As a supply teacher, you know the level of flexibility and resilience the role demands. If you want to prove you’ve got what it takes, your CV needs to reflect your skillset.
This guide, along with a Supply Teacher CV example, will help you put together a CV that highlights your teaching adaptability and subject knowledge – so you’re first on the call list when schools need support.
Supply Teacher CV
How to write your Supply Teacher CV
Discover how to craft a winning Supply Teacher CV that lands interviews with this simple step-by-step guide.
When a school brings in a supply teacher, they’re not just looking for cover – they want someone who can maintain learning and keep the day running smoothly. Your CV needs to demonstrate that you can step into new settings with minimal disruption and maximum professionalism.
This guide will help with writing a CV to showcase your experience, classroom presence, and versatility – whether you’re covering short-term absences or taking on long-term supply contracts across different key stages or subjects.
Supply Teacher CV format and structure guidelines
Supply teaching relies on adaptability and clear communication – qualities your CV structure should mirror. With limited time to make a strong impression, a neat and organised application helps recruiters and agencies quickly see what you offer and how soon you can be in the classroom, without distracting them with fluff or visual mistakes.
Here’s the layout to follow:
- Name and contact details – Ensure your name and contact details are easily visible at the top. A photo is optional and depends on the role.
- Profile – Write a short summary of your teaching experience and availability.
- Core skills – Bullet point your key strengths, from classroom management to subject specialisms.
- Work experience – Start with your most recent roles, including supply agencies and long-term placements.
- Education & certifications – Provide details on your academic background, including certifications or specialised training.
- Additional info – You can add hobbies or activities here that reflect your enthusiasm for the industry, along with language skills and professional awards.
Keep your CV to two pages maximum in length, use bullet points to break up key details, choose a professional, readable font, and use consistent formatting throughout. A well-presented CV format reassures employers that you’re ready to take control of a classroom – and not just on paper.
Creating a strong Supply Teacher profile
Your CV profile is the first thing recruiters and school leaders will read, so it should clearly convey your subject strengths and flexibility as a teacher. Supply teaching isn’t just about availability – it’s about the ability to integrate quickly into a range of environments and maintain high standards of learning and behaviour.
Supply Teacher CV profile examples
Profile 1
Adaptable and professional Supply Teacher with five years of experience covering a wide range of subjects across primary and secondary schools. Skilled in maintaining classroom discipline, following school-specific lesson plans, and building rapport with students quickly. Confident in delivering high-quality lessons on short notice and supporting continuity in learning across varied school environments.
Profile 2
Experienced and flexible Supply Teacher with four years of classroom experience in both mainstream and SEND settings. Proficient in managing mixed-ability classes, maintaining positive behaviour, and adapting to different school policies. Committed to delivering engaging, inclusive lessons that support student development during teacher absences.
Profile 3
Reliable Supply Teacher with six years of experience supporting schools across KS1–KS4, including long-term cover roles and emergency day-to-day placements. Skilled in differentiating instruction, classroom management, and quickly adapting to new school settings. Known for professionalism, punctuality, and the ability to build strong working relationships with staff and pupils.
Details to put in your Supply Teacher CV profile
Here’s what to include:
- Where you’ve worked – Mention schools, academies, or supply agencies you’ve worked through.
- Your top qualifications – Include your PGCE, QTS, and any relevant degrees.
- Essential skills – Refer to behaviour management, curriculum delivery, and flexibility across key stages.
- Experience teaching different subjects or year groups – Show your adaptability to different classrooms and timetables.
- Short-notice readiness and professionalism – Highlight your ability to step into lessons confidently, even with limited prep.
Show off the core skills recruiters look for
This section provides a concise overview of the teaching skills you bring to the role – especially those that help you perform well in unfamiliar classrooms. Tailor these skills to reflect the needs of the school or agency you’re applying to.
Rather than listing general traits, focus on strengths that reflect how you adapt to different classroom environments, maintain control, engage learners quickly, and build trust with students and staff in short periods of time. This gives schools confidence in your ability to step in and keep learning on track.
Most important skills for a Supply Teacher
- Adaptable Lesson Delivery – Delivering pre-set or improvised lessons across various subjects and year groups, often at short notice.
- Classroom Management – Maintaining order and engagement in unfamiliar classroom settings, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
- Quick Relationship Building – Establishing rapport with students and staff to foster respect and cooperation during short-term placements.
