The new supply staff mandate: what schools and trusts need to know
From September 2026, single and multi-academy trusts must procure agency supply staff through the Government Commercial Agency Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework, unless they use a compliant alternative route that does not exceed GCA framework rates.
Facts and figures at a glance
The framework is designed to improve transparency, control agency supplier fees, and support compliant procurement for supply teachers and education recruitment.
What is changing?
Single and multi-academy trusts are expected to use the GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework for agency supply staff from September 2026. Local authority schools can also use the framework, while independent schools cannot access it.
The framework provides access to pre-approved education sector specialist agencies and supports transparent cost comparison across candidate pay, statutory on-costs, and the supplier fee.
Published maximum supplier fees
The supplier fee is the agency operating cost and profit element. These are maximum daily supplier fees published in the DfE guidance; individual agency rates may be lower on the GCA Agency Supply Portal.
| Role type | Maximum supplier fee per day |
|---|---|
| STEM teacher, including qualified teachers and tutors | Max. £45 |
| Non-STEM teacher, including qualified teachers and tutors | Max. £40 |
| Educational support staff (non-SEND), including cover supervisors, teaching assistants and unqualified teachers | Max. £36 |
| Educational support staff (SEND), including cover supervisors, teaching assistants and unqualified teachers | Max. £38 |
| Senior roles, such as headteachers and senior leadership positions) | Max. £55 |
| Facilities management, including caretakers and site roles | Max. £36 |
| Admin and clerical staff, including finance and IT support | Max. £32 |
| Other roles, including invigilators and cleaners | Max. £34 |
Why this matters for schools and trusts
Transparent costs
Agencies must provide a per-candidate breakdown so trusts can see candidate pay, on-costs and supplier fee clearly.
Procurement compliance
Trusts using a different route must ensure the route is compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and does not exceed GCA framework rates.
Safeguarding assurance
The framework includes requirements for complete background and safeguarding checks before workers are supplied.
Why Lot 1 is useful for current preferred suppliers
Lot 1 is the direct supply route for teachers, education support staff and other education recruitment roles. For schools and trusts already working with a preferred agency, this can make the move to the GCA framework much simpler, provided that agency is appointed to the framework and the requirement fits within the Lot 1 scope.
In practical terms, this means schools do not need to start again from scratch. Where the current preferred supplier is on the GCA framework, the school can discuss its requirement, confirm the appropriate call-off route, and put a call-off contract in place using the framework order form process.
How to engage with Teaching Tomorrow through the framework
We can support schools and trusts in understanding their supply needs, comparing compliant options, and using the framework route correctly.
Share your requirement
Tell us the roles, locations, likely volume, expected booking pattern and any safeguarding or reporting needs.
Review the framework route
We will help you understand the simplest compliant route, including whether an existing preferred supplier relationship can be converted into a call-off contract where the supplier is on the GCA framework and the framework rules permit it.
Confirm rates and service model
We will provide clear rate information, candidate availability, compliance confirmation, and the service process for bookings, reporting and account management.
Need help planning for September 2026?
Speak to Teaching Tomorrow about supply staffing, compliant procurement routes, and framework engagement.
This page summarises publicly available DfE guidance on the GCA supply staff mandate and should be read alongside official guidance. It is not legal or procurement advice.
