Cover Manager

Sharnbrook Academy, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK44 1JL

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  TBC

• Closing date

  31 August 2026 at 10am

• Date listed

  13 August 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £24,561.28 Annually (Actual)

Cover Manager job summary

Vacancy for Cover Manager

Salary: Meridian Trust Grade 7 , Points 12

Hours: 37

7am- 3pm Mon- Thurs and 7am-2:30pm Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a cover manager to join our team! You will ensure high-quality cover is provided for classes in the absence of a teacher and work closely with HR regarding the coordination of staff absence.

The opportunity

• A great chance to work with a strong, fun enthusiastic team
• Supervise classes across KS3 & KS4 following a programme of study during short-term absences
• Actively engage with the class while following the Teacher’s lead
• Proactively manage and allocate cover for the planned and unplanned absence of teaching staff.
• Checking and signing off all supply invoices
• Line management of the Cover Supervisor team
• Ensuring all orders and bookings for cover and supply are uploaded to the finance system.

The ideal candidate

• Have a good educational background and working with young people.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to effectively influence students.
• Be a team player, with a ‘can do’ solution focused attitude.
• Possess outstanding communication skills and personal integrity.
• Ability to remain calm and professional at all times.

About Meridian Trust -

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 31/08/2026

Interviews will be held on: 07/09/2026

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Sharnbrook Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1684 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Sharnbrook Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/sharnbrook-academy

Sharnbrook Academy is a member of the Sharnbrook Academy Federation multi-academy trust. Our academy is set in attractive rural surroundings and provides excellent opportunities for pupils aged 11 to 18. We are proud to be part of an organisation where students thrive in lessons and make significant contributions to the wider life of the school through extracurricular activities, work in the community and by participating in local and national competitions. Student behaviour is exemplary, and the climate for learning is vibrant and inclusive.

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