An agency is worth assessing by the clarity of its bookings and support, not just the rate in its advert. Ask the same questions of each organisation so you can compare like with like.
IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Find out who pays you, what the quoted rate means, which work is actually available and who will help when a booking goes wrong. Get important answers in writing.
Start with the work you want
Be specific about role, phase, subjects, days and travel limits. Ask whether recent bookings fit those preferences. A promise of “plenty of work” is not a guarantee of paid days. Discuss how much notice you usually need and what happens if you decline a booking.
If a guaranteed-pay arrangement is offered, ask for the actual conditions: minimum availability, travel radius, acceptable roles, pay between assignments and the consequences of declining work. Do not compare a conditional guarantee with an ordinary booking as though they were identical.
Ask for a clear pay explanation
Establish whether the quote is gross wages or an umbrella assignment rate. Ask about holiday pay, pension arrangements, pay dates and timesheet deadlines. PAYE or umbrella? explains why two headline rates may not be comparable.
For agency work in Great Britain, a key information document and written terms should explain the arrangement. Agencies cannot charge simply for finding you work. Optional paid services should be explained separately; see Acas’s agency guidance. Northern Ireland has its own framework.
Check the support behind the booking
Ask who answers before school starts and who handles pay errors. Find out how the agency supplies assignment details and checks that you have the information needed to work safely. Ask how it records previous assignments for Agency Worker Regulations purposes.
A useful question is: “If I arrive and the role or hours differ from the confirmation, who should I call?” A specific answer is more useful than a general assurance that support is available.
Compare a real booking
Imagine two offers for the same day. One has a higher quoted amount but a longer journey and an unclear payroll breakdown. Before choosing, write down gross pay, expected hours, travel costs, responsibilities and cancellation terms for both. Do not assume the larger number leaves you better off.
What this means for you
Keep a short comparison note and the written terms. Start with arrangements you understand. If you are considering using more than one agency, check the agreements and keep one availability calendar.
Ask how to raise a complaint and who takes responsibility for payroll corrections. An unwillingness to provide a written pay explanation is a reason to pause and ask further questions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay for a DBS check through an agency?
Ask what check is required, who pays and whether an existing certificate or Update Service check can be used. A legitimate checking cost is a different issue from a fee for finding work. See DBS for supply teaching.
Does joining an agency guarantee work?
Only rely on a guarantee whose written conditions you understand. Completing checks or being on an agency’s list does not itself promise a particular number of bookings.
This is general guidance. Employment rights depend on the agreement, status and UK nation.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 20 September 2026. Official guidance and individual arrangements can change.