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TL;DR: There are a lot of myths and misinformation about supply teaching – most of it negative. But the truth is supply offers educators flexible work, a reliable income, transparent partnerships, with access to professional development.
Supply work gets a bad rap.
From outdated assumptions to outright myths, there is tons of misinformation about what supply teaching really involves.
But here’s the truth: working as a supply teacher can be a flexible, rewarding career choice that suits a wide range of lifestyles — not just a stepping stone for newly qualified teachers.
To prove it, we’re busting the five biggest supply teacher myths apart to show how supply teaching really works, and shine a light on the benefits of flexible teaching jobs.
Apologies for the mess.
It’s true that the Early Career Framework and related government initiatives primarily support newly qualified teachers, but research shows supply roles are used by educators at all career stages.
In a recent DfE Report, it was reported that 85% of supply teachers use agencies to find work in schools or nurseries. As a supply educator, you always have the right to say no. The problem is that agencies don’t let you know about every opportunity, meaning you don’t truly get the benefits of flexible teaching.
Our App lets you find, choose, and book any available opportunity at any time. At Humly, you have all the say.
In a recent NASUWT survey, 75% of supply teachers reported no problems securing supply teaching in schools in 2022/23, with only 3% stating they faced significant difficulties.
And Humly gives you more control over your career than ever before. Along with the ability to see every available role, Express Jobs offers you guaranteed pay opportunities on days you want to work.
Per the Crown Commercial Service, the amount of money agencies make from your work can vary.
The school pays you your rate. The school also pays the agency for supplying you. The majority of the time, the agency will make far less than you make.
But be mindful of what agency you work with. Umbrella agencies (those using umbrella firms) don’t use the UK government-approved P.A.Y.E. system and force you to pay the employer’s national insurance.
They might promise to pay you more but, actually pay you less
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The Institute of Supply Teachers (IoST) provides free CPD for registered supply educators. And some agencies (though not all) offer free CPD support for supply staff.
Humly offers Humly Academy through our app, giving educators a learning-on-demand experience with a wide range of CPD courses covering:
Support levels depend on assignment length — short placements can mean limited induction.
No. While NQTs use supply roles to gain experience, just as many educators from varying stages of thier careers choose supply for flexibility, wellbeing, and variety.
Yes and no. You can always say no to any job. But supply agencies often give you limited opportunities in choosing your school or nursery preferences. Humly, however, lets you see every role and empowers you to apply to the ones you want.
It depends. Some supply educators prefer variety, but many seek longer-term placements or repeat bookings at the same school or nursery.
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Yes. Providers such as IoST, many supply agencies, and Humly offer CPD.
No. Schools and nurseries will require QTS or Level 3 qualifications for many supply roles. However, there are plenty of supply roles that don’t require qualifications, such as unqualified nursery roles, cover supervisor positions, and more.
Supply work is far more flexible, supportive, and rewarding than the myths suggest.
Whether you’re an early‑career teacher wanting diverse experience, a seasoned educator seeking flexibility, or looking to take on supply teaching as a side job, supply roles can offer meaningful, stable work.
