Cover Manager

John Milton Academy Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

John Milton Academy Trust is seeking an effective Cover Manager at Copleston High School in Ipswich. This role involves overseeing staff absence and ensuring effective classroom cover arrangements, crucial for maintaining a high standard of education.

The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, experience in managing people, and effective IT system use. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can respond to changing priorities, we encourage you to apply.

Join a school dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with a commitment to equality and diversity.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing people in an educational setting.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of staff absence and classroom cover.
• Coordinate and deploy cover staff effectively.
• Manage staff absence records and cover budget.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

People management

IT systems proficiency

Tools

School management systems (e.g., Arbor)

Job description

Oxlip Learning Partnership,Copleston High School

Job Type:

Permanent

Hours:

37 hours a week, 39 weeks a year

Interview Date:

24/07/26

Closing Date:

16/07/26

• Grade 5 (below the bar)

Copleston High School is a popular 11-18 mixed comprehensive noted for its caring and disciplined atmosphere. It was judged as a ‘good school ‘by Ofsted in December 2023. As a school we are committed to raising standards of learning and teaching within all subject areas. Applicants will be impressed by the behaviour, ethos and outcomes of students across the school.

We are seeking an organised, proactive and highly effective Cover Manager to lead the day-to-day management of staff absence and classroom cover arrangements across the school. This is a key role within our support staff team, ensuring that learning continues smoothly and efficiently when teaching staff are absent. The successful candidate will coordinate and deploy cover staff, manage staff absence records, work closely with senior leaders and heads of department, and support the effective operation of the school's cover budget. They will also line manage and support the development of the cover team, helping to maintain high standards of service and professionalism.

We are looking for a confident and resilient individual with excellent organisational, communication and time-management skills. You will have experience of managing people, working to tight deadlines, using IT systems effectively and maintaining accurate records. Previous experience in an educational setting and knowledge of school management systems such as Arbor would be advantageous.

This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can respond calmly to changing priorities, and enjoys building positive working relationships with colleagues across the school. You will be required to start work at 7am Monday to Friday.

Application packs are available from the school website: www.copleston.suffolk.sch.uk or by calling the HR Team on 01473 277250. CVs are not accepted. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Alison Ross (Vice Principal) at [e-mail].

The Oxlip Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools. Child protection training will also need to be undertaken.

Oxlip Learning Partnership promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all sections of society. We are always keen to hear from talented professionals, at all stages of their career, who believe they can support us in achieving our vision.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment’.