
How to choose the right supply teacher agency for you
With some pupils already back at school and more due to return soon teachers across the United Kingdom are gearing up to get back to the classroom. For many supply teachers, this will be a welcome development as they have encountered a variety of challenges during the lockdown months, from unclear furlough guidelines through to the sudden adoption of online teaching.
If you’re a supply teacher preparing to get back to work, now might be the perfect time to think about your supply teacher agency. If you’re not sure whether you need one – or perhaps you’re considering a change – our guide to choosing the right supply teacher agency should help.
Understanding why you should work with a supply teacher agency
There are many reasons supply teachers do what they do. The main motivators for supply teaching include a reduced workload, more flexible work pattern and preparing for a permanent post. And while it’s not essential to be signed up with a supply teacher agency, many education professionals find agencies to be extremely helpful in finding regular work.
In fact, the number of supply teachers who obtain their work either solely or predominantly through agencies has risen year on year, with 82% of supply teachers mainly working via agencies in 2019. Agencies do the job hunting for supply teachers, communicating offers between schools and teachers and ensuring the relationship runs smoothly. Agencies typically have access to a larger number of vacancies than teachers would be able to find on their own, thanks to established relationships with schools, and can make the process of finding a supply teaching job much less stressful.
Decide which supply teacher agency suits you
When supply teachers are asked by the NEU Supply Teacher Survey Report which agency they used, the most popular agency has been Teaching Personnel every year since 2014. But don’t just take their word for it; know what to look for in your next supply teacher agency:
Expertise
Look for an agency that specialises in education recruitment and has a strong focus on supply teaching. Ideally, your agency will have a deep knowledge of the education sector in the UK and will know the ins and outs of supply work, as well as keeping you updated on any legislation or accreditation changes. Indicators of quality include how long an agency has been around, how many schools they work with and how many teachers they place.
Variety
You will also want to look for an agency that offers plenty of choice. This includes different branches and jobs across many different schools, areas and age groups, whether that’s primary or secondary teaching or SEND work. The more access your agency has to different roles, the more likely you are to be presented with supply jobs that suit your needs. This is particularly important when factoring in your transport options; by partnering with an agency that has access to more jobs in more places, you’re increasing your chances of finding a local school.
Recommendations
Personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a reputable agency. Ask other supply teachers in your area which agency they work with or read feedback online to help get an idea of what to expect. Then meet your recruiter in person (or via phone or video call, such is the case in the current climate) to get a feel for them yourself.
Support
A good supply teaching agency will not only match you to jobs – they'll also help to guide your career and provide you with valuable resources along the way. This includes advice on things like renewing your DBS check or changes to national standards and curriculum. Continuing professional development is another big plus point. A good agency will offer access to tools and courses to help you keep driving your career forward. It should also be as efficient as possible and some agencies have online services that make managing your work with them very simple. Finally, as we are in unprecedented times, you should also consider how the agency you choose has supported its candidates during lockdown.
Let Teaching Personnel find your next supply teaching job
At Teaching Personnel, we have access to roles in schools all over the country. We are the supply teaching provider of choice for thousands of schools and job seekers and pride ourselves on our deep knowledge of the education industry as well as our high levels of candidate care. Find out why teachers work with us. Register for supply work with Teaching Personnel today.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£83.85 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Barnsley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
South Yorkshire
Description
Level 3 Teaching Assistants – Sheffield & Barnsley Are you a Level 3 Teaching Assistant looking for an exciting opportunity in Sheffield or Barnsley? We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individ
Reference
s8568
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Less than £500 per week
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Location: Sheffield Contract: Full-time About the Role: We are seeking a highly organised and enthusiastic Administrative Assistant to join our dedicated team in Sheffield. This is an exciting opport
Reference
JH144
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£33,075 - 45,037 per year
Location free text
East Grinstead
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
KS1 - Year 1
Location
East Grinstead
Description
Year 1 Teacher – Full-Time | September 2025 Start Location: East Grinstead Salary: Paid to Scale – Dependent on ExperienceAre you a passionate and dedicated teacher looking to inspire young learners?
Reference
mat cover Year 1 Sep
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Liverpool
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Liverpool
Description
Engaging and Supportive Maths Tutors Required in the Liverpool Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking for
Reference
RVL3Mat01/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Lancashire
Description
Engaging and Supportive Science Tutors Required in the Preston Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking for
Reference
RVPR1Sci01/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£87 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Less than £500 per week
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Location: Sheffield, South YorkshireJob Type: Full-time/Part-time, TemporaryStart Date: As soon as possibleSalary: Competitive, dependent on experienceTeaching Personnel is currently seeking a dedicat
Reference
JH143
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£90 - 120 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Less than £500 per week
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you looking to step into the world of education and make a positive impact on young learners? We are seeking dedicated Cover Supervisors to support secondary schools in Sheffield ASAP. This role i
Reference
JH142
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£53,731 - 61,787 per year
Location free text
Beckenham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£50,000 - £59,999
Sector
Secondary
Location
Beckenham
Description
Director of Performing Arts – Beckenham Salary: £53,731 - £61,787 per year (L1-L7, Outer London) + Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Pension Scheme (TPS) + Wellbeing Cash Plan + Additional Benefits
Reference
HAB1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Permanent StaffingAuthor
Permanent StaffingSalary
£110 - 130 per day
Location free text
Brynmawr
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Newport
Description
Cover Supervisor Jobs in Blaenau Gwent – Flexible, Long-Term Education OpportunitiesTeaching Personnel is looking for a Cover Supervisor to join a variety of schools in Blaenau Gwent. This flexible, l
Reference
JW0104CS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport Primary & SENAuthor
Newport Primary & SENSalary
£165 - 250 per day
Location free text
Rochdale
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Design and Technology
Location
Rochdale
Description
Are you a passionate and dedicated Design & Technology teacher looking for a new opportunity? We are seeking an enthusiastic and creative DT Teacher to join our supportive and vibrant school community
Reference
365543
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondaryRelated posts

Teaser
Tips and 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
EducatorsContent 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
Special Educational NeedsContent 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

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire

by
Scott Owen
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan

by
Scott Owen

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
.jpg)
Teaser
NurseryContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
The government has announced new nursery funding and the introduction of free before-school breakfast clubs. These initiatives will bring change to early education. Yet staffing them will be a c
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job