Cover Manager - Term Time

The Whitstable School, Whitstable

• Ref:KCC886-4091-580S
• Posted:23/06/2026
• Pay:£29,587 - £31,198 FTE (£25,561 - £26,953 Pro Rata)
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:03/07/2026 at 15:00
• Interviews:w/c 6th July 2026

Advert

• Term Time plus 5 Staff Development Days
• 37 hours per week

Are you highly organised, unflappable under pressure and a natural problem solver? The Whitstable School is seeking a dedicated and proactive Cover Manager to lead our daily cover operations and ensure the smooth running of the school day.

This is a pivotal role within our school. Every morning, you will be the architect of the school's daily schedule, managing staff absences, deploying resources efficiently and ensuring that our students' learning is never disrupted.

When you aren't orchestrating the morning cover schedule, you will be leading a dedicated team of Cover Supervisors and stepping into the classroom yourself to deliver pre-prepared lessons.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the first point of contact for staff absences each morning. Efficiently organise, allocate, and publish the daily cover schedule using the school’s management system (Bromcom).

Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to flag staffing challenges, manage cover budgets and plan for pre-arranged absences (trips, training, etc.).

Support, guide and manage our team of internal Cover Supervisors, ensuring they are deployed effectively and supported in their roles.

Personally cover lessons when required, managing classroom behaviour effectively and ensuring students engage with their set work.

Liaise with external supply agencies to secure high-quality temporary staff when internal resources are fully utilised.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact tws_hr@swale.at or 01227 931300.

Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to tws_hr@swale.at. Please note, we cannot accept CVs.

If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact recruitment@swale.at or 01795 905989.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Information about the school

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact us at TWS_hr@swale.at.

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

The Whitstable School, under the stewardship of its Headteacher Mr Alex Holmes, is charting an ambitious course towards excellence while ensuring inclusivity every step of the way. As a new era unfolds, the school stands ready to redefine its role in the community – not merely as an educational institution but as a hub of innovation, opportunity and personal growth.

Situated in the heart of Whitstable, Kent, the secondary school’s fresh vision aims to cater to the needs of its current students, as well as inspire future generations of prospective students.

At the heart of Mr Holmes’ vision is a commitment to provide a holistic educational experience – one that recognises the diverse talents and aspirations of every student. Central to this ethos is the belief that academic achievement should be complemented by a robust creative and vocational pathway. Thus, the school is expanding its GCSE offerings to include construction and bolstering its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics enrichment.

The Whitstable School is also broadening its A-level curriculum, introducing a suite of exciting new qualifications to accommodate the evolving needs of its student body, while a partnership agreement with Football Futures underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing regional football talent.

Acknowledging the impact of extracurricular activities, Mr Holmes has introduced new roles such as Enrichment Coordinator, aimed at diversifying the range of trips and rewards available to students. This commitment to broadening horizons and celebrating success extends to the very fabric of the school’s culture, with an emphasis on fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Through a redesigned curriculum model, The Whitstable School is prioritising the development of leadership skills, ensuring that students across all year groups have the opportunity to lead, inspire and make a tangible impact within their community.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Anna Rimmington
• Address:The Whitstable School, Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX
• Telephone: 01227 931300
• Email: tws-hr@swale.at

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Recruitment Pack