School Reviews

I have been with First Class Supply for a few years. In my experience with first Class Supply I have had two longer term supply teaching jobs. In both cases First Class Supply, led by Fran, has set up informal meetings with the head teachers of the schools to discuss the jobs.

The first job was taken on under a supply contract but the most recent job I have been offered is on a contract basis as this suited both the school and myself better. In this case I had to also have a lesson observation by the head Teacher to consolidate suitability for the role.

These jobs have led to extra supply work arranged by First Class Supply. First Class Supply make the process very relaxed and stress free. They negotiated on my behalf and set up meetings with the head teacher and class teacher. Fran and her team arranged supply opportunities at the schools so both the staff at the school and I could see if we could work well together and to make sure I was happy. They checked that things went well and asked for feedback. First Class Supply are always on the end of the phone to answer any queries and the team are very helpful.

Teaching Assistant Testimonial - Teachers and TAs, I can 100% guarantee that you will WANT to work for First Class. They not only helped me get started again in my career, but when I was struggling in a job, they backed me up 1000 per cent! These folks are the best. They value their employees, and take their duty of care very seriously. Not because they have to. Because they are good humans.

Teaching Assistant Testimonial - “Made me feel excited that they would confidently and consistently find me work in a brilliant interview with them. I've never had such a good experience with any other recruitment agency. 😊”

Teaching Assistant Testimonial - Everyone at First Class has shown a genuine interest in me and my career aims throughout the time I have been involved with them. I have very rarely been short of work and the schools I have been placed in have been excellent matches for me. I wouldn't use any other agency now and can't recommend them highly enough.

Teaching Assistant Testimonial - I have been working with First Class Supply for just over a year, and they have been great from the outset!

Not only have I always had work when I wanted it, I have also been supported to find the kind of roles that I am most suited to and enjoy. Hannah and Julia have provided friendly and professional career guidance and support and are always available on the end of the line, or for a face to face chat. I can honestly say that the experience I have had at First Class is in a different league to other agencies, and I happily recommend them to my friends!

School Testimonial - We have used First Class Supply for some time now. I find that the service we receive is outstanding.

The staff in the office are very professional, helpful and approachable. All the Teaching Assistant's provided by First Class Supply have been excellent and we try and keep the same staff for consistency whenever possible.

School Recommendation - We've just had Ofsted in and obviously the compliance stuff is mine to talk through. As soon as I mentioned we don't use anyone other than First Class, the inspector just nodded and mentioned your verification forms, which I showed her a copy of & said what actual evidence we check against. She already knew who you were and the thorough checks you do.

Very easy part of the inspection for me, thanks to you and your team's attention to important detail. Love dealing with you all. Such a friendly, professional & efficient team - couldn't ask for more, really. Thanks to all of you. Xxx

Teacher Recommendation - After taking early retirement, I have had the privilege of working for First Class for more than 10 years.

Although very professional and efficient, they are down-to-earth, friendly and approachable. You couldn’t wish for a better team.

They make you feel special and valued and go out of their way to find placements to suit individual talents and strengths. Through First Class I have been given the opportunity to work in many schools, mainly Early Years and KS1. They secured PPA cover in a school for me 8 years ago and I’m still there feeling very much part of school life and enjoying every minute.

I have First Class to thank for helping to make the end of my teaching career a happy, positive, fulfilling experience.

Teacher Testimonial - I would like to thank you for the friendly help, guidance and advice you have offered me since working for First Class Supply.

Most of all I would like to say how the wonderful and thoughtful support coupled with the way you have given me the opportunity to look at and try different genres of education have made these last months more rewarding and enjoyable than I could ever have dreamed of when I first joined your agency – in fact you have helped me realise more than one long held ambition, as well as enabling me to change the direction of my career. My advice to anyone who is unsure of the benefits an agency can offer, other than the obvious option of work is contact ‘First Class Supply’ – they might make you look at how you can work and progress in education in a totally different way. First Class Supply are exactly that …… First Class!! Thank you for everything.

Teacher Testimonial - As a new recruit into the teaching arena (life/career changes at 40!), there have been times over recent months where I have felt overwhelmed by my new career path. However, on registering with your agency I have re-found my drive and energy to work – and more importantly – to enjoy it.

You have all made me feel welcome and wanted (which has been crucial for me) and you have helped me step back into work. I found myself feeling excited driving to my first assignment, partly thanks to the ‘what to expect and how make a good impression’ wise words the day before which left me feeling prepared and ready. You have helped me settle into the role of being a supply TA and I now feel empowered to carry on and make a successful career for myself. I had initially signed up with other agencies who promised loads and delivered nothing, so I really wish I had come to you first! A very different experience!

School Testimonial - I would like to mention how pleased I am with Emma xxxxxx, who has worked for us during this past month.

