How Supply Teaching Agencies Support Schools?

Everything schools need to know about using supply teaching agencies in the UK

Whether you’re exploring supply teaching agencies for the first time or looking to improve how you manage staff cover, this page answers common questions schools ask about how education recruitment agencies operate. From understanding the types of staff available to how compliance checks work, we break down the essentials so you can make informed decisions when choosing the right partner for your school.

What is a supply teaching agency?

A supply teaching agency works on behalf of schools and multi-academy trusts to recruit and place qualified teaching and support staff on a temporary, long-term or permanent basis. These agencies act as intermediaries, helping schools fill gaps quickly and efficiently – whether for sickness cover, long-term leave or unfilled vacancies.

Agencies manage the full recruitment process, including:

• Advertising roles
• Vetting and interviewing candidates
• Conducting compliance checks
• Managing payroll and contracts
• Providing last-minute and emergency cover

What types of roles do supply agencies cover?

Most supply teaching agencies provide staff across all phases and school settings. Common roles include:

• Primary and secondary teachers (all subjects)
• Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
• SEN specialists and teaching assistants
• Classroom support staff and learning mentors
• Cover supervisors and behaviour support assistants
• Office staff, exam invigilators and site managers

Agencies can often help with niche or hard-to-fill roles, including senior leadership positions, SEND expertise and part-time flexible cover.

How do supply teaching agencies support schools?

Agencies support schools by:

• Reducing internal workload and admin for HR or business managers
• Providing fully vetted, compliant staff quickly
• Offering flexibility for both short-term and long-term placements
• Helping manage workforce gaps caused by absence, recruitment challenges or budget pressures
• Acting as a strategic recruitment partner for temporary-to-permanent hiring

Many agencies also offer ongoing support and candidate performance monitoring, helping ensure high-quality placements aligned to a school’s ethos and expectations.

How quickly can a supply agency send staff?

Speed is a key benefit of working with a supply agency. Many agencies have a pool of ready-to-work educators available for:

• Same-day morning cover calls
• Pre-booked absences and maternity leave
• Emergency last-minute staff shortages

Most agencies operate during and outside of school hours to ensure they can respond promptly to changing needs.

What checks do supply agencies carry out on staff?

To work in a school, supply staff must meet rigorous safeguarding and compliance standards. A reputable agency will:

• Conduct Enhanced DBS checks
• Verify right to work in the UK
• Obtain two or more references
• Check qualifications, QTS status and professional memberships
• Provide safeguarding, PREVENT and FGM awareness training
• Follow Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines
• Adhere to industry standards such as APSCo Compliance+

This ensures peace of mind that all staff entering your school are safe, qualified and prepared to work with pupils.

Do supply staff have the same rights as permanent staff?

Yes, under the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), supply teachers and support staff who have been in the same role with the same hirer for 12 continuous weeks are entitled to the same basic working and employment conditions as comparable employees. This includes:

• Equal pay
• Working time (breaks, hours)
• Annual leave entitlement
• Access to facilities such as the staffroom, canteen or parking

Schools should work with their agency to ensure AWR compliance, especially for long-term placements.

Can we hire a supply teacher permanently?

Yes. Many schools use a “temp-to-perm” approach to trial a candidate in a real-world setting before offering a permanent role. Most agencies offer flexible terms around this and can support the transition process, including any fees or notice periods outlined in their terms of business.

What happens if a supply teacher doesn’t meet expectations?

You should always feel confident raising concerns with your agency. Reputable agencies want to hear feedback and will:

• Replace unsuitable staff promptly
• Use your feedback to improve future matches
• Regularly check in to monitor satisfaction

Agencies should act as recruitment partners – not just providers – and take responsibility for staff performance and fit.

How much does it cost to use a supply agency?

Costs vary depending on role type, length of placement, experience and region. Agencies typically charge a day rate or hourly rate, which includes:

• The staff member’s pay
• National Insurance and pension contributions
• Holiday pay (if PAYE)
• The agency’s margin for services provided

Agencies on government frameworks, such as the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), offer schools transparent rates and pre-approved safeguarding standards.

Are there benefits to using local supply teaching agencies?

Yes. Local agencies often:

• Understand the local education landscape and workforce
• Build strong relationships with nearby schools and educators
• Prioritise long-term partnerships
• Offer faster response times for cover

Schools looking for a more personalised, reliable and consistent service often benefit from working with local supply teaching agencies over national call-centre-style recruiters.

How do I choose the right supply agency?

When comparing supply agencies, consider the following:

• Do they offer fully vetted, compliant staff?
• Are they on approved frameworks such as CCS?
• Will you have a dedicated consultant who understands your school?
• Can they provide references and reviews from other schools?
• Are their rates transparent and fair?
• Do they offer 24/7 support?

Agencies that invest in understanding your school’s culture and needs will deliver better long-term value and support.

Is using a supply agency right for our school?

Supply teaching agencies are an invaluable support for schools facing fluctuating staffing needs, recruitment gaps or short-term absence cover. The right agency becomes more than a service provider – they become a partner in helping your pupils and team thrive.

If you're looking to reduce admin, secure reliable cover, or find top teaching talent who match your school values, a trusted supply agency could be the solution.

Still have questions?

If you'd like tailored advice or help comparing supply solutions, feel free to get in touch with our team.