UK Education Supply Pay Rates Guide (2026/27)
Qualified supply teachers in the UK typically earn £130–£220 per day, with SEN specialists and long-term placements paying more. Teaching assistants and cover supervisors usually earn £85–£120 per day.
Updated October 2026 · 7 min read
Teaching
| Role | Level | Supply (per day) | Permanent (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Supply Teacher | QTS | £130–£180 | £32,900–£49,100 |
| Secondary Supply Teacher | QTS | £140–£200 | £32,900–£49,100 |
| SEN / SEND Teacher | QTS | £150–£220 | £35,000–£53,000 |
| Further Education Lecturer | Qualified | £25–£40 per hour | £30,000–£42,000 |
Support and leadership
| Role | Level | Supply (per day) | Permanent (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistant | Level 2 / 3 | £85–£105 | £22,000–£26,000 |
| SEN Teaching Assistant | Level 3 | £90–£115 | £23,000–£27,000 |
| Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) | HLTA | £100–£125 | £25,000–£29,000 |
| Cover Supervisor | Unqualified | £95–£120 | £24,000–£28,000 |
| School Business Manager | Management | £180–£260 | £40,000–£60,000 |
These are indicative UK market ranges for standard hours. Final pay depends on the employer, location, experience and engagement model. Your Actionus consultant confirms the exact rate before you start.
AWR pay parity
Under the Agency Workers Regulations, after 12 weeks in the same role with the same school you are entitled to the same basic pay and conditions as a directly employed equivalent.
Supply teachers paid through an agency do not usually join the Teachers' Pension Scheme; they are auto-enrolled into a workplace pension instead.
Holiday pay and pensions
Hourly PAYE workers accrue 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year, usually calculated as 12.07% of hours worked. Rates may be quoted inclusive or exclusive of holiday pay; we always confirm which before you start.
Workers engaged on PAYE through an agency or umbrella company are auto-enrolled into a workplace pension once they earn over £10,000 a year and are aged 22 or over. You can opt out within one month of enrolment for a refund, and opt back in at any time.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a supply teacher earn per day?
- Typically £130–£200 per day for qualified teachers, and up to £220 for SEN specialists.
- Do I need QTS for supply work?
- QTS is needed for qualified teacher roles in maintained schools. Teaching assistant and cover supervisor roles do not require QTS.
- What happens after 12 weeks on supply?
- Under AWR you become entitled to pay parity with permanent staff doing the same job at that school.