- Curriculum Familiarity – Understanding national curriculum standards to ensure continuity and quality in student learning.
- Behavioural Support – Managing challenging behaviour and applying school policies consistently across different environments.
- Marking and Feedback – Assessing student work where required and providing constructive feedback in line with school expectations.
- Communication with Permanent Staff – Collaborating with teachers, teaching assistants, and school leaders to ensure smooth handovers and consistent teaching.
- Time Management – Efficiently organising the school day, transitions, and activities to maximise student learning.
- Flexibility Across Key Stages – Teaching across different age groups, subjects, and schools, often adapting to new settings daily.
- Professionalism and Reliability – Upholding high standards of conduct, punctuality, and appearance as a representative of the school or supply agency.
Describing your work experience
Your work experience section should show how you’ve delivered results in a variety of teaching situations. Include both short-term and long-term supply work, and highlight any repeat bookings – these speak volumes about your reliability and effectiveness.
List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each one, include the name of the school or agency, the dates, and a few bullet points outlining what year groups or subjects you taught, how you managed classes, and any achievements or feedback you received.
What’s the correct way to structure job history on your CV?
- Outline – Mention the school, agency, or trust you worked with and the type of cover provided.
- Responsibilities – Use action words like “delivered,” “covered,” “maintained,” or “supported” to emphasis your contributions to the working environment.
- Achievements – Highlight successes such as “regularly rebooked by schools,” or “maintained strong classroom behaviour with minimal disruption.”
Sample work experience for Supply Teachers
Supply Teacher | Beacon Hill Primary School
Outline
Provided short-term and emergency cover across KS1 and KS2 classrooms at a large primary school, maintaining continuity of learning during staff absences.
Responsibilities
- Delivered pre-prepared lesson plans and adapted teaching to meet pupil needs.
- Managed classroom behaviour using school policies and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided feedback to permanent staff on pupil progress and behaviour.
- Marked completed work and ensured learning objectives were met.
- Supported pupils with SEN and EAL through tailored activities and one-to-one support.
Achievements
- Consistently requested by SLT for repeat bookings due to reliable classroom management.
- Helped improve engagement in lower-attaining groups through creative lesson delivery.
- Recognised for maintaining a calm and focused learning environment.
Supply Teacher | Redmoor Secondary School
Outline
Covered a range of subjects across KS3 and KS4 at a busy secondary school, ensuring effective delivery of curriculum content in the absence of full-time staff.
Responsibilities
- Delivered lessons across English, Maths, and Humanities using school-provided resources.
- Maintained classroom control and addressed low-level behaviour proactively.
- Built rapport quickly with students and maintained high expectations.
- Marked work in line with departmental guidelines and recorded assessment outcomes.
- Liaised with heads of department to provide feedback and ensure lesson continuity.
Achievements
- Commended for flexibility and professionalism across a variety of subject areas.
- Successfully supported a Year 10 English class over a three-week absence period.
- Invited to cover long-term placement due to positive staff and student feedback.
Supply Teacher | Hollowfield Education Trust
Outline
Worked as a supply teacher through an education agency, covering daily and long-term assignments across primary and secondary academies within a large MAT.
Responsibilities
- Delivered engaging and structured lessons with minimal preparation time.
- Adapted quickly to new school systems, classroom routines, and safeguarding procedures.
- Provided pastoral support to pupils and contributed to positive classroom environments.
- Completed safeguarding, PREVENT, and behaviour training as part of agency requirements.
- Worked closely with teaching assistants and support staff to meet student needs.
Achievements
- Maintained 100% reliability and punctuality record across all assignments.
- Recognised by multiple schools for excellent classroom presence and adaptability.
- Regularly requested by schools for repeat cover due to strong classroom performance.
What should your CV’s education section include?
This section proves you’re qualified to step into the classroom. List your teaching qualification and degree(s) in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent education. If you’ve completed your induction year, mention it clearly.
Include details like QTS status, PGCE, or BEd, and any extra training such as safeguarding, behaviour management, or subject-specific CPD.
What qualifications do employers look for in a Supply Teacher?
- PGCE or BEd in Primary or Secondary Education – Core qualifications for classroom teaching.
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) – Required for teaching in state-funded UK schools.
- Degree in a Relevant Subject – Often required, especially for secondary teaching roles.
- Child Safeguarding Level 2 or 3 – Essential for compliance and safety in the classroom.
- Behaviour Management or SEND Training – Helpful for adapting to different classroom needs.
