Do you want to know how much a teaching assistant earns in the UK? Most TAs are paid using the NJC pay scale. This helps make pay fair for everyone. When you start, you may earn around £12.65 to £13.47 an hour outside London. In London, the pay is higher because living costs are higher.
Most teaching assistants work during school terms only. So, the yearly pay is pro-rata, meaning it covers only the weeks you work. Even so, it’s a good and steady job. Helping children learn and grow is very rewarding.
In this article, we look at how much teaching assistants earn across the UK. You’ll find out what their pay looks like in 2025, why it often follows the minimum wage, and how it can vary between schools and regions. We’ll also talk about what might change in the coming years. By the end, you’ll clearly understand TA pay in 2025 and what to expect if you plan to work in this role.
How Much a Teaching Assistant Earns in Average
The average full-time teaching assistant salary in the UK starts at about £19,000 a year. With more experience, it can go up to around £26,000. Many schools use the NJC pay scale, which keeps pay fair for everyone.
Most teaching assistants work during school terms only. This means they are paid pro rata. Job adverts often show the full-time pay, even for term-time jobs. So, the amount you take home will be less. For example, if a full-time salary is £20,000, a term-time TA may earn around £15,000 to £16,000 a year. Pay also depends on where you work. In London, TAs earn more because living costs are higher.
Even though the pay is not very high, many TAs love their job. Helping children learn and grow makes the work feel special and rewarding.
How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Earn per Hour?
Most teaching assistants earn between £12.65 and £13.47 an hour outside London. This is the normal starting pay for many schools. The exact amount you earn depends on the Spinal Column Point (SCP) shown in the job advert.
Here are some simple things to know:
- The pay rate depends on your skills and experience.
- Each school can choose a different SCP level for the job.
- Pay in London is usually higher because living costs are higher.
- As you gain experience, your hourly rate can increase.
The pay may not seem high, but the job is very meaningful. Every hour you work helps children learn, grow, and feel more confident.
Does Pay Change by Experience or Qualifications?
Yes, teaching assistant pay can change as you gain more experience and skills. Most schools use the Spinal Column Point (SCP) system. This means you start on a lower point when you are new, and move up as you learn and grow.
Here’s how it usually works:
- When you gain experience, you move up the pay scale to a higher SCP.
- If you earn a Level 3 qualification or take on HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) duties, your hourly pay can increase.
- Extra jobs, like leading small groups or planning activities, may also bring higher pay.
This system rewards hard work and progress. It’s nice to know that as you build your skills and confidence, your pay can grow too.
How Location Affects a Teaching Assistant’s Earnings
Where you work can change how much you earn. Teaching assistants in London are usually paid more than those in other parts of the UK. This is because of London weighting or Fringe pay, which adds extra money to help with higher living costs.
Here’s what you should know:
- Inner London TAs earn the most because life there is more expensive.
- Outer London and Fringe areas also get extra pay, but a bit less.
- Schools outside London follow the normal NJC pay scale.
So, a TA in London can earn more per hour than one outside the city. Even so, wherever you work, helping children learn and grow is what makes the job special.
Do SEN Teaching Assistants Earn More?
Yes, SEN (Special Educational Needs) teaching assistants often earn a bit more than general classroom TAs. This is because their work needs extra care, patience, and skill. Many schools grade SEN roles slightly higher on the pay scale or offer an SEN allowance to reward the extra duties.
The amount can vary from one school to another. Some SEN TAs may earn more per hour, while others get a small monthly allowance added to their pay. It depends on the type of support you give and how much responsibility the role includes.
Although the job can be more demanding, it is also one of the most rewarding. Helping children with special needs learn, grow, and feel proud of their progress makes every day worthwhile.
Full-Time vs Term-Time Only: What’s the Difference in Pay?
Many teaching assistant jobs are term-time only, not full-time all year. The hourly pay is the same, but the annual pay is lower because you work fewer weeks.
Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:
Full-Time Contract
- You work all year (around 52 weeks).
