Supply Teacher Pay Rates in London: What You Can Expect to Earn in 2025

Supply teacher pay in London is something many educators are thinking about as they plan for 2025. Whether you are considering flexible supply work or looking at longer-term roles, it helps to know what you will earn before the new school year. With a clear idea of expected pay, you can plan out your budget, pick the right type of position, and feel better prepared to move between jobs.

Schools across all parts of London rely on supply teachers for everything from one-day cover to longer placements. If you are stepping into the job market or returning to teaching, understanding how daily rates work in the capital can make a real difference. Here is a clear breakdown on what to expect and how different types of work can impact your pay.

Supply Teacher Daily Pay Rates in 2025

Daily pay for supply teachers continues to compare well to many other regions. Whether you are teaching in inner or outer London, typical assignments line up within a consistent pay structure.

Most reputable agencies offer a minimum of £190 (umbrella) a day for qualified teachers, and support staff, including teaching assistants, start at £105 (umbrella) per day. For unqualified cover supervising, the rate starts at £120 (umbrella). These amounts are the starting point. Certain schools, emergency absences, or roles in specialist subjects may bring slightly more depending on demand and season.

Here are some points to keep in mind about daily supply roles:

- Same-day emergency cover usually pays at the base rate, especially for last-minute calls.

- Short placements (like week-long or two-week roles) can sometimes pay a bit more, especially if they ask for extra travel or tricky locations.

- If you end up doing extended bookings in the same school, your post can sometimes convert to long-term or ‘paid-to-scale’ work depending on the need.

Daily supply work suits many teachers who want flexibility, but if you are open to longer blocks or can help with planning, you may find yourself in higher-paying bookings.

Swift Education maintains transparent pay with a minimum of £190 per day for teachers and £105 for support staff, so you always know exactly where you stand.

Long-Term Supply Work and Pay to Scale

Supply work is not always about short contracts. Lots of teachers move into long-term supply posts when schools require steady, ongoing cover. In these cases, we at Swift Education aims tol follow the national teacher pay scale.

‘Paid to scale’ means you get the same pay as you would in a direct, permanent job at the school. The exact amount you earn fits your experience level, teaching qualification, and any extra responsibilities you have held before.

Consider these factors:

- Years spent teaching in the UK or internationally.

- If you have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

- Any previous duties like subject coordination or leading year groups.

For instance, a teacher with several years of UK experience might receive a higher rate than someone newly qualified. The pay scale gives a reliable income, making it easier to manage money and plan ahead.

Many newcomers from abroad start in these longer supply roles, using them to build UK classroom experience and transition into more permanent spots if the fit works well for both sides.

Long-term assignments often give you more time in the classroom, a steady pay rate, and consistent routines that make it easier to settle into London life.

Factors That Can Affect Your Pay

Even though there are standard rates, pay can shift for a few reasons.

One key factor is location. Travelling to the outer London boroughs might involve more time in the mornings, so some schools further out will sometimes pay slightly higher rates to get strong candidates quickly.

The time of year can also make a difference. September and January are especially busy, as schools bring in supplies to fill gaps and support classroom changes after major holidays. Exam periods or the run-up to summer breaks might also drive up requests for specialists.

Not every role pays the same. Qualified teachers tend to earn more, especially in subjects like maths or science. Support staff and SEN assistants often start at lower rates, but many find consistent work because demand stays strong all year.

Consider these things to make the most of your placement:

- Your available hours each week.

- How far you are willing to travel.

- Year groups and subjects you would rather not teach.

The more you can take on, the higher the chance to secure steady, well-paid work. It is also common for teachers who can support core subjects or handle last-minute requests to see higher overall earnings.

Swift Education’s commitment includes weekly pay through either Umbrella or PAYE, making payment straightforward and dependable each week.

Flexibility in Supply Teaching Roles

A major benefit of supply teaching is flexibility. Lots of educators pick these roles because they want to say yes or no to work when it suits their home life or side projects.

Day supply lets you work around other commitments, such as parenting, studying, or even exploring London. You can test a few schools and see which environment feels right. If you prefer steady work, you might accept a block booking for greater consistency.

Here are common reasons people stick with flexible supply roles:

- Space to manage major life changes like moving house or coming to London from overseas.

- Freedom to take time off without a permanent contract.

- Opportunities to meet a variety of schools and staff before settling in.

It is also a popular path for people who have just moved to the UK. Starting with supply work, they learn how local schools operate and then move into fixed-term roles once they feel comfortable.

Flexible work is about choice. You set your schedule and can decide week by week which days you want to take. Over time, some people blend daily assignments with longer posts, building a mix of security and freedom.

Planning Ahead for a New Academic Year

If you want to teach in London for 2025 or 2026, it pays to start getting ready during the summer months. Most schools bring in new team members early in autumn, so a head-start helps.

Decide if you prefer working with primary students, secondary, or in a support role. Be clear about your non-negotiables on travel and year groups to help avoid jobs that will not suit in the long run.

Get key documents together before applying, including:

- A current DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service)

- Up-to-date references from recent jobs (last two years)

- Proof of any teaching certificates or qualifications

You can apply for roles through agencies or directly with schools. Each will ask for a full background check before giving out your first booking.

It takes time to build consistency, especially if you are new to supply teaching. Early bookings may not fill every day, but steady work develops as your reputation grows.

Be realistic about earnings in your first months. Building a good track record with schools boosts your chances of being picked for more bookings, and long-term posts usually follow for those who are flexible and reliable.

Balancing your experience, preferences and travel time can help you lock in roles that offer a mix of income and personal satisfaction.

Know What to Expect and Get Prepared for 2025-26

Supply teaching in London brings quick access to busy classrooms and a fair, clear pay structure. Those starting out or coming back to teaching can quickly understand what supply teacher pay in London looks like, plan smarter, and move confidently between roles.

There is space in London schools for a wide range of teachers and support staff. Whether you bring many years of experience or are early in your teaching career, knowing the pay scales and role choices makes it easier to settle in and get the most out of your time at work. With flexible contracts, paid-to-scale options, and support for both local and overseas teachers, there is a place for every educator looking to make a difference.

Whether you're new to London or already living here, knowing where you stand with supply teacher pay in London can make it easier to plan ahead. At Swift Education, we help educators find steady work with fair rates and the freedom to build a schedule that suits their lifestyle. If you're ready to begin or just want a bit more clarity, we’re here to help.