A Teaching Assistant (TA) supports teachers in the classroom, helps pupils achieve their potential, and provides additional guidance where needed. If you’re exploring how do you become a teaching assistant, this role offers opportunities in primary, secondary, and special schools.
Key highlights:
- Lesson support, small-group or 1:1 sessions
- Assist pupils with SEND & EAL
- Term-time, pro-rata pay
- Entry: Level 2/3, T-Level, Apprenticeship, volunteering
- Career growth: HLTA, specialisms, and pathway to teaching
What Is a Teaching Assistant?
A Teaching Assistant (TA), also called a classroom assistant, learning support assistant, or pupil support assistant, helps teachers in class. They support pupils’ learning and assist with lessons and classroom tasks.TAs make lessons run smoothly and ensure every pupil gets the help they need.
TAs work in primary, secondary, special schools, or further education (FE). The role can vary depending on the school, age group, or pupils’ needs.
Main types of TAs:
- TA: Supports teachers in lessons, assists pupils individually or in small groups, and helps with everyday classroom tasks.
- SEN TA (Special Educational Needs): Works with pupils with additional learning or behavioural needs, often 1:1 or in small groups, adapting activities to help them progress.
- HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant): Can lead lessons or activities, cover classes, supervise other pupils, and take on extra responsibility under teacher guidance.
Typical duties:
- Help in lessons and small groups
- Support pupils with literacy, numeracy, EAL, or SEND
- Manage behaviour and organise the classroom
- Track progress and keep records
- Liaise with teachers, parents, and other staff
- Follow safeguarding and health & safety rules
Teaching Assistant Responsibilities
Teaching Assistants (TAs) help teachers and pupils. They support learning, manage classroom tasks, and make sure every child can succeed. For example, they assist in lessons, run small groups, and guide behaviour. In addition, they help with EAL pupils, safeguarding, and extra support duties.
- In-class support: Help pupils stay focused and assist teachers during lessons.
- Small-group/1:1 support: Run reading, writing, or numeracy catch-up sessions.
- Behaviour support: Use positive strategies to manage behaviour.
- EAL support: Help pupils learning English and communicate with parents when needed.
- Safeguarding: Spot issues, report them, and keep pupils safe.
Extra Support
TAs also give extra help to pupils. For example, they use assistive technology to make learning easier and support pupils with EHCPs. They also work with therapists, educational psychologists, and other staff. In addition, they track progress, keep records, and help pupils stay safe online.
Teaching Assistant Salary & Working Hours
Teaching Assistant salaries vary. Starter TAs earn around £17,000–£19,000 per year, while experienced TAs can earn £24,000–£27,000. Pay depends on location and employer.
Most TAs work term-time only, usually 16–40 hours per week. This means annual pay is lower than full-time, but you get extra free time during school holidays.
Here is a clear example. The FTE salary is £25,000. You work 32 hours per week. This is a term-time role. As a result, your actual salary is around £16,000 a year. Paid monthly, that’s about £1,333.33.
In addition, extra duties like breakfast clubs, after-school support, or summer schemes can increase pay. Agency work may offer higher daily rates, but hours vary and there are no paid holidays.
How Do You Become a Teaching Assistant in UK
To work as a Teaching Assistant (TA)—also called a classroom assistant, learning support assistant, teacher aide, or pupil support assistant—you’ll need some basics first:
- Maths and English (GCSE grade 4/C or Functional Skills)
- Enhanced DBS check for safeguarding
- Basic safeguarding awareness
Once you have these, here are the main routes:
Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning
- Good starting point for new education support staff
- Few entry requirements; school placement needed
- Takes a few months
- Prepares you for general TA or classroom assistant roles
Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning
- More advanced; often preferred by schools
- Placement required; Level 2 or experience helps
- Lasts several months to a year
- Leads to stronger job prospects and can progress to HLTA
T Level in Education & Childcare (England)
- Two-year course with major school placement
- GCSEs usually needed
- Prepares you for TA jobs or further study
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 3)
- Earn while you train in a school job
- Maths/English needed (or completed during training)
- 12–18 months long
- Ends with a TA post; pathway to SEN TA or HLTA
Volunteering / Experience-first Route
- Great for career changers or those starting fresh
- Build classroom hours, confidence, and strong references
- Can link with Level 2/3 training
Skills You’ll Need
To be a great Teaching Assistant (TA), you need a mix of people skills and practical know-how. These help you support teachers and pupils every day.
