Cover Manager


Company:	TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust)
Salary:	NJC Grade 6 - Points 9-13 (FTE 28,153 - 30,023) (Actual 24,107 - 25,709)
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Chichester, PO20 9EH
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	19 Oct 2026
Closing date:	18 Nov 2026

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Summary

Job Advert

(Y) Our Opportunity

We are looking for a dedicated Cover Manager who brings energy, heart, and purpose to our team at The Academy Selsey, someone ready to ensure the smooth running of our daily learning environment and keep our pupils inspired every single day.

In our Trust, a Cover Manager is far more than an administrative coordinator; you are a key architect in maintaining consistency, stability, and high educational standards across the school. We are seeking an organized, proactive team player who can efficiently coordinate staff cover, manage supply agency relationships, and step into the classroom to supervise lessons so that pupils continue to receive seamless teaching and learning.

Whether you have experience in school administration, cover supervision, or a background in managing fast-paced daily schedules, your talent will be valued here. In our community, support staff are vital partners in driving educational standards, supporting colleague wellbeing, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s unlock potential, keep learning moving forward, and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Cover Manager will be someone who:

- Demonstrates strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills to handle unexpected absences and shifting daily schedules.

- Is IT literate and confident using school management information systems (such as Arbor or SIMS) and digital timetable tools.

- Efficiently manages internal cover and liaises with supply agencies to secure high-quality cover staff at the best value.

- Confidently supervises classes and delivers planned lessons in the absence of timetabled teachers, maintaining high standards of behavior and learning.

- Builds warm, positive, and respectful relationships with pupils while supporting classroom management.

- Handles medical, personal, or HR-related staff absence with a high level of discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

- Is resilient, adaptable, and able to work effectively under pressure with a positive, flexible outlook.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

Exceptional Development: Access high-quality development and training opportunities tailored to your role.

Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your skills, with clear routes to expand your professional impact within the Trust.

24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.

Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.

Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.

Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About The Academy Selsey

Located in Selsey, Chichester, West Sussex, The Academy Selsey is a vibrant secondary school community dedicated to giving every young person high-quality education and the confidence to succeed. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where high expectations are matched by genuine care and support.

To discover what makes The Academy Selsey special, visit our school website or get in touch with our team to arrange a visit.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working: Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities to support a positive work-life balance.

Application Details & Next Steps

Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments

Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.

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