Supporting schools to maximise nursery and breakfast club funding

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.

List #1

Salary

£90 - 100 per day

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Plymouth

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Full Time

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£10 - £19 per hour

Sector

SEND Support

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Plymouth

Description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant – Outreach (Primary & Secondary) Salary: Dependent on experience (in line with local pay scale) Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time About the Role: We are seeking a flexi

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Teaching Assistant -

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Plymouth Branch

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Plymouth Branch

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Teaching Assistant (SEN Focus)

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£90 - 100 per day

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Plymouth

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Full Time

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£10 - £19 per hour

Sector

SEND Support

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Plymouth

Description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (SEN Focus) Salary: Dependent on experience (in line with local pay scale) Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time About the Role: We are looking for a dedicated and compassi

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TEACHING ASSISTANT (

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Plymouth Branch

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Plymouth Branch

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Tutor

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£25 - 35 per hour

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North Yorkshire

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Flexible Working

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£20 - £29 per hour

£30 per hour and above

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Tutor/Intervention

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North Yorkshire

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Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people who need support outside of mainstream education? We are seeking a committed, creative, and resilient Alternative Provision P

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EPNYAP

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Behaviour Specialist

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£90 - 140 per day

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Northamptonshire

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Full Time

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Less than £100 per day

£100 - £199 per day

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Secondary

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Northamptonshire

Description

Job Title: Behaviour Support Specialists – September 2025 Start Location: Secondary Schools Across Northamptonshire Contract Type: Full-time, Part-time, and Flexible Supply Roles Available Salary: Com

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Teaching

Salary

£140 - 160 per day

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Ware

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Full Time

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£100 - £199 per day

Sector

PMLD

Location

Ware

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Qualified Teacher (PMLD & SLD) – QTS RequiredJoin an Outstanding SEN School Supporting Learners Aged 2–19We are partnering with an exceptional SEN school that has proudly maintained an Outstanding OFS

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Northants & Counties SEN

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Supply Teacher - Flexible Working

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£90 - 150 per day

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Northamptonshire

Job Type

Flexible Working

Salary

Less than £100 per day

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

Cover Supervisor

Location

Northamptonshire

Description

Job Title: General Day-to-Day Supply Teachers – September 2025 Start Location: Secondary Schools Across Northamptonshire Contract Type: Flexible Daily Supply / Short-Term Cover Salary: Competitive dai

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Sports Coach

Salary

£90 - 150 per day

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Northamptonshire

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Flexible Working

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Less than £100 per day

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

Physical Education

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Northamptonshire

Description

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PESUPPLY

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Northants & Counties Secondary

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Sunderland and Gateshead TA's Needed

Salary

£95 - 110 per day

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Sunderland

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

Less than £100 per day

Sector

Primary

Location

Tyne and Wear

Description

Primary Teaching Assistants Needed – Sunderland and GatesheadLocation: Sunderland and Gateshead Primary SchoolsStart Date: SeptemberJob Type: Full-Time & Part-Time (Long-Term and Short-Term Roles Ava

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sundta

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Tyne Tees Primary

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Tyne Tees Primary

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Teacher

Salary

£140 - 160 per day

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Hoddesdon

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Full Time

Salary

£100 - £199 per day

Sector

Teacher

Location

Hertfordshire

Description

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Teacher

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Northants & Counties SEN

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Salary

£90 - 100 per day

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Sunderland

Job Type

Full Time

Salary

Less than £100 per day

Sector

Primary SEN Support

Location

Tyne and Wear

Description

Behaviour Support Assistant – Primary School, Sunderland (ASAP Start) Location: Sunderland Start Date: September Employer: Teaching PersonnelWe are working closely with a welcoming primary school

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behavsupsun

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Can I Become a Supply Teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles

Can I Become a Supply Teacher without Qualified Teacher Status?

Register with usfor a choice of classroom roles

Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles