Start Date: Friday 27th March 2026
Closing Date: Friday 17th April 2026
Interviews: TBC
Salary: Grade 5, Grade 5 SP 16 - 20
Contract Type: Full Time

Cover Manager 

Start Date:  May 2026 - subject to completion of all pre-employment checks
Hours:  Full Time 37 hours per week 39 weeks per year  – 7:30am to 3:30pm (Monday to Thursday) 7.30am to 3.00pm Friday 
Salary:  Grade 5, Grade 5 SP 16 - 20  

Responsible to:  Assistant Headteacher (Quality of Education)

Thomas Gainsborough School is seeking to appoint a highly organised, proactive and reliable Cover Manager to join our dedicated staff team.

This is a key operational role within the school, helping to ensure that lessons continue smoothly when teachers are absent and that students experience a calm, consistent, and purposeful learning environment. The successful candidate will coordinate daily cover arrangements across the school and, where required, supervise lessons to support continuity of learning.

At Thomas Gainsborough School, our mission is "Excellence: for each, for all", and we are proud of the inclusive, aspirational and supportive community we have built together.

We are looking for someone who:

  • is highly organised and able to manage competing priorities in a busy school environment
  • has strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • works collaboratively and builds positive relationships with staff and students
  • is confident supervising students in a classroom setting
  • remains calm under pressure and responds effectively to the changing demands of the school day

The Cover Manager plays a vital role in supporting the smooth running of the school day and helping to ensure that students continue to receive high-quality learning opportunities.

At Thomas Gainsborough School, our work is guided by our core values of Respect, Resilience, Honesty, Happiness, Confidence and Positivity, which underpin everything we do as a school community.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a large, supportive secondary school where staff work collaboratively to deliver the very best for our students.

Safeguarding

Thomas Gainsborough School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures.

Application Closing Date:  Friday 17th April

Interviews:  TBC

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.