How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Course Cost in the UK?

Are you thinking about becoming a teaching assistant? That’s a great choice! It’s a job where you help children learn, grow, and smile every day. But first, you may ask — how much does a teaching assistant course cost in the UK?

Most teaching assistant courses are between Level 2 and Level 4. These courses teach you everything from basic classroom help to working with children who need extra support. In 2025, the cost of a course is usually between £300 and £2,200. The price depends on the course level, where you study (online or in a college), and whether it includes placement or tests.

In this article, we’ll talk about the cost of a teaching assistant course in the UK. You’ll learn about the average course prices, what affects the cost, and any extra fees you might need to pay. By the end, you’ll understand how much money to plan for and what to expect before starting your journey to become a teaching assistant.

How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course Cost?

If you’re new to this field, a Level 2 Teaching Assistant course is a great way to start your journey as a teaching assistant. It’s simple, flexible, and affordable.

Here’s what you can expect:

•  Online courses: Usually cost £300–£900.
•  College courses: Often £600–£900.
•  Many providers offer monthly instalment plans.
•  Some colleges even offer free courses for eligible adult learners.
•  Most online courses include about 80 guided learning hours and let you study at your own pace.
•  Example prices:

                   £675 (college)

                   £827 (college)

In short, Level 2 is an easy, low-cost way to learn the basics and start your teaching assistant journey.

How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course Cost?

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant course helps you move up in your career and gives you real classroom experience. It’s perfect if you want to become a fully qualified teaching assistant.

Here’s a quick look at the costs:

• College courses: Around £1,500–£2,300.
• Online courses: Can be a bit cheaper, but you’ll still need in-school experience or evidence.
• Courses often take 12–18 months to finish.
• Include about 310 study hours and real classroom practice.
• Example price: £2,225 (college, part-time).

In short, Level 3 is a smart choice if you want hands-on experience, higher skills, and better job opportunities as a teaching assistant.

How Much Does an HLTA (Level 4) Course Cost?

If you already work as a teaching assistant and want to move forward in your career, the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) course is a great next step. It helps you take on more classroom responsibility and build stronger teaching skills. Let’s look at how much it costs and what options you have.

 HLTA Preparation and Assessment

To get official HLTA status, you need to complete two parts — a preparation course and a national assessment.

• The preparation course costs around £290 plus VAT.
• The national assessment costs about £450.
  So, the total price is around £740. Some universities and training centres offer a full package for about £900, which includes both.

Once you finish both parts, you’ll be officially recognised as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, which can open more job opportunities and increase your earning potential.

 Level 4 HLTA Certificate Courses

If you’re not quite ready for the HLTA assessment yet, you can start with a Level 4 HLTA Certificate course. It’s a great way to build your skills and confidence before moving to the full qualification.

These courses usually cost between £415 and £745, depending on the provider. They are course-only options, meaning they don’t include the HLTA status assessment. The best part is that most of them are online and flexible, so you can study anytime, anywhere, even if you’re busy.

 In short:

• Level 4 HLTA courses (learning only): £415–£745
• HLTA preparation and assessment (full status): £740–£900

Tip: Many people choose to study while working as a teaching assistant. If you want to learn how to balance both, check out our blog How to Be a Teaching Assistant While Studying or Working Part-Time. It shares simple tips to help you manage your time, stay motivated, and make progress without stress.

Do Online Teaching Assistant Courses Cost Less Than In-Person?

Yes, in most cases, online teaching assistant courses cost less than in-person ones. If you want to save money and study at your own pace, online learning is a smart choice.

Online Courses vs. College Courses

Online teaching assistant courses are usually cheaper because they don’t include classroom sessions or assessor visits.

• A Level 2 or Level 3 online course often costs between £400 and £800.
• Some providers offer Level 2 + Level 3 bundles for about £530.
• A Level 4 HLTA (course only) can cost around £415.
  

College-based courses usually cost more because they include in-person support, assessor visits, and work placement checks. Before buying a course, always check the awarding body or accreditation, such as NCFE, CACHE, City & Guilds, or TQUK. Also, confirm whether workplace observation is required for the qualification.

What About CPD Platforms Like Unified Course?

If you want to boost your skills without spending a fortune, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses are your best friend. These short, focused courses make learning fast, affordable, and flexible — perfect if you’re working, studying, or just starting your career in education.

