)
📜 Full CV with education and employment history (we can guide you through this)
🧾 Two references, ideally from recent education-related roles
🔍 Enhanced DBS check (we can help you apply if needed)
📸 Proof of ID and address for Right to Work checks

Don’t worry—we make the registration process simple, supportive, and quick. Need reassurance? See our reviews here.

Step 4: Complete Your Compliance Checks

All supply teachers must meet safeguarding and vetting standards before working in schools. This includes:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check

• Barred list checks

• Right to work in the UK

• Reference and employment gap checks

If you’ve not worked in education recently, we’ll help you update your documentation and ensure everything is in order. Our system will also guide you through this - we make it easy for you.

Step 5: Accept Your First Assignment

Once you're fully cleared, your consultant will start offering roles that match your skills, experience, and preferences.

You’ll receive:

📞 Daily updates via phone or email
📍 School info so you feel prepared before you arrive
🧾 Clear pay details and expectations
🤝 Ongoing support from a local consultant who’s with you every step of the way

Step 6: Set Yourself Up for Success

To thrive as a supply teacher:

• Arrive early and be well-prepared

• Be adaptable—every school is different

• Have a few tried-and-tested lessons or activities ready

• Build relationships with schools and staff - first impressions matter!

Remember, many supply teachers are later offered long-term or permanent roles based on their performance.

Thinking About Becoming a Supply Teacher?

Whether you're newly qualified, returning to teaching, or looking for a change of pace, supply teaching can be incredibly rewarding.

At Mana Education, we support teachers across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland and Cambridgeshire into flexible and fulfilling roles.

📞 Call our team on 0800 0 255 144 (Free from landline and mobiles)
📝 Or click on the Chat Icon below
📩 Or email us at ed@manaeducation.co.uk

We’ll help you every step of the way—from paperwork to your first placement.