Cover Supervisor

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Swan School in Oxford is seeking a dedicated Cover Supervisor to safeguard the learning environment when a teacher is absent. You will maintain academic rigour and a calm, disciplined atmosphere, enabling students to progress without disruption.

We value professionals who can adapt across subjects and year groups, communicate clearly in English, and stay resilient under pressure. This role emphasizes structured systems, minimal after‑hours meetings, and opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Presence and confidence to command a room with calm authority.
• Total commitment to a no excuses approach to discipline and excellence.
• Ability to move between different subject areas and year groups.
• High standards of spoken and written English to explain instructions clearly.

Skills

Presence and Confidence

Alignment with Values

Adaptability

Effective Communication

Resilience

Job description

Join a school where "high expectations" isn't a slogan—it's how we work every day.

Why this role matters

At The Swan School, we do not believe in "babysitting" classes. As a Cover Supervisor, you are the guardian of the learning environment when a permanent teacher is absent. You ensure that the academic rigour and calm, disciplined atmosphere we are known for remain unbroken, allowing our students to continue their progress without interruption.

What you’ll bring

• Presence and Confidence: The ability to command a room with a calm, authoritative, and professional manner.

• Alignment with Values: A total commitment to our "no excuses" approach to discipline and academic excellence.

• Adaptability: The mental agility to move between different subject areas and year groups throughout the day.

• Effective Communication: High standards of spoken and written English to explain instructions clearly and maintain the pace of work.

• Resilience: A grounded, proactive approach to school life and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

The "Why Us" difference

The Swan School is Oxford’s first new secondary school in over 50 years, and we are building something exceptional.

• Professional Agency: We trust our staff. You will work within a highly structured system designed to minimise stress and maximise your impact.

• Workload-Sensitive Culture: We have a "no after-school meetings" policy and use centralised resources to ensure your time is spent where it matters most.

• Shared Growth: You will have access to high-quality CPLD and the wider professional network of the River Learning Trust.

The RLT Connection

The Swan School is proud to be part of the River Learning Trust (RLT). This collaborative culture provides our staff with enhanced professional development opportunities and the security of a large, successful trust while maintaining our school's unique identity.

Please note: Salary figures reflect the 2025/26 pay scale. Confirmed support staff pay award figures are currently pending release, with an expected increase of 3.3%.

River Learning Trust and The Swan School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. We are an exempt employer under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. We conduct checks and online searches in accordance with Keeping Children Safe In Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

For documentation, please see RLT Safer Recruitment Documents. Visit our website www.riverlearningtrust.org for up-to-date policies including our Child Protection and Behaviour policies. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

We actively value the "different contributions" you can make. We want you to be at your best during the application process; if you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint exceptional candidates early.