Platforms like Unified Course make it easy to learn anytime, anywhere. Their courses are designed by industry experts to help you grow real, job-ready skills in areas that matter — from Safeguarding and Autism/ADHD Awareness to Behaviour Support, Phonics Teaching Course and Paediatric First Aid.

• Price range: Most CPD courses cost between £10 and £60 during sales (regular prices are around £30–£150).
• Purpose: Learn key topics quickly and build confidence for classroom or care roles.
• Certificate: You’ll receive a CPD certificate of completion — a simple but powerful addition to your CV or job applications.

The best part? Unified Course gives you high-quality, accredited training without the stress or high cost of long programmes. It’s learning made simple, flexible, and truly rewarding — because every new skill you gain brings you closer to your next career step.

How CPD Fits With Qualifications

CPD courses do not replace official qualifications like Level 2, Level 3, or HLTA. Instead, they help you prepare for them and show that you are serious about learning. You can use CPD courses to build confidence and skills while waiting for a school placement or a diploma course to start. Think of CPD as an extra step that helps you stand out and show your readiness for work.

What to Check Before Buying a Course

• The provider’s reputation and reviews
• Clear learning outcomes
• Whether the course is CPD-accredited and includes an e-certificate
• Any career support, like CV tips or placement advice
• Refund or extension policies and any hidden fees

How to Use CPD Smartly

• Start with one or two short CPD courses, such as Safeguarding or SEN Awareness.
• Add them to your CV and mention them in job or volunteer applications.
• Try to get volunteer hours at a local school.
• Once you have some experience, move on to a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.

This simple plan helps you build skills, gain experience, and move forward step by step — without high costs or pressure.

What Factors Change the Cost of a Teaching Assistant Course?

The cost of a teaching assistant course can change for many reasons. It does not only depend on the course level.

One big reason is the awarding body. Courses from trusted names like City & Guilds or NCFE often cost more. Schools trust these names, so their courses are more valued. The amount of tutor or assessor support also affects the price. Courses with one-to-one help or feedback usually cost more than self-study ones.

Some courses need a work placement or observation in a school. When an assessor visits your school to check your work, the price can go up. The length of the course matters too. Longer courses with more lessons or study time often cost more than short ones.

There can also be extra fees, like registration or assessment charges. These may come from the training provider or awarding body.

In short, the total cost depends on what’s included — the support, the awarding body, the placement, and any extra fees. Always check what’s covered in the price before you choose a course.

Are There Payment Plans for Teaching Assistant Courses?

Yes, many teaching assistant courses offer payment plans. This means you can pay bit by bit instead of all at once.

Most private course providers let you pay in monthly parts, usually around £40 to £50 per month. It makes learning easier if you are on a budget. For example, some offer a Level 2 and Level 3 bundle with monthly payments. You can also find Level 4 HLTA courses with the same option.

Always check the refund rules and see if there are any extra fees for paying monthly. Payment plans are a simple way to start studying without worrying about paying a big amount at once.

Can I Get Funding or Grants for a Teaching Assistant Course?

Yes, you may be able to get help to pay for your teaching assistant course. Here are some simple options:

• Advanced Learner Loan – If you are 19 or older and studying a Level 3 or higher course in England, you can apply for this loan. No credit check is needed, but you must meet the rules.
• Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – This Level 3 course is paid for by your employer through government funding. You can earn while you learn, and it usually takes about 18 months to finish.
• Free or Low-Cost College Courses – Some colleges offer free or cheaper Level 2 courses for adults who qualify. Many learners can study without paying full fees.
• Local Grants or Sponsorship – Check with your local council, school, or academy trust. They sometimes offer small grants or funding to help people train as teaching assistants.

Always ask about funding before you pay. You might be able to study for less — or even for free.

What Extra Costs Should I Expect (DBS, Books, Placement Travel)?

When you join a teaching assistant course, there may be some extra costs besides the main course fee. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Enhanced DBS Check – This is needed to work with children. It costs around £49.50 in England and Wales. The DBS Update Service costs £16 per year, but it’s free for volunteers.
• Travel and Parking – If your course includes a school placement, you may need to pay for bus fares, fuel, or parking. These small costs can add up over time.
• Study Materials – You might need folders, notebooks, pens, or printing for your coursework.
• Admin or Membership Fees – Some colleges or training providers charge small extra fees, usually around £30.

