Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher Without a Degree?

Yes, it can! Many people ask, can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree? The answer is encouraging. Most teaching routes need a degree, but there’s now a flexible way forward. The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship lets you study, earn, and teach at the same time. You work in school, earn a salary, and gain your degree plus Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) along the way.

This route is great if you love your job as a teaching assistant but can’t step away to study full-time. It helps you grow at your own pace while you gain real classroom experience every day. So yes, you really can build your dream teaching career without leaving your school.

In this article, we talk about teaching assistant pay in 2025. You will learn how much TAs get paid, and why their pay often follows the minimum wage. We will also look at how pay changes between schools and universities. By the end, you will have a clear idea of TA wages in 2025 and what to expect if you want to work as a teaching assistant.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher Without a Degree?

Yes, it’s possible — but there are a few things you need to know first. To become a teacher in the UK, you’ll need a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, if you don’t have a degree yet, you can still take a path that helps you earn one while you work.

Here’s how you can do it step by step:

• Start with a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship. This route lets you stay in your school job while you study.
• Earn while you learn. You’ll get a full salary as a TA and gain real classroom experience.
• Work towards your degree and QTS. The apprenticeship includes both, so you’ll qualify as a teacher once you finish.
• Get full support. Your school and training provider will guide you throughout the process.

This option is perfect if you love working in schools but can’t afford to stop earning. It gives you a real chance to grow, learn, and reach your teaching dream without leaving your job behind.

So yes, a teaching assistant can become a teacher without already having a degree — as long as you choose a route that includes one.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do Before Becoming a Teacher?

Before becoming a teacher, a teaching assistant builds strong classroom experience step by step. Each day helps you grow and learn more about how schools work.

Here’s what you usually do before taking that next step:

• First, you support small groups or one-to-one. You help children with reading, writing, or maths and see their progress up close.
• Next, you guide behaviour routines. You help pupils stay calm, focused, and ready to learn.
• Also, you prepare classroom resources. You set up lessons, tidy up, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
• In addition, you support children with special educational needs (SEN). You give extra help and care to make learning fair for everyone.
• Sometimes, you cover short sessions. You step in when needed, following the teacher’s plan.
• Finally, you reflect on what works best in class. You learn how to manage time, solve problems, and build confidence.

Each of these steps gives you real teaching practice. You learn how to manage a class, explain ideas clearly, and make lessons fun. So, when you move into teacher training, you already have a strong foundation to build your dream career.

Can a Teaching Assistant Train to Teach Without a Degree?

Yes, you can! The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is the best way for teaching assistants to train as teachers while working. It’s made for people who love their school job but don’t have a degree yet.

With this route, you are employed by a school and study part-time at a university. You don’t need to give up your job or income. Instead, you earn a salary, gain real classroom experience, and study at the same time.

During the training, you learn how to plan lessons, manage behaviour, and support every child’s learning needs. You work with qualified teachers who guide and support you all the way.

When you finish, you get a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you can apply for teacher jobs and lead your own class.

This route is perfect if you want to grow in your school career but can’t study full-time. It lets you learn at your own pace, keep your income, and reach your dream of becoming a teacher.

What Is the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship for TAs?

The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is a simple and flexible way for teaching assistants to become teachers. It helps you learn and earn at the same time.

In this route, you have a paid job in a school and study part-time at a university. You don’t need to pay any tuition fees. Your employer or the government levy pays for your training. So, you can focus on learning without worrying about money.

During the course, you get real experience in the classroom. You learn how to plan lessons, support pupils, and manage behaviour. You also get help and advice from teachers and mentors along the way.

At the end, you finish with a bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you can apply for teacher jobs and lead your own class.

Overall, it’s a great way to move forward. You can stay in your school job, keep earning, and slowly reach your dream of becoming a teacher.

How Long Does It Take to Go from TA to Teacher?

The time it takes to go from teaching assistant to teacher depends on your background and the route you choose. But don’t worry — there’s a way for everyone to reach their goal.

If you take the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, it usually takes about four years. During this time, you keep your job in a school and study part-time at a university. You earn a salary, get real teaching experience, and slowly build the skills you need. It’s a great option if you don’t have a degree yet and want to learn while you work.

If you already have a degree, you can choose the PGCE or a school-led training route. These courses usually take around one year to finish. They focus on classroom practice and teaching methods. You spend most of your time in school, learning directly from experienced teachers.

