How much does a part time teaching assistant earn? Working as a part-time Teaching Assistant (TA) can be one of the most rewarding jobs for people who love helping children learn but prefer a flexible routine. Unlike full-time TAs, who usually work every school day and often stay for full hours, part-time TAs work shorter shifts — maybe mornings only, or just a few days per week.
Most part-time TAs are paid by the hour, and their total earnings depend on the number of hours they work and the number of weeks they are paid for. Many part-time positions are “term-time only,” meaning they are paid for roughly 38 to 39 weeks per year — the weeks when school is open. Their hourly pay is usually in the range of £12.65 to £14.60 per hour.
This article explains in simple terms how part-time TA pay works — how the hours, terms, location, experience, and type of school all affect what you take home at the end of the month.
What Does “Part-Time” Mean for a Teaching Assistant?
The term “part-time” simply means working fewer hours than someone who has a full-time contract. In schools, this can vary a lot, depending on how the school’s timetable is organised.
Typical Work Patterns
Many part-time TAs:
- Work less than 30 hours per week
- Only work certain days (for example, Monday to Wednesday)
- Might cover mornings only, helping with literacy and maths sessions
- Often follow the school term calendar, so they are off during school holidays
In other words, while full-time staff might work all week and be paid for 52 weeks, part-time TAs are usually paid only for the time school is open.
Why This Matters
Because their pay depends on hours worked, a part-time TA earns less overall, even if their hourly rate looks similar to that of a full-time TA. But the flexibility is the key attraction — it suits people who have childcare, studies, or other commitments. Let’s imagine:
- Full-time TA: 35 hours per week
- Part-time TA: 20 hours per week
If both earn £13 an hour, the full-time TA earns more overall, but the part-time TA still enjoys a steady income for fewer hours — perfect for work-life balance.
How Much Does a Part Time Teaching Assistant Earn per Hour?
When you look at job adverts or payslips, you’ll notice that pay for part-time TAs is shown as an hourly rate. This makes it easy to calculate your earnings based on how many hours you work.
Typical Hourly Rates in 2025
Most part-time TAs earn between £12.65 and £14.60 per hour. However, some roles can be slightly lower or higher, depending on experience and the region of the school.
What Affects the Rate
- Experience – A TA with several years of classroom experience may be offered a higher rate.
- Qualifications – A Level 3 or HLTA-qualified assistant may earn more than someone just starting out.
- Responsibilities – Supporting a child one-to-one or helping children with special educational needs (SEN) can attract a higher rate.
- Location – Schools in London or big cities often pay more than smaller rural schools.
- Employer Type – Working directly for a school may have a different pay scale than working through an agency.
What Is the Typical Monthly Take-Home for Part-Time TAs?
It helps to see what these hourly rates look like in a month’s pay. Let’s do a simple calculation using round numbers so it’s easy to follow.
Example Calculation
Imagine:
- You work 20 hours per week.
- Paid £13 per hour.
- You work 39 weeks a year (term-time only)
Your weekly pay:
20 hours × £13 = £260 per week
Your term-time total pay:
£260 × 39 weeks = £10,140 per year
If your school spreads your salary over 12 months, you’ll receive around:
£10,140 ÷ 12 = about £845 per month (before tax).
But if you’re only paid during the school term, you’ll get your full pay in those 9–10 working months, which means around £1,000–£1,100 per month, and nothing during holidays.
Remember:
- Tax and National Insurance will slightly reduce your take-home pay.
- Pension contributions (if you are enrolled) will also lower your monthly net pay.
- Your total yearly earnings depend on your exact hours — some part-time TAs work 25 or 30 hours a week, which increases their pay.
So, most part-time TAs can expect to take home somewhere between £800 and £1,100 per month, depending on their hours and contract type.
How Do Term-Time Only Contracts Affect Pay?
This is one of the most confusing parts for many new TAs, so let’s break it down clearly.
