Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, term time only, 7:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday with some flexibility required.

Weeks: Term time only (39 weeks)

Pay: Grade D £23,260 to £26,214 (actual) / £27,780 to £30.560 (FTE).

Closing Date: Midday, Wednesday 2 September 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Start Date: September 2026 or as soon as possible

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Cover Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to join The Hamble School and play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the school.

Our vision ‘We Care, We Aim High, We Learn and Achieve Together’ encapsulates the work we do every day. Our intake numbers are increasing – we currently have 1,090 students. In March 2025 we were graded as ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted and we are continuing to ensure that we provide the very best education for all our students.

The Cover Manager plays a key role in the smooth day-to-day operation of the school by coordinating and managing cover arrangements for both planned and unplanned staff absences. Working in a fast-paced environment, the successful candidate will ensure high-quality provision is maintained and disruption to students’ learning is minimised.

The Cover Manager will:

• Coordinate and manage the daily cover arrangements for teaching staff, ensuring lessons are appropriately staffed.
• Utilise SIMS and other school systems to organise and communicate cover requirements effectively.
• Liaise with Heads of Department and teaching staff to ensure suitable cover work is available when required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with supply agencies.
• Authorise agency invoices and manage online agency timesheets as required.
• Greet and induct external supply staff, ensuring all safeguarding and compliance requirements are met.
• Support the recruitment, induction and development of members of the cover team.
• Monitor staff absences using a range of reporting systems and plan cover arrangements in advance wherever possible.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure all administrative processes comply with school policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of the school through effective organisation, communication and problem-solving.

The successful candidate will be educated to at least GCSE level (or equivalent) and will have achieved Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. Strong IT skills and experience of working with management information systems would be advantageous. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, resilient and resourceful, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.

In return, we can offer:

• A positive and supportive working environment focused on staff wellbeing, student welfare, progress and high standards of achievement and behaviour.
• Opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise.
• Personal career development to support your professional ambitions.
• A well-equipped campus with excellent gym and swimming facilities operated by Everyone Active, available to staff free of charge, together with discounted membership rates and preferential rates for family members.
• The opportunity to apply for discounted childcare places at Hamble Early Years Centre, located adjacent to the school.
• Free on-site parking and excellent public transport links.

To apply please submit an application form via Education Jobs South. New users of Education Jobs South will need to register an account – you may need to check your junk email folder for set up instructions and add no-reply@education-jobs.org.uk to your list of safe senders. To arrange a visit or to find out more about this vacancy, please contact Jenni Fradgley, HR Officer, at hr@thehambleschool.co.uk.  If you currently work in a school, please ensure your first reference is from your current Headteacher.

We look forward to receiving your application.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Safer Recruitment

The Hamble School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS certificate with children’s barred list check along with other relevant employment checks. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, prior to interview online searches will be undertaken and references will be requested. The Hamble School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policies can be located via the school website.

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