How much does a special needs teaching assistant earn? Here’s a quick answer. In 2025, most Special Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistants in England earn around £13 to £16.60 an hour outside London. In London, the pay is a bit higher.
Most jobs are term-time only, so the yearly pay is spread over 12 months. From 1 April 2025, pay will go up by 3.2% under the new NJC rates. The National Living Wage for people aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour. The job may not pay a lot, but it offers steady hours and the happiness of helping children every day.
In this article, we talk about how much teaching assistants earn in 2025. You will learn what affects their pay, how it changes in different schools, and what could change in the future. By the end, you will know what to expect if you want to work as a teaching assistant.Â
What Is a Special Needs Teaching Assistant?
A Special Needs Teaching Assistant, or SEN TA, helps children who need extra help in school. These children may have conditions like autism, ADHD, or physical or learning difficulties. SEN TAs support them so they can learn, play, and take part in every activity with confidence.
They often work closely with teachers to plan lessons and give extra time to children who need it. Some SEN TAs help one child during the whole school day, while others support small groups. They may also help with reading, writing, or simple classroom tasks.
This role is not just about teaching — it’s also about care and patience. SEN TAs help children feel safe, calm, and included in school life. Their work makes a big difference every day.
The pay for SEN TAs usually follows local council rules, known as the NJC pay scale. How much you earn depends on your experience, grade, and where you work.
How Much Does a Special Needs Teaching Assistant Earn per Hour?
If you want to know how much a special needs teaching assistant gets paid per hour, here’s a simple guide. Pay can change depending on the school, your experience, and the area you work in. But let’s look at some examples from 2025 outside London. In Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, pay usually follows a set scale called SCP.
 Here are some sample rates:
- SCP7: £13.68 per hour
- SCP10: £14.36 per hour
- SCP15: £15.56 per hour
- SCP19: £16.62 per hour
You can see that the pay goes up as you move up the scale. Many TAs earn more after working for a few years or after extra training.
Being a special needs teaching assistant is not only about money. It’s about helping children every day. You support pupils who need extra care and patience. You help them learn, grow, and feel happy in school. So, even though SEN TA pay can be different in each school or Trust, it is fair for the important work you do.
How Much a Teaching Assistant Earns Yearly (SEN)
If you want to know what the average yearly salary for a special needs teaching assistant is, here’s a simple guide. The National Careers Service says new TAs earn about £19,000 a year. With experience, the pay can go up to around £27,000 a year.
Most schools offer term-time jobs. This means you work when schools are open and have holidays off. Your pay is usually spread over 12 months, so you get paid every month, even in the holidays.
The job may not pay the most, but it gives you something special. You help children with extra needs learn and feel happy. You see their progress every day, and that makes the work feel truly worth it.
Do Special Needs Teaching Assistants Get Paid More Than General TAs?
You may wonder if special needs teaching assistants get paid more than general TAs. The answer is often yes, but only a little more.
Here’s what the National Careers Service says:
- General TAs can earn up to about £26,000 a year.
- Special needs TAs can earn around £27,000 a year.
- Some schools offer extra pay or SEN allowances for the extra care and support needed.
- Pay can change depending on the school or local council.
It’s always a good idea to check the job advert. Look for details about the pay scale (called SCP) and any added allowance.
Even though the pay gap is small, the job means a lot. You help children with special needs learn, grow, and feel safe. That joy and pride are worth more than the extra money.
Does Pay Change in London and High-Cost Areas?
Yes, it does. If you work in London or other high-cost areas, you usually get a bit more pay. This extra money is called London weighting. It is added on top of your normal salary. For example, in Ealing (2025), the starting hourly rate is about £15.60 or more. As you move up the pay scale, your pay also goes up.
Here are a few simple points to remember:
- Inner and Outer London give extra pay on top of the national scale.
- The amount can change by borough or school.
- Always check your local council’s pay table, like the one on ealing.gov.uk.
Working in London can cost more, but the extra pay helps. And even with the higher costs, many TAs say the job feels worth it because they make a real difference every day.
How Do Term-Time Only Contracts Affect Take-Home Pay?
Many teaching assistant jobs are term-time only. But what does that mean for your pay? Let’s explain it simply.
Your hourly pay stays the same, but your yearly pay is based on the number of weeks you work — usually about 38 to 40 weeks a year. The council then spreads your pay over 12 months, so you still get money every month, even in school holidays.
Here’s how they work it out:
- Your yearly pay is divided by 52.143 weeks.
- Then it’s divided by 37 hours (a full-time week).
- This is called the NJC formula. You can read more on slcc.co.uk.
So, you don’t lose money for each hour you work. The pay is just shared out evenly across the year. Many TAs like this because it helps with budgeting and gives them a steady income while still enjoying time off during holidays.
