A senior-level substitute teacher CV should highlight extensive classroom experience, leadership within school settings, and a track record of reliable instruction. This UK focused guide shows you how to present relevant experience, leadership responsibilities, and measurable outcomes so hiring panels see you as a candidate who can step into complex classroom environments and support school objectives.
Building a Substitute Teacher resume?
Skip the blank page. Start with a template built for this role, then tailor it for each job you apply to.
Tip: use the template as a starting point, then swap in your own numbers and project names.
Senior-level substitute teacher CV: What hiring panels look for
UK hiring panels want to know you can manage diverse classrooms, follow the National Curriculum and school schemes of work, and support pupil learning with minimal preparation time. You should show evidence of classroom management, effective lesson delivery, and collaboration with permanent teaching staff so schools can trust you with full day assignments and extended placements.
Focus on outcomes that matter to schools, such as improved pupil engagement, support for EHCP goals, or successful emergency cover across multiple key stages. Use concrete examples tied to your duties, not vague statements about being dependable.
Senior-level substitute teacher CV: Key sections and order
Use a clear order that puts experience and classroom outcomes first, followed by qualifications and professional development. Start with a concise professional profile of 2-3 lines that states your years of experience, strongest key stage strengths, and any leadership roles you have held.
After the profile, include a prioritized experience section, a qualifications and education block, a focused skills list, and a brief section for training or awards. This structure helps busy headteachers scan for fit within 10 to 20 seconds and then dig into specifics.
Senior-level substitute teacher CV: Writing the experience section
List each entry with the school or academy name, your role title, dates in DD/MM/YYYY format, and a short context sentence about assignment types or key stages covered. Follow with 3 to 6 concise achievement statements that start with action verbs and include measurable or observable outcomes where possible.
For example, mention if you covered full day assignments across primary and secondary stages, supported EHCP goals, supervised assessments, or mentored new supply staff. Emphasise scale and responsibility, such as the number of lessons delivered per week or leadership duties like mentoring new substitutes.
Actionable CV bullet examples
Include concrete bullets that combine responsibility and outcome, for instance: Managed classrooms for key stages 2 to 4 across six schools, ensuring continuity of lessons and routines for 120+ hours of cover per month. Another example: Implemented adapted lesson plans for students with EHCPs, coordinating with SEN staff to meet individual targets and reduce behaviour incidents.
UK localisation notes
In the United Kingdom, tailor your CV to the local education system. Use CV rather than resume, present dates in the DD/MM/YYYY format, and ensure all salary figures appear in GBP if included.
Mention your right to work in the UK and any DBS status. Highlight experience with SEND and EHCP goals, and show familiarity with the National Curriculum and school schemes of work.
Include details on annual leave entitlement (statutory 28 days for full-time staff) and pension auto-enrolment where relevant. Reference UK job boards such as Reed, Indeed UK, Totaljobs, and LinkedIn.
Do not assume NHS pay bands apply to teaching roles; teacher pay scales are usually determined by the local authority or academy trust.