.jpg?v=62ad3d295daa6f1e371d51f4442e9357)
Can I Become a Supply Teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?
Teaching is a noble profession that holds the power to shape young minds and inspire future generations. Many people find great joy and fulfilment in pursuing a career in education. One avenue within the teaching profession is becoming a supply teacher. But can you become a supply teacher without Qualified Teacher Status? We will explore the possibilities and requirements for entering the supply teaching field without holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Understanding the Role of a Supply Teacher
Before we delve into the requirements, let's briefly understand the role of a supply teacher. Supply teachers are temporary educators who step in to cover the absence of regular classroom teachers. They play a vital role in maintaining continuity in education, ensuring students' learning experiences are not interrupted during periods of staff absence.
The Requirements for Becoming a Supply Teacher
Typically, holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a preferred requirement for becoming a supply teacher. QTS is a recognised professional status awarded in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, indicating that an individual has met the required standards to teach in schools.
However, it is important to note that there are alternative routes to becoming a supply teacher even without QTS. While these pathways may vary depending on the location and educational institution, here are some potential routes to consider:
- Cover Supervisor: In some schools, you may be able to work as a cover supervisor without holding QTS. Cover supervisors supervise students during a teacher's absence and ensure that learning continues. While you may not have the same level of responsibility as a qualified teacher, this role allows you to gain experience in a classroom setting and familiarise yourself with school policies and procedures.
- Teaching Assistant: Many teaching assistant roles do not require QTS. By working as a teaching assistant, you can support the teacher in the classroom, assist with planning and preparing materials, and provide one-on-one support to students. This role allows you to gain valuable experience in the education sector and develop essential skills necessary for teaching.
- Overseas Teaching Experience: If you have teaching experience from another country, you may be able to transfer your skills to the UK education system. In some cases, schools may consider your international teaching qualifications and experience when hiring supply teachers, even if you don't have QTS. However, it's important to research the specific requirements of the region or school where you plan to teach.
- Supply Teaching Agencies: Another option is to register with supply teaching agencies such as Teaching Personnel. These agencies often work with schools to provide temporary staff, including supply teachers. While they may prefer candidates with QTS, some agencies may consider individuals without QTS, depending on the demand for supply teachers and specific school requirements.
- Flexibility: Supply teaching offers flexibility in terms of working hours and locations. It can choose when and where you work, giving you control over your schedule.
- Variety: Supply teaching provides opportunities to work with diverse student populations and experience different educational settings. This variety can enrich your teaching skills and broaden your perspective.
- Skills Development: Supply teaching allows you to develop essential skills such as adaptability, resilience, and the ability to quickly build rapport with students. These skills are valuable in any teaching role.
- Entry into the Education Sector: Becoming a supply teacher without QTS can serve as a stepping stone into the education sector. It provides an avenue for gaining practical experience and exploring teaching as a potential career path.
Benefits of Becoming a Supply Teacher without QTS
While QTS is undoubtedly advantageous for career progression within the teaching profession, there are still benefits to becoming a supply teacher without it. Some of these advantages include:
Conclusion
While holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is often preferred for becoming a supply teacher, it is not always a strict requirement. By exploring alternative routes, such as working as a cover supervisor, or teaching assistant, leveraging overseas experience, or registering with supply teaching agencies (such as Teaching Personnel), you can still embark on a fulfilling career as a supply teacher.
Remember, each school and region may have its own specific requirements, so it's essential to research and understand the qualifications needed in your desired location. Whatever path you choose, your passion for education, dedication to student learning, and continuous professional development will contribute to your success as a supply teacher.
So, if you aspire to make a difference in the lives of young learners, don't let the lack of QTS deter you. You can contact your local Teaching Personnel branch to discuss your options.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£90 - 120 per day
Location free text
Barking
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Greater London
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant Location: Barking, LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full TimeSalary: Pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: September 2025Are you passionate about supporting children with
Reference
taSENbarking
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£90 - 120 per day
Location free text
Dagenham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Dagenham
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant Location: Dagenham, LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full TimeSalary: Pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: September 2025Are you passionate about supporting children with
Reference
taSEN(Dagenham)
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Barking
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater London
Description
Teaching Assistant (Barking)Location: Barking, LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full Time- Term time Salary: pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: September 2025Are you looking to expand your ca
Reference
taBarking
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Dagenham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dagenham
Description
Teaching Assistant (Dagenham)Location: Dagenham, LondonSector: PrimaryJob Type: Full Time- Term time Salary: pay to scale (dependent on experience)Starts: September 2025Are you looking to expand your
Reference
TAdagenham
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Nottingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Nottingham
Description
Shape Futures: Become a Maths Tutor in Nottingham!Do you have a passion for making numbers click and problem-solving exciting for young people?TP Tutors, a leading tutoring agency dedicated to providi
Reference
TWNG3MAths18/7/25
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Derbyshire
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derbyshire
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFDerbyMaths18/07
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£130 - 220 per day
Location free text
Birmingham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Birmingham
Description
English Teacher – Full Time | September StartLocation: Birmingham Position: Full-Time English Teacher Start Date: 3rd September 2025 Are you a passionate and experienced English teacher looking for yo
Reference
English SW
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Derby
Description
Looking to come out of the Classroom and teach 1:1?Why TP Tutors?As we enter the spring term, it’s the perfect time to make an impact on secondary students’ education. At TP Tutors, we’re passionate a
Reference
10SFEngDerby18/07
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£13.75 - 14.50 per hour
Location free text
Redruth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Cornwall
Description
Location: Redruth, Cornwall Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time (Flexible) Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications Start Date: September 2025 (or ASAP)Are you passionate about sup
Reference
LR009
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cornwall Secondary & SENAuthor
Cornwall Secondary & SENSalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Reading
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Teacher
Location
Reading
Description
Join TPTUTORS – Inspire, Empower, and Make a Lasting ImpactAt TPTUTORS, we’re more than just a tutoring service—we’re a dedicated team of educators committed to transforming lives through tailored, hi
Reference
LM18/07/20253
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Related posts

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job