Can Experience Increase Your Pay in a Special Needs Role?
Yes, it can. When you get more experience, your pay can go up as a special needs teaching assistant. Schools use a pay scale called SCP (Spinal Column Point). As you move up, your hourly pay also increases.
Here is an example from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (2025):
- SCP8: about £13.90 per hour
- SCP15: around £15.56 per hour
- SCP19: close to £16.62 per hour
Each step gives you a little more money. You can move up by gaining experience, doing extra training, or taking on more duties at school.
It feels good to see your hard work pay off. So always check your job advert or contract to see your grade and SCP. This helps you know how your pay can grow in the future.
Do Extra Qualifications (Level 3, SEN Training, HLTA) Help You Earn More?
Yes, they do. If you get extra qualifications, you can earn more as a special needs teaching assistant.
When you complete a Level 3 course or SEN training, schools see that you have more skills. They often give higher pay or a small bonus for this. If you work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), you can move up the pay scale too.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always check the job advert to see your grade or SCP.
- Look for any SEN allowance or extra pay in the listing.
- You can also read pay advice on UNISON National.
Getting extra training doesn’t just raise your pay — it also grows your confidence. You learn new things, take on more tasks, and feel proud of what you do every day.
Tip: Even short online courses can make a big difference. Every new skill you learn adds value to your work and helps you shine in your role.
Can One-to-One Support Pay More Than Classroom Support?
Yes, it can. A one-to-one support job means you work with one child who needs extra help. This may be because of medical, behavioural, or learning needs. Since this job needs more care and focus, it can pay a little more than general classroom support.
Many schools or trusts give higher grades or extra money for these roles. The amount can change depending on your employer or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Always read the job advert carefully. Check the grade, duties, and look for SEN or one-to-one allowances. You can also check pay advice on UNISON National.
One-to-one work is not just about the pay. It is about helping a child learn, grow, and feel confident. It can be busy and sometimes hard, but seeing that child smile or make progress makes you feel proud. The joy you get from helping is often the best reward of all.
Can Agency or Supply SEN TA Work Pay Higher Rates?
Yes, sometimes it can. Some agencies pay higher daily or hourly rates to find good teaching assistants. This can be helpful if you want flexible work or quick starts.
But there is something important to know. If you work in the same school for 12 weeks or more through an agency, you must get equal pay. This means you should earn the same as a school worker doing the same job. This rule comes from the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) on GOV.UK. Agency work can be a good way to try different schools and build experience. But always check your contract and pay details before you begin.
Some people like agency work because it gives freedom and change. Others prefer a regular school job for steady pay and routine. Both options are good — it just depends on what suits you best.
How Much Can a Special Needs Teaching Assistant Earn Long-Term?
Yes, sometimes it can. Some agencies offer higher pay rates to attract good teaching assistants. This can be a great choice if you want flexible hours or you like starting work quickly.
However, there’s something you should know. If you stay in the same school for 12 weeks or more through an agency, you must get equal pay. This means you should earn the same amount as a school employee doing the same job. This rule is part of the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) on GOV.UK.
Working through an agency can be a great way to try different schools and gain experience. It can also help you find out what type of school or role suits you best.
Still, it’s important to check your contract and pay details before you start. Some people love agency work because it brings freedom and variety. Others prefer a steady school job with regular hours and pay. Both paths are good — it really depends on what makes you happy and fits your life best.
Final Thoughts: Is Special Needs Teaching Assistant Pay Worth It?
Being a Special Needs Teaching Assistant is more than just a job — it’s a role that changes lives every single day. The pay may not be the highest, but the rewards go far beyond money. You help children learn, grow, and feel valued in school. And with the right training, your skills and pay can rise too.
If you’re inspired to start your journey, the Teaching Assistant Course from Unified Course is the perfect next step. This flexible online course helps you build the skills schools look for — from supporting pupils with special needs to assisting teachers in daily lessons. You’ll gain the confidence, knowledge, and certificate you need to begin a rewarding career in education.
Start today and take the first step towards making a real difference in children’s lives.
FAQs
- How Much Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid in the UK?
Higher Level Teaching Assistants earn about £22,500 to £29,000 a year. Most TAs work term-time only, so their yearly pay is around £12,000.
- How much are TAs paid per hour?
Teaching Assistants usually earn £40–£60 a day, which is about £12.21 an hour for adults aged 21 and over.
- Can I Be a TA with No Experience?
Yes, you can. Start by getting a DBS check, volunteering in schools, and showing your passion for helping children.
- What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?
You usually need GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9–4) and good reading and writing skills.
- Is Being a TA a Good Job?
Yes, it is. It’s great for people who love helping children learn and want a job with a good work-life balance.