She is so efficient, uses great initiative and is lovely with the children! As a nursery we were a bit put off using supply agencies as the last agency we used didn’t provide us with the high quality standard we would expect from a supply agency. However, I am so happy we decided to use First Class, who asked about our personal needs, and we feel they have matched these excellently, finding someone who could fit easily into our team! We will most definitely be using First Class again in the future.

Rise and Shine Playgroup

School Testimonial - I have no hesitation in recommending First Class Supply to a special school, or indeed any other school.

Since taking up my new post I have quickly built up relationships with First Class, who have incredible response rates, compassion, professionalism and are always friendly and more than happy to help – no matter how random the request! They have taken time to listen to our needs and to understand our cohort – they do not merely pay lip service to understanding the needs of our students, they genuinely understand and use the information and knowledge they have gathered to place professionals who will work well within a setting of our nature and with our students. Recently we have had a very difficult post to fill and First Class offered an incredible service, identifying someone who could and would work in some very challenging circumstances. In addition they always try to send local staff so that there is as little impact on teaching and learning as possible and will always try to get our preferred members of supply staff when possible.

Teacher Testimonial - It’s a pleasure working with First Class Supply. They have a really special approach – efficient and completely professional but with a friendly, engaging style.

The fact that they work so hard to fit people to the right post(s) is testament to this. I have already recommended First Class Supply to a colleague.

Teacher Testimonial - I have loved working with First Class Supply over the past two years. I have felt part of a team and support has always been readily available.

First Class Supply always responded immediately to any queries, requests or concerns. They always kept in touch regularly when I have worked on a long term contract so that I never felt alone. They always matched me to contracts to suit my skills and desires exactly! My last supply contract has become a permanent position and I am thankful to them for suggesting this post to me. I am sorry to be leaving First Class and will keep in touch!

School Testimonial - I am confident that should I require First Class Supply’s assistance in locating a teacher at short notice, that their knowledge and expertise within the recruitment industry never fail to provide a less than exceptional supply teacher to Newminster.

I have a fantastic working relationship with First Class Supply!

School Testimonial - I feel that your excellent team know the needs of our school, and the teachers that would be good with us.

As you have grown, you have maintained both the personal feeling to the agency, and also its integrity which I feel is very important for companies that I want to work with. Thanks for your invaluable service!

Teacher Testimonial - Since joining First Class Supply the level of care and support I have received has been consistently outstanding. The team offer a friendly, personalised and highly effective two-way line of communication.

They have always striven to find work matched to my educational skills and interests, and always cater for my weekly working needs. First Class certainly live up to their name, offering a highly effective first class service in all they do, and I would strongly recommend them to anyone who may be looking to join this fantastic supply agency!

Teacher Testimonial - From the minute I walked into First Class Supply I knew it was a cut above the other supply agencies. The team were incredibly warm, friendly and highly knowledgeable.

Even the interview made me feel right at home and I knew it was the agency for me. They were outstanding in their efforts to find me exactly the school I wanted for long term supply, working tirelessly and quickly, and came up with an amazing placement. I am happy to say that I am now employed full time in the school they found for me. I would highly recommend that you don’t waste any time and go straight to First Class Supply for a truly ‘First Class’, amazing experience! Thank you so much to all the team – you are all exceptional!

School Testimonial - We have used First Class as our first port of call for supply staff for several years now. We know that once the call has been received, the team at First Class will strive to fill any position with correct person, showing their high level of competence and professionalism.

The relationship that we have developed means that First Class understand the needs of St Bede’s and they continue to assess how well the service they provide meets our expectations. I have, and will continue to recommend First Class Supply to any school.

School Testimonial - I find First Class Supply to be a very professional Supply Agency. The team work really hard to put the right person in to your school.

Everyone is so friendly to talk to and any issues are resolved quickly. I feel there is no need to use any other agencies and I am happy to recommend First Class Supply.

I have been with First Class Supply for a few years. In my experience with first Class Supply I have had two longer term supply teaching jobs. In both cases First Class Supply, led by Fran, has set up informal meetings with the head teachers of the schools to discuss the jobs.

The first job was taken on under a supply contract but the most recent job I have been offered is on a contract basis as this suited both the school and myself better. In this case I had to also have a lesson observation by the head Teacher to consolidate suitability for the role.

These jobs have led to extra supply work arranged by First Class Supply. First Class Supply make the process very relaxed and stress free. They negotiated on my behalf and set up meetings with the head teacher and class teacher. Fran and her team arranged supply opportunities at the schools so both the staff at the school and I could see if we could work well together and to make sure I was happy. They checked that things went well and asked for feedback. First Class Supply are always on the end of the phone to answer any queries and the team are very helpful.