Are you an English student or graduate looking for a flexible, rewarding role that can work around other jobs or studies? Protocol Education is working with a number of secondary schools in and around Taunton, supporting them with reliable, day-to-day classroom cover. We’re currently recruiting English graduates to work as Unqualified Supply Teachers / Cover Supervisors, stepping in when teachers are absent and keeping learning on track.
This is a popular entry route into education for English graduates who want real classroom experience, confidence in front of pupils, and a chance to explore teaching before committing to further training.
You do not need previous school experience, teaching qualifications or specialist training. We provide all required training free of charge, alongside ongoing support once you’re working in schools.
The ability to drive and access to a car is advantageous to expand your school connections.
What is the role?
As an Unqualified Supply Teacher / Cover Supervisor, you will:
Supervise secondary classes in the absence of the class teacher
Deliver pre-planned lessons and set work (no planning required)
Support reading, writing and comprehension-based tasks across subjects
Maintain a calm, positive and focused learning environment
Follow school behaviour policies and routines
You are not expected to teach new content. Your role is to confidently lead the room, explain tasks clearly, and help pupils engage with the work that has already been set.
Working pattern
Flexible work from 2 to 5 days per week
Supply opportunities ranging from short-term to ongoing cover
A mix of emergency and pre-booked work, depending on availability
Opportunities to work across a range of secondary schools
Schools matched to your preferred locations wherever possible
This role suits graduates who want variety, flexibility and experience, whether alongside other work, further study or future teaching plans.
Why this role works well for English graduates
English graduates often thrive in this role thanks to strengths in:
✏ Clear communication and explanation
✏ Confidence speaking in front of groups
✏ Supporting literacy, reading and written work
✏ Building quick rapport with young people
✏ Thinking on your feet and adapting quickly
If you’re calm, articulate, reliable and keen to learn, schools genuinely value what you bring.
Our Free Training
Protocol Education are proud to offer:
Thrive Approach: Learn how to understand behaviour, build relationships and support emotional wellbeing.
Team Teach: Positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies to keep everyone calm and safe.
Trauma-Informed Practices: Practical tools for supporting pupils who have experienced adversity.
Cover Supervisor Training: A hands-on guide to leading classes, managing behaviour and delivering pre-set work confidently.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO CLEAR YOU
To get you cleared we’ll need:
Passport
2 proofs of address (e.g. driving license, utility bill, council tax, P45/60)
CV covering 10 years of all work/education, with gaps accounted for
2 years of references (including childcare if applicable)
OSPC if you lived overseas for 3 months or more in the last 5 years
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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