08 Aug PAYE vs Umbrella Company for Supply Teachers: Which Is Better?
If you’re a supply teacher in Hertfordshire or the surrounding areas, chances are you’ve come across two different ways to be paid: PAYE (Pay As You Earn) or via an umbrella company. But which is better for your take-home pay, benefits, and peace of mind?
At Moore Teachers, we make it simple. As a primary specialist supply agency working in close partnership with HFL Education, we only use the PAYE model—and we believe it’s the best choice for supply teachers.
Read on to discover the key differences between PAYE and umbrella companies and why choosing a PAYE supply teaching agency like Moore Teachers puts you in the strongest position.
What Is PAYE for Supply Teachers?
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is the standard HMRC system used to pay employees in the UK. As a PAYE supply teacher:
- You’re paid directly by your agency (that’s us!).
- Tax and National Insurance are automatically deducted—no extra admin needed.
- You get a clear payslip with no hidden fees or confusing deductions.
💡 At Moore Teachers, our PAYE model ensures you always know what you’re earning—and that you’re keeping more of it.
What Is an Umbrella Company for Supply Teachers?
An umbrella company is a third-party payroll service that sits between you and your agency or school. While it might sound like a convenient option, the reality is often quite different:
- You’ll pay a weekly or monthly fee just to get paid.
- Holiday pay is often rolled into your rate, not paid on top.
- Umbrella companies deduct costs before tax—reducing your take-home pay.
- Pay calculations are often confusing and inconsistent.
Many supply teachers report feeling misled by umbrella pay rates that look attractive on paper, but fall short after fees and deductions are taken into account.
Why Moore Teachers Only Uses PAYE
As a local, ethical, and primary-focused supply teaching agency, we’ve made the clear choice to offer PAYE exclusively. Here’s why:
✅ No hidden fees or deductions
✅ Full employment rights
✅ Simple, clear, compliant pay
✅ You’re paid directly by Moore Teachers—not a third party
And because we work in close partnership with HFL Education, our supply teachers benefit from working with a trusted agency that values quality, integrity, and transparency.
Benefits of PAYE for Supply Teachers
Here’s why PAYE is the best option for supply teachers in 2025:
| Feature | PAYE (Moore Teachers) | Umbrella Company |
| Direct payment from agency | ✅ | ❌ |
| Admin or processing fees | ❌ | ✅ |
| Statutory benefits | ✅ | Often limited |
| Pension contributions | ✅ | ❌ or unclear |
| Transparent payslips | ✅ | ❌ |
| HMRC compliance | ✅ | ✅ (but with added complexity) |
Join a Trusted PAYE Supply Teaching Agency
Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher or an experienced educator looking for flexible supply work, choosing a PAYE supply agency gives you financial clarity and confidence.
At Moore Teachers, we’re proud to be a Hertfordshire-based agency, specialising in primary school placements, and partnering with HFL Education to place talented supply staff into supportive, high-quality schools.
Ready to Work with a PAYE-Only Supply Agency?
We’re always looking for enthusiastic, dedicated supply teachers and teaching assistants to join our team.
Don’t let umbrella fees eat into your earnings. Choose PAYE with Moore Teachers and enjoy a fairer, simpler way to get paid.