Cover Supervisor | Multiple Secondary Schools & Colleges Across Birmingham

Marchant Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking adaptable Cover Supervisors to oversee cover lessons across Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5 in Birmingham. You will step into classrooms in the absence of regular staff, manage behaviour and ensure set tasks are completed safely.

This varied role offers flexible daily work across a network of secondary settings, with support from school cover managers and a strong emphasis on maintaining an organized, productive learning environment.

Qualifications

• This role requires a degree level qualification or higher.
• Strong GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) are essential.
• Experience working with young people aged 11-18 in relevant settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise classes across Key Stage 3–5 and ensure tasks are completed.
• Implement school behaviour policies to maintain order and safety.
• Answer student queries, offer encouragement and support tasks across stages.
• Take accurate electronic class registers at the start of each period.
• Leave clear feedback to returning staff while upholding safeguarding rules.

Skills

Classroom presence

Communication

Behaviour management

Adaptability

Group dynamics

Education

Degree level qualification or higher education background preferred

Job description

We are seeking adaptable, confident, and proactive Cover Supervisors to oversee cover lessons across Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5. Working across a wide network of secondary educational settings in Birmingham, the successful candidate will step into classrooms in the absence of regular teaching staff, manage student behaviour, ensure set tasks are completed safely, and maintain an organized, productive learning environment on a flexible daily basis.

THE SECTOR & SETTINGS

This role provides flexible daily opportunities across a diverse range of secondary settings throughout the city of Birmingham—including comprehensive secondary academies, sixth form colleges, voluntary aided senior schools, and local academy trusts. Cover supervisors are provided with pre-planned lesson materials by subject departments and benefit from welcoming school environments, structured behaviour policies, and ongoing support from school cover managers tailored to their preferred travel radius and availability.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

Classroom Supervision & Task Delivery: Supervise classes across various secondary subject areas, ensuring pupils follow instructions, stay on task, and complete work set by absent teaching staff.

Behaviour & Classroom Management: Implement individual school behaviour and reward policies consistently to maintain an orderly, safe, and respectful classroom environment.

Student Guidance & Support: Answer student queries regarding set tasks, offer encouragement, and assist pupils with learning materials across diverse key stages.

Attendance & Administration: Take accurate electronic class registers at the start of each period and collect completed student work at the end of the lesson.

Handover & Safeguarding: Leave clear written feedback for returning classroom teachers regarding pupil behaviour and task completion, while strictly upholding school safeguarding and welfare procedures.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications: Degree level qualification or higher education background preferred. Strong GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) are essential.

Experience: Previous experience working with young people aged 11-18 in educational, youth work, coaching, tutoring, or supervisory settings. This role is ideal for prospective PGCE/QTS applicants seeking secondary school experience or experienced cover staff.

Skills: Strong classroom presence, excellent communication, firmness coupled with fairness, adaptability across varied secondary subjects, and confidence in managing group dynamics.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

Local Area & Community: Operating across Britain's second city, cover supervisors work with vibrant, diverse, and ambitious secondary student populations. Birmingham offers a dynamic urban setting rich in culture, academic institutions, major commercial districts like Grand Central and the Bullring, and expansive green parks such as Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park.

Transport & Commuting: Birmingham boasts premier transport connectivity, positioned at the heart of the national motorway network via the M5, M6, and M42. Public transit is comprehensive, featuring National Express West Midlands bus routes, West Midlands Metro tram connections, and direct local rail access through major hubs including Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill stations.