Many people wonder, do teaching assistants actually teach? It’s a fair question. They’re not the main classroom teacher, yet they spend a lot of time helping pupils learn. In UK schools, teaching assistants, or TAs, play a vital part in every lesson.
While they’re not the “teacher of record”, TAs teach in many small, powerful ways. They explain tasks, run groups, and guide pupils through tricky parts of the lesson. In some schools, TAs make up nearly a third of the staff. That shows just how essential they’ve become.
Let’s explore what TAs really do, how they help teachers, and why their role matters so much.
What Is a Teaching Assistant’s Role?
A teaching assistant’s primary role is to assist both the trainer and the students. They help lessons run smoothly and make sure everyone can take part. Here’s what that looks like day to day:
- Support the class teacher during lessons.
- Help pupils understand tasks and stay focused.
- Give extra help to pupils with special educational needs (SEND).
- Encourage students who speak English as a second language (EAL).
- Help with behaviour support, care tasks, and supervision.
Overall, good TAs do more than follow instructions. They spot when a pupil is stuck, explain again, and help them keep up. That’s teaching, just in smaller steps.
Do Teaching Assistants Actually Teach Lessons?
TAs don’t usually teach full lessons on their own. The teacher plans the learning, leads the main instruction, and takes responsibility for assessment. But TAs are part of the teaching process from start to finish. During lessons, they often:
- Repeat key instructions to pupils who need more time.
- Lead a small group to practise a skill or complete a task.
- Support a pupil one-to-one with their reading, writing, or maths.
- Run short activities planned by the teacher.
In some schools, experienced TAs or Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) do teach full lessons when the teacher is away. The key point is that this teaching is always pre-planned and approved by the school. So, while TAs may not teach in the same way as qualified teachers, they still deliver learning that makes a real difference.
How Do Teaching Assistants Support Teachers in the Classroom?
Teaching assistants make a teacher’s job possible. Imagine a classroom of thirty pupils with different needs, speeds, and moods. Having a TA means no one gets left behind. Here’s how they support teachers every day:
- Circulate the room to check who understands and who’s struggling.
- Give immediate help when a pupil is lost or distracted.
- Set up and tidy resources so the teacher can focus on teaching.
- Collect notes or feedback on pupils’ progress.
When the lesson ends, TAs often tell the teacher what worked and what didn’t. That feedback helps teachers plan better lessons next time. This kind of teamwork is what makes classrooms work efficiently. The teacher can focus on leading the learning while the TA gives pupils the personal attention they need.
What Tasks Do Teaching Assistants Do Every Day?
A TA’s day is full and varied. They jump from one role to another depending on the lesson, the learner, and the school.
Common daily tasks include:
- Listening to pupils read and checking understanding.
- Running small phonics or maths sessions.
- Supporting pupils who struggle with handwriting or spelling.
- Supervising lunch, playtime, and school trips.
- Recording notes on pupils’ progress or behaviour for the teacher or SENCO.
Some TAs also handle care tasks like helping pupils move around or use the toilet safely. Others prepare materials for science or art lessons. They are the quiet engines that keep the school day moving.
Can Teaching Assistants Lead Small Group Activities?
Yes — this is one of the main ways TAs actually teach. Small groups are where they shine. They might lead:
- A guided reading session.
- A maths catch-up group.
- A handwriting or speech-and-language activity.
Because these groups are small — usually three to eight pupils — the TA can give focused, personalised support. They notice who needs extra help, who’s improving, and who’s ready for a new challenge. In these moments, TAs are teachers in practice, even if not in their job title.
Are Teaching Assistants Allowed to Teach on Their Own?
TAs can teach lessons that the teacher or school has planned. For example, they might lead a small group while the teacher works with the rest of the class.
However, they shouldn’t be left to run a class long-term without the right pay or title. That would cross into a teacher’s role. Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) are trained and often timetabled to cover classes for short periods. This might happen during planning time or when a teacher is in training. So yes, TAs can teach, but always within clear boundaries and with school approval.
What Is the Difference Between a Teacher and a Teaching Assistant?
Teachers and teaching assistants work together, but their responsibilities differ.
Teachers:
- Plan what is taught.
- Deliver lessons to the whole class.
