Protocol Education is working in partnership with a welcoming and ambitious secondary school in the heart of Bristol, very close to the main hub of University of Bristol, to recruit Drama students to join their team as a Cover Supervisor / Unqualified Supply Teacher working flexibly around your studies or your professional acting career.
Secondary Schools value the outgoing, hard-working, and engaging character of drama students, graduates and working actors. You will use your confidence and communication skills to lead the room, guiding pupils from Year 7 to Year 11 through pre-set work.
We regularly work with students from the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol. If you have little or no experience, you can begin with us as a Teaching Assistant, building your confidence while completing training before progressing into Cover Supervision, if it's the right fit for you.
The Role (Cover Supervisor / Unqualified Supply Teacher)
As a Cover Supervisor / Unqualfiied Supply Teacher, you'll supervise lessons when teachers are absent, ensuring pupils remain engaged with the work that's been set. You're not expected to teach new content. Instead, you'll use your training, communication skills, confidence and professionalism to create a calm and productive learning environment.
Although your background is in Drama / Theatre / Acting, you'll cover a range of different subjects throughout the school day. This is completely normal, as the role focuses on classroom management rather than subject expertise. You'll:
- Deliver pre-planned lesson activities left by the class teacher
- Explain tasks clearly and confidently
- Build positive, professional relationships with pupils
- Use the school's behaviour policy consistently and fairly
- Create a calm, purposeful classroom environment where learning can continue
- Adapt confidently to different year groups and subjects
We're looking for people who are:
- Drama students or graduates, or those who have worked as professional ators
- Reflective in their practice, eager for feedback and keen to develop professionally
- Kind, approachable and empathetic with young people
- Confident in learning and applying clear routines and behaviour expectations
- Reliable, organised and professional
- Available to work at least two days most weeks, with flexibility around university commitments
We understand that university comes first. There will be busy periods during the year, including fieldwork, exams and assignment deadlines, so you decide when you're available. Simply update your availability and we'll work around your schedule.
To apply you'll need:
- The right to work in the UK
- Proof of ID
- Two proofs of address
- A CV covering the last 10 years
- References covering the last two years (plus any childcare references where applicable)
Whether you're considering a career in education, environmental science, planning, research or another people-focused profession, this role offers flexible work that develops confidence, leadership and communication skills while making a real difference in a thriving school community.