What “Term-Time Only” Means
A term-time contract means:
- You work only during the weeks when school is open.
- You do not work (and usually are not paid) during school holidays.
- However, some schools “spread out” your total salary over 12 months, so you still receive a small payment each month.
For example, If your annual pay for 39 weeks of work is £10,000, some schools will divide that £10,000 over 12 months, so you receive about £833 per month all year round. Others pay only during working months.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
Good Points:
- You get long school holidays to rest or look after family.
- It’s easier to balance work and life if you have children.
Not-So-Good Points:
- You’re paid for fewer weeks each year, so your total annual income is lower.
- Planning your finances is important — especially if your salary stops during holidays.
Tip:
When you apply for a job, always ask: “Is this term-time only, and will the pay be spread across 12 months?” That one question will help you plan your finances better.
Does Pay Change by Location (London vs the Rest of the UK)?
Yes, location makes a noticeable difference in how much a Teaching Assistant earns.
London and Surrounding Areas
Schools in London and the South East generally pay more to match the higher cost of living. It’s common to find:
- Inner London hourly rate: around £14–£15.50 per hour
- Outer London hourly rate: around £13–£14 per hour
Rest of the UK
In other parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, pay is slightly lower:
- Hourly rate: £12–£13.50 per hour
- Annual income for part-time (20 hrs/week): around £9,000–£10,500
Why the Difference Exists
London and large cities face higher living expenses and greater demand for staff. Schools sometimes include a “London allowance” or offer higher hourly pay to attract workers. If you’re comparing two job offers, always check if one includes this allowance. It can make a meaningful difference to your yearly income.
Do SEN or One-to-One Roles Pay More for Part-Time TAs?
Yes, they usually do.
Why the Pay Is Higher
Supporting a pupil with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or working one-to-one with a student requires more responsibility and often more emotional and communication skills. You might be helping a child with autism, ADHD, speech difficulties, or physical challenges. Because the work is more specialised, schools often offer a higher hourly rate.
Typical Pay for Specialist Roles
- SEN or one-to-one TAs: around £13.50–£15.00 per hour
- Some London SEN roles: even up to £16 per hour
- General classroom TA: around £12.65–£13.50 per hour
Extra Benefits
- You build strong experience in an area that’s always in demand.
- It can lead to faster career growth — into SEN Coordinator or HLTA roles.
If you enjoy helping children who need extra support, SEN work can be both financially and personally rewarding.
Can Qualifications (Level 2, Level 3, HLTA) Increase Pay?
Absolutely — your qualifications make a real difference to your pay level.
Main Qualification Levels
1. Level 2 Teaching Assistant Qualification: This is often the entry point for classroom support jobs. You assist the class teacher with general tasks.
2. Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification: This level gives you more independence, allowing you to lead small groups and take more responsibility.
3. Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): This is the highest level before becoming a teacher. HLTAs can plan lessons and even supervise classes when teachers are absent.
How Each Level Affects Pay
- Level 2: Around £12–£13 per hour
- Level 3: Around £13–£14.50 per hour
- HLTA: Around £14.50–£16 per hour
Why Schools Value Qualifications
Schools prefer assistants who understand classroom management, learning theory, and safeguarding. Having recognised qualifications proves that you can handle different situations with confidence.
Tips to Boost Pay Through Learning
- Take free or low-cost online courses to add to your skills.
- Look for local council or college programmes offering TA training.
- Tell your headteacher or line manager about your goals — they may even help fund your next qualification.
School Payroll vs Agency: Which Pays Better for Part-Time TAs?
When looking for part-time TA work, you’ll see roles advertised directly by schools and others through recruitment agencies. Both have benefits and downsides.
Working Directly for a School
Advantages:
- Stable hours and regular pay.
- Access to staff benefits such as pension schemes and professional development.
- Stronger sense of belonging — you’re part of a permanent school team.
- Clear annual leave and sick pay arrangements.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly lower hourly rate compared to agencies.