- Assess progress and report to parents.
- They are legally accountable for pupil outcomes.
Teaching Assistants:
- Deliver support, interventions, and supervision under teacher guidance.
- Reinforce learning and help pupils access lessons.
- Report back to teachers on progress or issues.
On the whole, the teacher sets the direction, while the TA helps pupils travel that path. Therefore, both roles are crucial for learning success.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?
In the UK, most schools expect TAs to have:
- Good English and maths (GCSE grade 4/C or above).
- A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
- HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status can add real value. It shows advanced skills and can lead to higher pay or more responsibility
Extra training helps too. Courses in phonics, autism awareness, or behaviour management make you more skilled and employable. Basically, the more you learn, the more valuable you become to your school.
Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?
Yes, many teachers began as teaching assistants. Working as a TA gives you classroom experience that’s hard to match. You learn how lessons flow, how to manage behaviour, and how to support pupils with SEN. This experience becomes a strong foundation for teacher training. If you want to qualify, there are several routes:
- Study for a degree followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
- Join a school-based route, such as School Direct or Teach First, which values real experience.
With dedication, a TA can move into teaching, bringing insight and empathy that only hands-on experience can provide. For more insight into career growth and pay, read our guide on how much a part-time teaching assistant earns in the UK. It explains what to expect in pay and how your experience can open new doors.
Why Are Teaching Assistants Important in Schools?
Schools rely on teaching assistants for many reasons. They make education more inclusive and effective. Here’s why they matter:
- Keep lessons calm and focused by supporting the teacher.
- Give extra help to pupils who need more time or guidance.
- Free teachers’ time so they can plan and assess properly.
- Boost learning by giving pupils more attention and support.
Without TAs, many pupils would struggle to keep up. Some might even miss out on learning altogether. That’s why even when budgets are tight, schools fight to keep their TAs.
Final Thoughts: Do Teaching Assistants Really Teach?
So, do teaching assistants actually teach? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, they teach small groups, lead interventions, explain instructions, and guide pupils every day. They deliver targeted support that helps children learn, remember, and grow in confidence. No, they usually don’t plan full lessons, assess learning, or take full responsibility for a class. That remains the teacher’s role.
The best classrooms are where teachers and TAs share the work and help pupils together. The teacher leads the learning; the TA ensures everyone can join in and succeed. When teachers and TAs respect each other’s roles, pupils thrive — that’s real teaching in action.
Want to move forward in your TA career? Join our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course. It’s a simple way to build new skills, earn more, and take on bigger roles in school.
FAQ: Do Teaching Assistants Actually Teach Classroom Lessons?
1. Can a TA legally teach a class?
- Not usually. TAs can lead lessons planned by a teacher or cover short sessions, but they aren’t legally the main teacher.
2. What do teaching assistants actually do?
- They support teachers and pupils. TAs help children understand lessons, run small groups, prepare resources, and give extra help where needed.
3. What is the disadvantage of being a TA?
- Pay is low compared to workload, and career progression can be limited without extra training.
4. What are the negatives of being a teaching assistant?
- Low pay, few promotion paths, and sometimes challenging behaviour or care duties.
5. Why are schools getting rid of TAs?
- Mainly due to budget cuts. Schools often reduce TA hours or posts to save money, even though their support is valuable.
6. What should a TA not do?
- A TA shouldn’t plan full lessons, assess pupils independently, or manage a class long-term without the teacher’s direction.
7. What is a TA’s salary in the UK?
- Most TAs earn between £20,000 and £26,000 a year, depending on experience and location.
8. Are TAs allowed to tutor?
- Yes. TAs can tutor outside school hours if it doesn’t go against school policy or contracts.
9. Does a TA count as a teacher?
- No. A TA supports learning, but the teacher is responsible for planning, teaching, and assessment.
10 What is the 10-minute rule in teaching?
- It means teachers should engage pupils within the first 10 minutes to keep focus high.
11. What are the 5 P’s of teaching?
- Plan, Prepare, Present, Practice, and Praise. These guide good lesson delivery and pupil progress.
12. What is the 3-2-1 method for teachers?
- Pupils share 3 things they learnt, 2 interesting facts, and 1 question they still have. It checks understanding quickly.
