Common Questions Teachers Ask About Working Supply

Whether you're new to supply or exploring it as a flexible alternative to a permanent teaching role, this guide answers the most common questions supply teachers ask in England.

What is supply teaching?

Supply teaching involves providing temporary cover in schools for absent teachers. Assignments can range from a single day to several weeks or even a full academic year. This type of work is typically arranged through supply agencies or directly with schools and academies.

How much do supply teachers get paid?

Supply teacher pay varies depending on your experience, subject area, location and type of placement:

Daily rates:

• £120–£150 for newly qualified teachers
• £150–£200 for experienced teachers
• £180–£250 for specialist subjects or long-term cover

Long-term roles may be paid in line with the Teachers’ Pay Scale depending on experience and location, ranging from £31,650 to £49,084 annually, pro-rated for the period worked.

How far in advance is supply work arranged?

This depends on the nature of the booking:

• Same-day cover (emergency sickness): Calls typically come between 6:30 and 8:30am.
• Short-term planned absences: Bookings may be made 1–5 days ahead.
• Long-term or maternity cover: Often arranged 2–6 weeks in advance.
• Pre-booked regular cover: Sometimes scheduled for an entire term.

Is supply teaching work readily available?

Yes. There’s strong demand for supply teachers due to rising vacancies in schools. Opportunities are especially high in urban areas and in subjects such as science, maths and computing.

What if I’m not happy at a school?

Supply teachers are usually not bound to return to the same school unless in a long-term booking. If you are unhappy at the school you are working at, you can inform your agency or employer and request alternative assignments. In long-term roles, a notice period may apply.

How much does it cost to sign up with a supply agency?

Registering with a supply agency is free. However, you may need to pay for:

• Enhanced DBS check (£49.50)
• Update Service subscription (£16/year)
• Optional training or CPD courses (some agencies offer free options).

What do I need to sign up with a supply agency?

Most agencies require the following:

• Valid photo ID and proof of address
• Right to work in the UK
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Teaching Assistant Level 2 or 3, etc.)
• Enhanced DBS certificate (on the Update Service preferred)
• Two education references
• Up-to-date CV with full work history
• Safeguarding training

What types of supply roles are available?

Supply teaching can take many forms:

• Day-to-day supply: Short-term, ad hoc work covering planned or unplanned absences
• Short-term placements: Cover lasting several days or weeks
• Long-term placements: Covering maternity leave or unfilled vacancies
• Temp-to-perm roles: Trial placements with potential for permanent employment
• Non-teaching roles: Including cover supervisors, teaching assistants and admin support

Will I have to plan, mark or attend meetings on supply?

It depends on the role:

• Day-to-day supply: Usually no planning or meetings, though marking may be expected in primary.
• Long-term supply: Includes lesson planning, assessments, staff meetings and parent evenings.
• Temp-to-perm roles: Full class teacher duties, similar to long-term supply.

Can I move from supply into a permanent role?

Yes. Many schools use supply as a way to trial teachers before offering a permanent contract. Temp-to-perm arrangements are common and allow both the school and teacher to assess fit before committing.

PAYE vs Umbrella: What’s the difference?

PAYE (Pay As You Earn):

• Tax and National Insurance handled by the agency
• Entitled to statutory benefits (e.g. holiday pay, pension auto-enrolment)
• Transparent pay rates

Umbrella Company:

• You're employed by a third-party payroll provider e.g. Brookson, Parasol, Danbro, Generate, People Group or Azebra.
• Pay may appear higher, but deductions for employer costs and admin fees apply
• May offer optional extras (e.g. insurance, expenses)

Do supply teachers get holiday pay?

Yes. Supply teachers are entitled to 12.07% of your daily rate, which can be received in two ways:

Rolled Up Holiday Pay

Rolled-up holiday pay allows you to receive your holiday pay for each pay period as opposed to accruing your holiday pay and requesting this to be paid during annual leave.

You will receive the 12.07% of your daily rate that is your holiday entitlement, for each day you work in a week (your pay period), paid to you with your weekly pay – 1 week in arrears.

Accrued Holiday Pay

You will accrue 12.07% of the days you have worked. When holiday pay is requested, your holiday pay will be calculated based on 12.07% of your average earnings over the last 52 weeks up to a maximum of 104 weeks, excluding any weeks without pay.

Do supply teachers get pensions?

Yes. If you are paid via PAYE, you will usually be automatically enrolled in a workplace pension scheme unless you opt out. If paid via an umbrella company, pension arrangements are handled through them.

Can I still pay into my Teachers’ Pension Scheme on supply?

Supply teachers employed directly by a school may still pay into the Teachers' Pension Scheme. However, if you're working through an agency or umbrella company, you're usually enrolled in a private workplace pension instead.

Can I join a union as a supply teacher?

Yes. Supply teachers are eligible to join most teaching unions, including the NEU, NASUWT and NAHT. Membership provides access to legal advice, representation and professional support.

Do I qualify for maternity/paternity leave as a supply teacher?

You may qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) or Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) if:

• You've worked continuously with the same agency for at least 26 weeks by the qualifying week
• You earn above £123 per week (as of 2024)

However, statutory leave (e.g. paid maternity leave) usually applies only to employees, not agency workers.

What happens after 12 weeks in the same school?

Under the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), after 12 continuous weeks in the same role at the same school, you are entitled to:

• Equal pay to permanent staff in a similar role
• Equivalent working conditions, including breaks and leave entitlements
• Paid time off for antenatal care if pregnant

This applies whether you're on PAYE or working through an umbrella company.

Still have questions?

Our friendly team will be more than happy to help you.