Cover Supervisor

Reading Girls' School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7PY

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027

• Closing date

  30 November 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  12 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £20,225.00 - £22,249.00 Annually (Actual) RG3 (5-11) Monday to Friday - 8.15am to 3.30pm

Cover Supervisor job summary

Reading Girls’ School, part of the Thames Learning Trust, is seeking an enthusiastic, confident, and reliable Cover Supervisor to join our dedicated team.

The primary purpose of this role is to supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of a class teacher, ensuring students remain focused on set work, managing classroom behaviour in line with school policy, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. When not required to cover classes, you will provide valuable support as a Teaching Assistant within identified subject departments or assist with administrative tasks.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with strong classroom presence who is passionate about supporting young people's education—including those considering a future career in teaching.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Supervision: Supervise whole classes during short-term teacher absences, implementing pre-set work programmes and taking student registration promptly.
• Behaviour & Welfare: Manage student behaviour effectively, deal promptly with incidents in line with school policies, and act as a member of the break duty team.
• Student Support: Respond to individual student needs to promote inclusion, provide feedback on progress, and potentially share responsibility for a tutor group as part of a year team.
• School & Exam Support: Invigilate internal and external exams, administer/mark tests as required, accompany students on educational visits, and support PSHE and Personal Development.
• Departmental & Admin Support: Maintain classroom resources, use ICT to support learning, and provide Teaching Assistant or administrative support when not covering lessons.

Who We Are Looking For

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths at Grade C (or equivalent, e.g., NVQ Level 2). An HLTA qualification is preferable, or a minimum of NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Previous experience working with young people in a classroom setting (preferably secondary age and with whole classes), alongside strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Skills & Knowledge: Excellent communication skills, confidence in managing whole classes, proficiency in ICT, and an understanding of strategies to raise achievement and promote positive behaviour.
• Personal Attributes: A genuine commitment to young people, high expectations for their welfare and progress, flexibility, resilience under pressure, and a positive, optimistic outlook.

We also have a forward-thinking Employee Assistance Programme, a Medical Cash Plan, Wider Wallet benefit hub, Wider Fitness and Eyecare Voucher Scheme. As we are close to the centre of Reading, travel connections are first-rate, with the M4 and M3 within easy reach, as well as the mainline rail station (with fast connections to London).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Allison Worley, Human Resources Manager aworley@thameslearningtrust.co.uk

Applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

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 Reading Girls' School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 905 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Reading Girls' School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/reading-girls-school-reading

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