- You are paid for the whole year.
- Example: £20,000 a year.
Term-Time Only Contract
- You work during school terms only (around 39–40 weeks).
- Your pay is pro-rata, meaning you’re paid only for the weeks you work.
- Example: £15,000–£16,000 a year.
- The total pay is spread over 12 months, so you still get paid during holidays.
In short, your hourly rate stays the same, but your yearly pay is lower because you don’t work all year round. Still, many TAs enjoy this setup because it gives them school holidays off and a steady income each month.
How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn in London?
Teaching assistants in London usually earn more than those in other parts of the UK. This is because schools add London weighting or borough supplements to help with the higher cost of living.
On average, the hourly pay for lower to mid-level TAs in London is around £15.60 to £18 or more, depending on where you work. For example, TAs in inner London often earn the most, while those in outer London or nearby areas earn a little less.
Every borough sets its own rates, so pay can vary quite a bit between schools. Still, even with the busy city life, many TAs say working in London schools feels exciting and full of energy. The extra pay helps, but it’s the children’s smiles that make every day worthwhile.
What Extra Benefits Come with the Job?
Being a teaching assistant offers more than just your basic pay. There are a few nice extra benefits that make the job even better and more secure.
Most TAs can join the Local Government Pension Scheme, which is one of the best public pension plans in the UK. Both you and your school add money to it each month, so you can build a safe income for the future.
Many schools also give paid CPD (Continuing Professional Development). This means you can join short courses or training sessions to learn new skills, like behaviour support or classroom planning, without losing pay. It helps you grow in your job and opens the door to higher roles, such as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). If you work in London, you may get London weighting, which adds extra money to your salary to help with higher living costs. And if you support children with special needs, you might get an SEN allowance for the extra care and skill your role requires.
Together, these benefits make the job more rewarding. You don’t just earn a wage — you build a career that supports your future, helps you learn, and lets you make a real difference every day.
Can Teaching Assistants Increase Their Pay with Training or Promotion?
Yes, teaching assistants can earn more with training and experience. As you learn new skills, you can move into higher-paid jobs in schools. One good way to start is by completing a Level 3 Teaching Assistant course. This shows you understand your role well and can handle more duties. After that, you can aim to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). HLTAs often help plan lessons, lead small groups, and support teachers more closely. They also earn more money.
You can also train for specialist roles, such as:
- ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) – helping children manage feelings.
- Behaviour Support Assistant – helping pupils stay calm and focused.
- SALT (Speech and Language Therapy) Support – helping children with speech and communication.
These roles need extra training, but they come with higher pay and more responsibility. Most of all, they give you the chance to help children in a deeper and more meaningful way.
FAQs: Teaching Assistant Pay (UK 2025)
How much do teaching assistants get paid per day?
If you’re paid daily, you can earn around £40 to £60 a day. For HLTAs, the rate is usually higher, often above £12 an hour.
What is the lowest salary for a teacher?
The lowest teacher salary is usually for preschool teachers, who earn about $52,800 a year. High school teachers earn around $64,700 per year.
What qualifications are required to be a teaching assistant?
To be a teaching assistant, you need GCSEs in English and Maths. You also need good reading and number skills.
What are the benefits of being a TA?
Being a teaching assistant has many benefits. You help children learn and grow. You get flexible hours and a good work balance.
What are the disadvantages of being a teaching assistant?
Being a teaching assistant can be hard. The pay is low, and there are few chances to move up. The job can also be tiring and stressful.
Final Thoughts
Being a teaching assistant may not make you rich, but it brings real joy and purpose. Every day, you help children learn, grow, and feel proud of themselves. Because of that, many people find this job deeply rewarding.
If you want to start a career in education or move up to a higher role, the right training can really help. That’s why the Teaching Assistant Course from Unified Course is a great choice. It teaches you how to support teachers, manage behaviour, and help every child reach their best. So, if you love helping others and want a job that truly matters, this course is a wonderful first step.
Start learning today, and take your next step toward a career that changes young lives every day.
