Protocol Education are working in partnership with Secondary Schools across Bristol (and North Somerset) to offer flexible, paid work for current university students as Unqualified Supply Teachers / Cover Supervisors (or Teaching Assistants if that is where you would like to start).
This role is especially popular with students at the University of Bristol, University of the West of England, Bath Spa University and University of Bath (among many other Universities) looking for meaningful, flexible work that builds confidence, professional skills and future career opportunities.
You do not need previous school experience or teaching qualifications. We provide all training free of charge and support you every step of the way.
As a Cover Supervisor / Unqualified Supply Teacher, you’ll supervise classes when teachers are absent, deliver pre-set work and help maintain a positive learning environment. The role is all about confidence, communication and building rapport with young people.
Why this role works so well for students
⭐ Flexible working around your studies
Choose the days you want to work each week, from 2–5 days. Increase your availability when deadlines pass, or reduce it during busy periods and exams.
⭐ Schools in convenient locations to you
We work with a large number of secondary schools across Bristol and North Somerset. Apply to find out which schools are likely to become your regular placements based on where you live and study.
⭐ Build towards a future career
Many of our student educators go on to secure full-time or permanent school roles once they graduate. Schools regularly identify strong candidates early and create opportunities for them.
⭐ Temp-to-perm opportunities
After 20 working weeks, many educators are taken on directly by the school they’ve been working with.
⭐ Outstanding experience for your CV
Working in schools demonstrates confidence, leadership, resilience, communication and organisation — highly valued skills in any future career.
⭐ Develop skills that set you up for life
You’ll strengthen your public speaking, behaviour management, adaptability, teamwork and professional communication skills every day.
⭐ Ongoing support from a dedicated team
You’ll have a consultant supporting you throughout your journey, including training, classroom reflection, interview preparation and long-term career guidance.
The Role
As an Unqualified Supply Teacher / Cover Supervisor, you will:
• Supervise secondary school lessons in the teacher’s absence
• Deliver pre-planned work and keep students engaged
• Maintain a calm, positive and structured classroom environment
• Build professional relationships with students and staff
• Gain experience across a variety of school settings
You are not expected to teach new content. The focus is on confidence, classroom presence and ensuring students stay on task.
Free Training Included
We provide ongoing CPD and practical training, including:
• Cover Supervisor Training
• Behaviour Management Strategies
• Thrive Approach
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• SEND Awareness Training
• Team Teach Training
Who this role suits
This opportunity is ideal for:
• University students looking for flexible work
• Graduates considering a future in education
• Students with backgrounds in drama, sport, coaching or tutoring
• Confident communicators who enjoy working with people
• Individuals looking to build transferable professional skills
Why Protocol Education?
• Flexible work that fits around your studies
• Competitive weekly PAYE pay — no umbrella deductions
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles
• Schools that genuinely value our educators
• A highly experienced team supporting students across Bristol and North Somerset
• £50 refer-a-friend bonus
Requirements
To clear for work, you will need:
Passport / proof of ID
Two proofs of address
CV covering the last 10 years of education/work history
Two years of references
Overseas Police Check if applicable
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.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.