- Core teaching assistant skills: Strong communication, patience, empathy, active listening, teamwork, organisation, and basic IT. These skills keep classroom support running smoothly.
- Helpful Specialisms: Consider learning skills like British Sign Language (BSL) or Makaton. First aid, de-escalation techniques, and awareness of conditions like autism and ADHD are all highly valued.
Above all, safeguarding and professional boundaries are essential. They keep pupils safe and show you take your role seriously.
Work Experience
Want to get real teaching assistant experience? Start with volunteering. Ask schools if you can help with reading groups, playground duty, or after-school clubs.
You can also gain experience through youth groups, tutoring, coaching, or summer camps. All these build skills you can use in a classroom, like teamwork, patience, and communication.
Don’t forget to keep a log of your hours, tasks, and achievements. This makes it easy to show your experience when applying for TA roles.
Career Progression (HLTA & Beyond)
Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) can lead to bigger roles in schools. You can take on more responsibility, focus on special areas, or even work towards becoming a teacher.
HLTA: The next step is becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. HLTAs lead activities, cover classes, and usually complete an assessment to earn this status.
Specialisms: You can specialise in areas like SEN, EAL, or literacy and numeracy interventions. Specialising makes you more valuable in schools.
Pathway to Teacher: Many TAs use the role as a stepping stone to become a teacher. Your experience gives you a solid understanding of schools and helps when applying for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) training.
How to Become a Teaching Assistant in 7 Steps
- Choose Your Setting – Pick primary, secondary, or SEND. Check hours and demands.
- Check Your Basics – Ensure GCSEs/Functional Skills, DBS, and safeguarding knowledge are ready.
- Pick a Route – Level 2/3 course, T-Level, apprenticeship, or volunteering.
- Gain Experience – Volunteer, tutor, or help in clubs. Keep a log.
- Prepare CV & Cover Letter – Highlight impact, teamwork, and safeguarding skills.
- Apply Smart – Use local authority websites, school trusts, or agencies. Change your application to fit SEN or EAL roles.
- Prep for Interview – Be ready for behaviour, safeguarding, and pupil support questions.
Pros & Cons of Being a Teaching Assistant
Like any job, there are upsides and downsides to being a TA.
Pros
- Make a real difference in pupils’ lives
- Enjoy varied, interesting days
- Follow school hours and term-time rhythm
- Clear paths for career growth
Cons
- Pay is often pro-rata
- Can be emotionally demanding
- Some lifting or medical tasks required
- Limited promotion without extra study
Tips: Make a plan for training (CPD), get help from mentors, join a union, and set clear boundaries.
A Teaching Assistant (TA) uses practical tools to get hired and succeed. CVs, cover letters, and interview prep show your skills and experience.
TA CV
- 5–7 achievement bullets
- Use strong action verbs
- Show clear results
Cover Letter
- 3 short paragraphs
- Fit – why you suit the role
- Evidence – skills & experience
- Close – show enthusiasm & next steps
Interview Prep
Be ready for questions on:
- Safeguarding
- Behaviour management
- SEND support
- EAL strategies
- Confidentiality
- Teamwork conflicts
- Data & record keeping
- Reading & numeracy interventions
- Playground incidents
FAQs
1. Can you be a TA with no experience?
- Yes! Volunteering, placements, or entry-level courses can get you started.
2. How long does it take to train as a teaching assistant?
- Level 2: a few months. Level 3 or T-Level: several months to 2 years.
3. How much does a TA get paid per hour?
- Usually £9–£13/hour, depending on experience and location.
4. What is the salary for a teaching assistant in the UK?
- Starter: £18,000–£19,000. Experienced: £26,000–£27,000/year (pro-rata if term-time).
5. What qualifications do you need to be a teaching assistant?
- GCSEs or Functional Skills in maths & English, DBS check, and safeguarding awareness. Level 2/3 helps.
6. Do teaching assistants get paid for school holidays?
- No. Pay is usually term-time only, often spread over 12 months.
Conclusion
Becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a fulfilling career choice that lets you you to make a positive impact in the classroom. If you’re wondering how do you become a teaching assistant, understanding the role, required qualifications, and career progression is key to making smart choices.
Ready to start your journey? Enroll in the Teaching Assistant course at Unified Course today and gain the skills, knowledge, and CPD-certified training you need to support students effectively and grow in your TA career.
