Kristina Said:

Supply teaching - how does it work?

We Answered:

You will need to have QTS and, I would have thought, a PGCE
which you can get by applying to an educational establishment which provides the one-year course necessary to get a PGCE. To be a supply teacher you need to complete your NQT year as a full-time teacher after which you can become a supply teacher. Is supply teaching what you wish to do or do you really want to be a peripatetic drama teacher, that is one who is employed by a local authority to work, on a contract, in a number of schools. Supply teachers who only offer one subject will find it difficult to find regular work, especially, I would have thought, when the subject offered is Drama. It's not the sort of subject that schools are going to rush to ask for if their regular drama teacher is away sick for a day or two which is the basis for supply teaching. We go in to replace a teacher who is absent for short periods for sickness, courses, jury service and the like. To find supply work you really need to register with an agency who will check you qualifications, CRB check, experience, etc. and then offer you placements as they are requested by schools. For their efforts they take a percentage of your earnings. Some local authorities, such as the one I work for, have their own staff agencies who don't take a cut of your pay.
As to whether you could get a mortgage, I would think that, under present financial restraints, you would find it quite difficult because, as a supply, you do not have a regular, provable, guaranteed income.

Naomi Said:

Supply Teaching Pay London?

We Answered:

Hi There,

If it was me I would look on Monster.co.uk or something similar. This would give you a good idea of what to expect.

I'm sure they have a salary calculator on there already but don't quote me on this lol.

Good luck :D

Terry Said:

Supply teaching in Surrey/ greater london?

We Answered:

try to look around on this site http://www.google.com/ it's help you

Loretta Said:

Which agency is better to go with for supply teaching?

We Answered:

Don't bother with an agency.

Prepare a good CV (several copies, giving details of past schools worked in) and go along to schools in your area and TALK to the head or deputy (or make an appointment to see them). The face to face contact will increase the likelihood that the school will contact you direct, they will now know your face and personality (cheaper for them and more money for you!!)

Terrance Said:

How do I find UK teaching supply work without joining an agency that take a cut?

We Answered:

try to check on this site http://www.google.com/ there you find it..

Grace Said:

Am I qualified to supply teach for the remainder of the school term?

We Answered:

Yes you can - although as mentioned before work is a bit thin on the ground at this time of year - try Select Education I have always found them to be the best - and they can also help you look for FE work later on!

Carl Said:

Do i have to take every job my supply agency offers me?

We Answered:

If you are working for an Agency, you are under no obligation to take every job they offer at all. But saying that, if you keep refusing work, then the Agency might not consider you for other jobs... if you spend a few months taking everything that is offered, often at short notice, you will get yourself a good reputation with the Agency and they will offer you more and 'better work'

I worked for an Agency for years and found this to be true. You need to establish yourself with them as it were - being reliable and willing to work.