Top 5 Temporary Jobs in the UK This Summer (Including Exam Invigilation)

Are you looking for a flexible way to earn money this summer? Whether you’re a student, graduate, or someone in between roles, temporary jobs are one of the easiest ways to stay productive and boost your income. Currently, exam invigilation jobs are among the most in-demand roles across the UK.

The best part is that many of these roles are short-term, flexible, and don’t require years of experience to get started. In the following blog, we break down the top 5 temporary jobs in the UK this summer, how they work, and how you can land one quickly, including how to find exam invigilation opportunities through Prospero Teaching.

Why Temporary Jobs Are So Popular in Summer

Summer creates a perfect opportunity for temporary work:

  • Schools and colleges need extra staff during exam season
  • Businesses see increased demand due to travel and tourism
  • Students and graduates are actively looking for short-term income

Temporary roles give you flexibility, fast onboarding, and valuable experience, all without the long-term commitment. If you’re looking to get started quickly, you can browse HERE current opportunities on our jobs page.

1. Exam Invigilation Jobs (One of the Easiest Ways to Get Started)

Exam invigilation involves supervising students during exams to ensure everything runs fairly and smoothly. You will typically:

  • Set up exam rooms
  • Check attendance
  • Monitor students during the exam
  • Ensure exam rules are followed

Why it’s a great summer job?

  • No teaching qualification required
  • Full training is usually provided
  • Flexible shifts during exam periods
  • Calm, structured working environment

Who is this role perfect for?

  • University students on break
  • Graduates exploring careers
  • Anyone looking for low-pressure, structured work

2. Teaching Assistant Roles

Even as the academic year winds down, schools still need support staff. Teaching Assistants (TAs) help with:

  • Classroom support
  • Small group work
  • One-to-one student assistance
  • Behaviour management

Benefits of TA work in summer

  • Builds experience in education
  • Great stepping stone into teaching or SEN roles
  • Often leads to longer-term opportunities

This is a strong option if you’re considering a future in education or want something more interactive than exam invigilation.

3. Summer Tutors

Tutors help students catch up, revise, or prepare for exams. This can include:

  • GCSE or A-Level support
  • Primary school catch-up sessions
  • Online or in-person tutoring

Tutoring is often in demand after exam seasons, as many students seek additional support to prepare for resits, transition into the next academic year, or build confidence in key subjects. The role’s flexibility and competitive pay make it particularly appealing, while the option to work remotely further broadens its accessibility.

4. School Administrative Support

Behind-the-scenes roles that keep schools running. Schools often need temporary admin support during busy periods. These tasks often include:

  • Data entry and record management
  • Supporting exam coordination
  • Reception and communication duties

Admin roles are ideal for individuals who prefer an office-based environment and want to build transferable skills such as organisation and communication. These roles often run alongside exam invigilation periods, making them a strong complementary option.

5. SEN Support Roles

SEN (Special Educational Needs) roles involve supporting students who need additional help with learning, behaviour, or emotional development. This work is highly rewarding and in strong demand across the UK, offering valuable experience for those pursuing careers in psychology, education or healthcare.

Who it’s suited for:

  • Patient, empathetic individuals
  • Those interested in meaningful, impactful work
  • Anyone considering a long-term career in education or support services

Many people begin with exam invigilation or teaching assistants (TA) roles and, through their experience in a school environment, develop an interest in SEN positions. This often stems from gaining a deeper understanding of working with children and supporting a range of different abilities.

Where Could This Summer Take You?

If you’re looking for a flexible, accessible and worthwhile summer job, you can’t go wrong with exam invigilation or other education-based roles. They’re easy to get into, genuinely valuable for your CV, and often open doors to other opportunities down the line you didn’t even know was possible.

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