If you have both a degree and a lot of classroom experience, you might qualify for the Assessment Only route. This path is very short — it can take up to 12 weeks. You won’t need extra training; instead, your teaching skills are assessed by experts to see if you meet the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

So, whether you want to train slowly while you work or move quickly into a teaching role, there’s a route that suits your skills, experience, and lifestyle.

Can You Work and Train at the Same Time?

Yes, you can! That’s one of the best things about the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship. It allows you to work in a school and train to become a teacher at the same time.

Here’s how it works:

• Earn while you learn. You get paid for your work in school, so your income keeps coming in.
  
• Spend time in class. Most of your week is in school, helping pupils and learning from teachers.
  
• Study part-time. You attend university on set days or take online lessons to grow your knowledge.
  
• Forget about fees. The training cost is covered by your employer or the government.
  
• Build real skills. Each day, you learn how to plan lessons, support pupils, and manage the classroom.

What Support or Funding Can TAs Get to Train as Teachers?

Training to be a teacher costs money, but there’s good news — help is available for teaching assistants who want to move forward.

Let’s look at your options:

• Teacher Degree Apprenticeship: This is the easiest way to manage your money. You earn a salary while you work in school, and your tuition fees are fully paid by your employer or the government. So, you don’t pay anything yourself.
  
• Other routes (like PGCE or school-led training): These options don’t include a salary, but you can apply for bursaries or scholarships. The amount depends on your subject and the year you start training. For example, subjects like maths, science, and computing often offer higher bursaries.
  

Each route gives you a chance to reach your goal without too much financial stress. So, before you apply, take time to check what funding or support you can get. A little research now can make your teaching dream much easier to achieve later.

Is It Easier for Primary or Secondary Teaching Routes?

Choosing between primary and secondary teaching depends on what you enjoy most. Both options are rewarding, but they suit different strengths.

If you love working with young children, the primary route might be perfect for you. You will teach a mix of subjects like maths, reading, and art. You will also help children build confidence and learn basic skills every day.

On the other hand, if you enjoy one subject more, the secondary route could be a better fit. You will teach older students and focus on subjects like English, science, or history. You’ll guide them as they prepare for exams and plan their future.

Each path has its joys and challenges. Think about what inspires you more — helping little ones begin their learning journey or supporting teenagers to reach their goals.

With care, effort, and the right training, you can succeed in either route.

Step-by-Step: How a TA Can Become a Teacher Without a Degree

Becoming a teacher without a degree may sound hard, but it’s possible. You just need to follow some clear steps.

Step 1: Check your GCSEs.
First, make sure you have GCSEs in English and Maths. If you want to teach in a primary school, you’ll also need Science. These are the basic things you must have.

Step 2: Talk to your headteacher or MAT.
Next, speak with your headteacher or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Ask if there are any Teacher Degree Apprenticeship places and which universities they work with. This helps you know your options.

Step 3: Apply for the apprenticeship.
After that, apply for a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship post. You can work in school while you study part-time. You’ll also earn a salary, which makes it easier to manage money.

Step 4: Use your TA experience.
Then, when you apply or go for an interview, talk about your experience. Mention how you support behaviour, help pupils learn, and keep everyone safe. This shows you are ready to move forward.

Step 5: Start the programme.
Finally, start your journey. You’ll work in school, study at university, and finish with a degree and QTS. Step by step, you’ll grow from a teaching assistant to a teacher — while doing what you love every day.

Final Thoughts: From Classroom Support to Leading the Class

You’ve already done so much as a teaching assistant. That experience gives you a strong start if you want to become a teacher. Now is the time to plan your next step. Set job alerts, talk to your school, and check your entry requirements so you’re ready when opportunities come.

To build your skills further, try the Teaching Assistant Course from Unified Course. It helps you understand classroom support, pupil learning, and school life in the UK.

With effort and the right training, you can move from helping in class to leading one. Start today — your teaching journey begins here.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

1. Can you be a teaching assistant without a teaching degree?

• You don’t need a teaching degree to become a teaching assistant. However, having one can help you stand out. Experience in childcare, nursery, or youth work is also a big advantage.

2. What is the quickest program to become a teacher?

• The quickest way to become a teacher is through an alternative certification program. Some take only 6 to 9 months, and you can even start teaching while you finish your training.

3. Can a teaching assistant teach a class without?

• A teaching assistant can lead a class only if they are a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). Others must work under a teacher’s guidance.

4. What is a TA salary in the UK?

• In the UK, Level 2 teaching assistants usually earn £18,000 to £20,000 a year.

5. How to become a teacher while being a teaching assistant?

• As a teaching assistant, you can become a teacher by earning a degree and QTS through routes like a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.