Salaries and Costs
Schools in Huddersfield recruit across early years, primary, secondary, and SEND, and pay rates reflect subject demand and setting. Daily supply for qualified teachers often sits around £140 to £200, with higher rates for shortage subjects and long-term cover. Teaching assistants earn £80 to £100 per day, depending on duties, with higher figures for SEN support or HLTA responsibilities. Permanent salaries follow national scales, with ECTs at entry points and experienced teachers moving through MPR, UPS, and TLRs. Agencies quote recruitment fees for permanent placements as a percentage of salary or a fixed fee, and supply agency costs include NI, holiday pay, pension, and margin, so request a clear breakdown before you book. Ask about AWR after 12 weeks, as pay will usually align with the school rate once the threshold is reached.
Qualifications
Schools look for QTS for teaching roles and ECT Induction status for new teachers. Cover supervisors, HLTAs, and TAs need strong classroom skills, safeguarding awareness, and often Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications. Early years settings value Level 3 childcare, paediatric first aid, and sound EYFS knowledge. SEN roles benefit from Team Teach or similar de-escalation training, and agencies often offer refresher modules to keep compliance up to date.
Local hiring challenges
Kirklees schools report pressure in maths, physics, computing, and design technology, and strong SEN practitioners are in short supply. Winter absence can spike day-to-day cover, and interview windows cluster near term ends. Rural reach to Holmfirth and Meltham can limit early starts for staff without cars, so agencies prioritise candidates who live close to regular routes or near reliable buses and rail.
Key sectors or employers in the region
Huddersfield has a wide range of primary, secondary, and academy schools, as well as special schools and alternative provision. The University of Huddersfield draws graduates into teaching routes, and larger trusts across West Yorkshire create mobility for teachers seeking promotion or subject leadership. Nurseries and early years providers add steady demand for Level 3 staff and room leaders.
Regulatory or compliance standards
KCSIE guidance sits at the heart of safer recruitment, and every placement needs an enhanced DBS with barred list checks, right to work checks, full reference checks, and verified qualifications. Schools often ask for recent safeguarding training, Prevent awareness, and proof of identity that meets current standards. Keep your DBS on the Update Service to speed up bookings, and expect agencies to audit files before any start date.
Seasonal trends or themes
September brings the largest intake of permanent hires, January adds a second peak, and daily cover rises around exam seasons and winter illness. The summer term sees long-term posts advertised for the new academic year, and short notice cover continues for trips, CPD days, and moderation. SEND and alternative provision run all year, with spikes linked to pupil moves.
Roles and career paths
Agencies in Huddersfield place ECTs, classroom teachers, subject leads, and SLT, along with SENCOs, intervention tutors, and pastoral managers. Support roles include HLTA, TA, learning mentor, cover supervisor, and exam invigilator. Early years settings need room leaders, nursery nurses, and deputies. Contract routes range across temporary, permanent, and contract work, and many candidates step from supply into fixed roles once the match feels right
Entry requirements
Bring proof of QTS or relevant certificates, a recent CV, photo ID, and an enhanced DBS. International teachers need the right to work, supported by evidence and comparable qualifications. Support staff should show recent classroom experience, positive references, and any behaviour or SEN training. Register with an agency that can meet you locally or online, then complete a full compliance pack so you are bookable.
Regional or geographic variations
Rates can differ between central Huddersfield and schools towards Colne Valley or Holme Valley, where travel time and start times affect availability. Proximity to the M62 and rail links to Leeds and Manchester shapes candidate supply, with some teachers open to short commutes for the right subject fit. Schools near main bus corridors often fill last-minute coverage slots more quickly.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
Do agencies charge candidates for finding work?
No, agencies are paid by the school, and candidates do not pay to register or to take bookings.
What documents should I have ready before I register?
Bring ID, right to work, proof of address, CV, qualifications, references, and your DBS details.
How do recruitment fees work for permanent hires?
Most agencies set a percentage of the starting salary or a fixed fee, with rebate terms if the hire leaves early.
Can a supply booking turn into a permanent job?
Yes, many schools convert long-term supply into permanent offers once budgets and fit align.
What is AWR and when does it apply?
After 12 weeks in the same role, pay and basic conditions should match a comparable school employee.
What are the common shortage subjects in Huddersfield?
Maths, physics, computing, and design technology see the tightest supply, with steady demand in English and science.
How quickly can I start after registering with an agency?
Once compliance is complete and references return, day-to-day work can begin, with long-term roles following soon.