Temporary Cover Teacher, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

 Job title Temporary Cover Teacher 
Contract Fixed term until 31 August 2027 
Hours Part time: 0.4 or 0.6 FTE; working pattern negotiable 
Start date January 2027 or sooner 
Salary Main Pay Scale, pro rata to the agreed FTE and in line with the applicable teacher pay scale 
Location St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Sheldon Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 4PH 
Accountable to Head Teacher / Senior Leadership Team 
Closing date 20.11.2026 
Interview date Week beginning 30.11.2026 

Why join St Thomas More? 

  • A warm, inclusive Catholic school community where children are at the centre of our work. 
  • Polite, well-mannered pupils who respond well to clear routines, positive relationships and engaging teaching. 
  • Supportive colleagues who work together and share responsibility for a consistent, positive pupil experience. 
  • Opportunities for CPD, professional learning and development through the school and the wider St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust community. 
  • A commitment to staff health and wellbeing, with an open, respectful and supportive working culture. 
  • A negotiable part-time pattern at either 0.4 or 0.6 FTE, subject to the school’s cover requirements. 

Welcome from our Head Teacher 

Our aim is to provide an authentic Catholic education in which all children are empowered, inspired and able to flourish. We want our school to be a remarkable place of learning and love. We invest in our staff because excellent teaching and strong relationships help children thrive. We work together, support one another and continually look for ways to improve the experience and outcomes of every pupil. 

Main purpose of the role 

To provide high-quality teaching and learning cover across the school, maintaining continuity of learning, positive behaviour and a safe, inclusive classroom environment in the absence of the usual class teacher. 

Key responsibilities 

  • Deliver planned learning and, where required, prepare appropriate activities for the class or classes being covered. 
  • Establish positive relationships with pupils across different year groups and maintain clear, consistent behaviour expectations. 
  • Adapt teaching and activities to respond to pupils’ needs and support access, engagement and progress. 
  • Maintain a safe, purposeful and inclusive learning environment in line with school policies and routines. 
  • Provide appropriate feedback and information to class teachers and leaders to support continuity of learning. 
  • Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, class teachers, phase teams and senior leaders. 
  • Follow safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour, confidentiality and other school procedures. 
  • Contribute to the wider life and Catholic ethos of the school and take part in relevant meetings or training as required. 

Person specification 

We are looking for someone who: 

  • Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 
  • Can deliver clear, engaging lessons and respond confidently to different ages, abilities and learning needs. 
  • Builds rapport quickly and promotes respectful behaviour through calm, consistent expectations. 
  • Is adaptable, dependable, organised and able to respond positively to changing cover requirements. 
  • Communicates effectively and works well with colleagues and support staff. 
  • Is committed to inclusion, safeguarding and the wellbeing of pupils. 
  • Supports and promotes the Catholic ethos, values and aims of the school. 

Recruitment information 

  • Applications will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification. Candidates who meet the criteria may be invited to interview. St Thomas More Catholic Primary School www.stm.bexley.sch.uk 
  • If you require reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact office@stm.bexley.sch.uk. 
  • References may be requested as part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your application details are accurate and complete. 
  • The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK and complete the required safer recruitment checks, including an appropriate DBS check. 
  • We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. 

Class teacher job description (download)
Class teacher person specification (download)
Application pack (download)