What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Supply Teacher?

In this blog, you will learn:

• What qualifications are needed to be a Supply Teacher.
• How to become a Supply Teacher with no experience.
• How to stand out to schools as a Supply Teacher.
• Where the latest Supply Teacher jobs are and how to apply for them.

Interested in pursuing the role of a Supply Teacher? The requirements to work in this position can be complex and if you’re lacking in experience, you might be worried that this isn’t an option for you.

But, fear not - we’re here to break down the qualifications you’ll need to achieve Qualified Teacher Status, how volunteering in a school can help enhance your expertise and the professional skills which will help you stand out to schools. 

What qualifications are needed to be a Supply Teacher?

To become a qualified Supply Teacher, an individual will need to have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Typically, an Initial Teacher Training program or undergraduate teacher training course will need to be completed to achieve QTS. 

To train as a Teacher in a primary or secondary school within England, a GCSE grade 4 (what used to be a grade C) is required in English and Maths. For primary teaching, a GCSE grade 4 or above in Science is also needed. Requirements can also vary depending on the training provider and some may ask for a bachelor's degree of 2:2 higher.

To teach in a primary or secondary school, a bachelor’s degree can be in any subject, however for individuals pursuing careers in secondary schools, a solid understanding of the subject they will teach is also important.

QTS can also be achieved through a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE is recommended for those who studied an undergraduate course not related to the teaching profession, but then want to embark on a career in education. 

For Teachers who have previously worked with an unqualified status, QTS may be achievable through an assessment only programme. This route can be undertaken if an individual already meets the standards for QTS and does not require additional training. In this case, an individual will have to complete a number of assessments, which can vary depending on a provider. 

Before becoming a Supply Teacher, an individual will also require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Whilst not strictly a qualification, this is essential when working alongside children and young people. 

What if an aspiring Supply Teacher has no experience?

For aspiring Supply Teachers who lack experience, we advise to:

• Volunteer in schools.
• Gain experience as a Teaching Assistant. 
• Register with a teaching recruitment agency.

Volunteer in schools

To gain experience, aspiring Supply Teachers can volunteer in schools across the UK. However, they must have an enhanced DBS check in order to work with children and young people. 

While volunteering, individuals may require a degree to work in a school, but this often depends on the specific responsibilities of the volunteer role.

As a volunteer in a school, an individual may be responsible for assisting with specific subjects and should enhance the learning experience for all pupils. 

Gain experience as a Teaching Assistant

Experience as a Teaching Assistant is invaluable for aspiring Supply Teachers. The responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant include supporting the class Teacher and ensuring that pupils are getting the most out of their school experience. 

Gaining experience as a Teaching Assistant before progressing to a Teacher, whether this be on a permanent or supply basis, is a practical idea because it can increase classroom confidence and enhance behaviour management strategies.

Register with a teaching recruitment agency

Registering with a teaching recruitment agency (like ourselves), is an effective way to gain experience within the education sector. 

A good recruitment agency will match candidates with the right education job for them. They should also have many exciting career opportunities at a number of different schools and educational settings. 

At Spencer Clarke Group, we work alongside hundreds of primary, secondary and SEND schools across the North West who are always looking for dedicated Teaching Assistants, Teachers and Supply Teachers. 

Why not register with us today to see how we could help you gain experience within the education sector?

How can Supply Teachers stand out to schools?

There are a number of ways to stand out as a good Supply Teacher and potentially bag a permanent teaching job in a school. 

Secondary education recruitment specialist, Liam Jones, says, “First and foremost, a Supply Teacher must show dedication to creating positive learning outcomes to pupils, no matter how long their contract is at a school.”

Liam continues, “If a school sees that a Supply Teacher is committed to fitting into their culture and demonstrating their values, they are more likely to consider them for a long-term teaching position.”

A Supply Teacher can make a strong impression on schools by showing compassion, fostering trust with students, and staying organised to minimize classroom disruptions.

Supply teachers need to be authoritative to engage students, communicate effectively with current staff, and be punctual to set a positive example for their students.

Supply teaching jobs for Early Career Teachers

Passed your PGCE but struggling to secure a permanent teaching job? 

As specialists in education recruitment, we work alongside hundreds of primary and secondary schools throughout the North West of England who regularly need Supply Teachers. 

Whether you’re looking to build your classroom confidence, fit your new teaching job around existing responsibilities or test the water before committing to a permanent position, we can help you enter the wonderful world of supply teaching. 

We usually find that schools love our Supply Teachers that much, they end up taking them on in a permanent position. 

Even if you’re not searching for supply work, if you refer a Teacher to us and we successfully place them into a teaching role, you could earn yourself £250 in vouchers! (Ts & Cs apply)

Recruit Supply Teachers

As a specialist education recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools with Supply Teachers and support staff across the whole of the North West. If you’re struggling to find cover, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

Primary schools - Jimmy Callagher
Secondary schools - Liam Jones
SEND schools - Jamie Heath 

Meet Liam Jones

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.