How does supply teaching work?

Supply teaching means stepping into a school when it needs cover. You might work in different classrooms from day to day, or stay with one class for a longer booking. Before accepting work, find out what the role involves, who pays you and what you will receive.

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

An agency usually arranges the booking, while the school directs your work. Some schools employ supply staff directly. Your contract, responsibilities and pay arrangements matter more than the label “supply”.

The two main ways to find work

You can register with a supply agency, apply to a school directly or look for a local supply service. Ask who your employer or contracting organisation will be. An agency finding you a direct job does not, by itself, make you an agency worker. GOV.UK explains who counts as an agency worker.

Day to day and longer bookings

A short booking may involve delivering work the school has prepared. A longer placement may include planning, marking, meetings and responsibility for a class. These are possibilities, not guarantees: agree the duties before you compare rates.

Registering and agreeing a booking

Expect checks relevant to the job, including your right to work, qualifications and experience, and any required criminal-record checks. Ask what documents the organisation needs and whether any optional services cost money.

For agency work in Great Britain, you should receive a key information document explaining the pay arrangement and written terms. The agency should also give you assignment details, including the school, hours, duties and pay. It cannot charge you a fee simply to find you work. See Acas guidance on working through an agency.

Arriving at school

Ask where to report, who will support you, how attendance is recorded and what to do if there is a safeguarding or behaviour concern. Find out which pupils need additional support and how to access the information you need securely.

Follow the school’s safeguarding arrangements. In England, school and college staff should read Part One of Keeping children safe in education. Other UK nations have their own guidance; ask the school which documents apply.

Pay, bookings and your rights

Check whether the quoted figure is your gross pay or an umbrella assignment rate. Ask about holiday pay, pension arrangements, timesheets and the payday. Do not assume every booking includes the same duties or payment terms.

Agency workers have rights from the start, and qualifying workers gain further rights after 12 weeks in the same role with the same hirer. This does not automatically make you a permanent employee. The supply teacher pay guide explains the pay questions to ask.

What this means for you

Get the role, location, hours and pay arrangement in writing before accepting.
Ask what happens if the school cancels or changes the booking.
Keep your booking confirmations, timesheets and payslips.
Keep a record of schools, agencies, roles and dates if you work regular assignments.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to accept every booking?

Check your agreed terms and availability arrangements. Tell the agency clearly what you can accept; do not assume that turning down work or guaranteed hours are treated the same under every contract.

Can I use more than one agency?

Ask each agency about its terms and keep your availability up to date. Avoid accepting overlapping bookings. Tell agencies about relevant previous assignments when discussing your qualifying service.

Is supply always teaching?

No. A booking may be for a teacher, cover supervisor or teaching assistant. Ask for the actual responsibilities and required qualifications, rather than relying on the job title alone.

This is general guidance, not advice on your individual employment rights. The agency-rights sources below cover Great Britain; use Northern Ireland guidance for work there.

Related guides

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: 19 September 2026. Rules and guidance can change.