These costs are usually small, but it’s smart to plan for them. That way, you can study without worrying about surprises later.

How Long Do Teaching Assistant Courses Take (and Does Time Affect Cost)?

The time to finish a teaching assistant course depends on the level and how you study. Some people learn faster online. Others take longer at college. And yes, longer courses usually cost more.

• Level 2 Course: A Level 2 teaching assistant course usually takes 30 to 34 weeks at college. If you study online, it can take 4 weeks to 9 months. The time depends on how fast you learn. It also depends on how much time you can study each week.
• Level 3 Diploma: A Level 3 Diploma often takes 8 to 12 months at college. Some part-time students may take up to 2 years. If you study online, it takes about 310 study hours. You can take up to 18 months to finish.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship: A Level 3 apprenticeship usually takes about 18 months to complete. After that, you have a few extra months for the final test.

In general, longer courses cost more. They include more tutor time, school placements, and assessments. Shorter online courses are cheaper and more flexible.

When you choose, think about your time, budget, and goals. If you need flexibility, try an online course. If you want classroom experience, a college or apprenticeship may be better.

Is a Teaching Assistant Course Worth the Cost (Salary and ROI)?

Many people ask if taking a teaching assistant course is really worth the money. The answer is usually yes — if you love working with children and want a stable, rewarding job.

Your return on investment (ROI) depends on a few things. It mostly depends on your local pay rates, your working hours, and whether your job is term-time only. Most teaching assistants are paid for school weeks, not for the full year, so pay is pro-rata (based on how many weeks you work).

In most areas, teaching assistant pay follows the NJC support staff pay scale. From April 2025, the national pay rates have been updated, but pay can still vary depending on your school or local council. Many TAs are paid hourly or daily, not on a full 52-week salary. To get a clear idea of your income, check your local council or multi-academy trust (MAT) pay scale. It shows what you can expect to earn based on your level and experience.

So yes — while a teaching assistant course costs money, it can open the door to a job that’s meaningful, steady, and full of personal growth. You’ll be making a real difference every day, and that’s something truly valuable.

How Do I Compare Teaching Assistant Course Providers Safely?

Choosing the right teaching assistant course is very important. There are many providers to choose from. So, take your time and check carefully before you pay.

First, make sure the course is accredited by a trusted awarding body. Look for names like NCFE, CACHE, City & Guilds, or TQUK. These names show that your qualification will be accepted by schools and employers.

Next, check how the course is taught and assessed. Some courses need classroom observations or placement hours in a school. Others are fully online and let you study at your own pace. Always read the course details carefully.

Also, check the refund and extension rules. Sometimes life gets busy, and you might need more time. Make sure you know what happens if you need to pause or cancel the course.

Before joining, read recent student reviews. They help you see if the provider gives good support and clear feedback. If you want to use funding like the Advanced Learner Loan, make sure the provider is officially approved. Taking a few extra minutes to check these things can save you money and stress. It also helps you find a course that truly fits your needs.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Teaching Assistant Course for Your Budget

Becoming a teaching assistant is a big and rewarding step. Yes, the course costs money and time, but it’s truly worth it. You will learn skills that help children grow, learn, and feel confident every day. There are many course levels, study options, and payment plans to choose from. So, take your time to find the one that fits your budget and goals. Always check the provider’s reviews, support, and course details before joining.

In the end, investing in a teaching assistant course is investing in your future. It gives you the chance to build a stable career, make a real difference in children’s lives, and feel proud of what you do every single day.

Looking to grow your teaching or training skills fast? Explore Unified Course’s collection of Teaching and Training CPD courses.

FAQ: How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Course Cost in the UK?

1. How much does it cost to do a teaching assistant course?
You can now get the CPD Accredited Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course for only £39, down from £299.99 — that’s over 83% off! 

2. Can I do a teaching assistant course for free?
Yes, you can do some teaching assistant courses for free. Many Level 2 courses are government-funded or offered online by sites like Free Courses in England.

3. Can I be a TA with no experience?
Yes, you can become a teaching assistant with no experience. You can start by volunteering at a school or working with children to gain experience.

4. Is becoming a TA hard?
Becoming a teaching assistant isn’t too hard, but it can be challenging at first. With time and practice, it gets easier.

5. How many hours a day does a TA work?
Most full-time teaching assistants work 32 to 37 hours each week. They usually work only during school hours.