- Fewer opportunities to try different schools quickly.
Working Through an Agency
Advantages:
- Often higher hourly pay, sometimes £1–£2 more per hour.
- Flexibility to choose when and where you work.
- Exposure to many school environments helps you learn quickly.
Disadvantages:
- Hours may not be consistent week-to-week.
- Limited or no access to school staff benefits.
- You may have to travel between schools more often.
Which Option to Choose?
If you value stability, go with school payroll. If you value flexibility and variety, agency work could suit you better. Many TAs even combine both — they work part-time in one school and take extra agency shifts elsewhere to top up income.
Extra Hours, Breakfast/After-School Clubs: Can You Boost Income?
Yes, there are many ways to increase your income even if you are part-time.
Popular Extra Duties
- Breakfast clubs: Supervising pupils before classes start.
- After-school clubs: Helping with sports, art, or homework activities.
- Lunchtime duties: Supporting children in the dining hall or playground.
- Cover supervision: Filling in for absent staff when needed.
- Holiday clubs: If your school runs one, you can earn during school breaks.
These extra roles can add anywhere from 2–10 extra paid hours each week, depending on what you take on.
Why They’re Worth It
- They add more money without needing a new job.
- They show initiative and can strengthen your reputation in school.
- And they give you more contact time with pupils, which helps develop your skills.
Progression: How to Move Up Pay Bands as a Part-Time TA
You can build a career even if you work part-time. Here’s how you can steadily increase your earnings and responsibilities.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gain Experience: The more time you spend supporting different classes and pupils, the more confident and capable you become.
2. Complete Further Training: Aim for Level 3 or HLTA qualifications. They not only open doors to higher pay but also prepare you for leadership roles.
3. Specialise: Focus on an area like SEN support, literacy interventions, or behaviour mentoring. Specialists are often paid more.
4. Show Initiative: Volunteer to help with after-school clubs or special projects. Schools notice proactive staff.
5. Ask for Development Opportunities: Many schools offer internal training days — join them whenever you can.
6. Apply for Higher-Level Roles: Once qualified and experienced, apply for HLTA or SEN TA roles — both full- and part-time positions are available.
Long-Term Growth
Over a few years, a part-time TA can:
- Move from £12/hour to £15/hour or more.
- Take on extra club work for additional pay.
- Progress into senior TA or HLTA positions.
- Eventually, train as a teacher if desired.
Your journey can be flexible. Some people stay part-time for family reasons but still climb pay bands. Others move full-time later once they’re ready.
What to Expect from Part-Time TA Earnings
Let’s bring it all together in plain terms. In 2025, most part-time Teaching Assistants in the UK can expect:
- Hourly rate: around £12.65 to £14.60
- Weekly pay (20 hrs): about £250–£290
- Monthly pay: around £1,000–£1,100 before tax (if paid term-time)
- Annual pay (term-time only): about £9,500–£11,000
Your actual pay depends on:
- How many hours do you work each week
- Whether your contract is term-time only
- Where your school is located (London pays more)
- What qualifications and duties do you have
To make the most of your income:
- Check your contract carefully for paid weeks and pay spread.
- Ask about extra hours, such as clubs or lunchtime duties.
- Keep improving your qualifications — even one level up can make a real difference.
- Consider SEN or one-to-one roles for higher hourly pay.
- Balance your hours so you can earn steadily without burnout.
A Final Word
Being a part-time Teaching Assistant isn’t just about the money — it’s about supporting students, being part of a school community, and finding a job that fits around your life. The pay can be comfortable, especially if you add extra hours or progress in your qualifications.
With patience, learning, and enthusiasm, you can enjoy a meaningful career that grows with you — even if you start part-time. If you’re thinking about moving up a level, it’s worth looking at the Teaching Assistant course from Unified Course. It’s designed to fit around part-time work and helps you gain the knowledge and skills that schools look for when offering higher pay bands. You can study online, learn at your own pace, and build confidence for more advanced roles.
