If you’re wondering how much does a teaching assistant earn in 2025, the answer depends on the role and contract type. A full-time teaching assistant in the UK usually makes between £24,796 and £28,142. Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) take home a bit more, typically between £28,598 and £32,061. Because many contracts only cover term time, actual pay is usually around 20–25% lower than the full-time figure. Out on the job market, day rates are often £95 to £100, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Cardiff.
How Pay Is Decided (The Short Version)
Pay in schools depends on the type of school. Maintained schools usually follow the NJC (Green Book). However, academies, free schools, and independent schools do not have to follow it. Always check the pay scale (SCP) shown in the job advert.
How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Earn? 2025 Salary Overview
Most teaching assistants are paid according to the NJC local government pay spine. Academies and independent schools set their own pay rates. From 1 April 2025, the NJC awarded a 3.20% pay increase, raising the salary points.
The common full-time equivalent pay for teaching assistants sits between SCP 3 and 11, which means £24,796 to £28,142. Higher Level Teaching Assistants usually earn between SCP 12 and 19 (£28,598 to £32,061). However, if you work term-time or part-time, your take-home pay will be lower.
Day rates in the market average around £98 per day nationwide. Cities like London, Manchester, and Cardiff offer similar rates for teaching assistants.
So, if you ask how much does a teaching assistant earn in 2025, these figures give you a clear and realistic picture.
How the NJC Green Book Affects Pay
The NJC Green Book sets pay rules for maintained schools. It shows the pay scale steps and grades for different roles. Schools follow this to decide your salary. But academies and others can use their own pay rules.
Always check the SCP in the job advert before applying. This tells you what pay to expect. The National Education Union offers advice on pay matters, so it helps to check with them too.
1. Entry Teaching Assistant (TA)
This is the starting level. You don’t need much experience. You may help with basic classroom tasks. Your pay is on SCP 3 to 4. That means you earn £24,796 to £25,185 full-time.
2. Developing Teaching Assistant
You have some experience now. You might support small groups or lead activities. Your role is more active than before. You are on SCP 5 to 7. You earn £25,583 to £26,403 full-time.
3. Experienced or SEN-Focused Teaching Assistant
You have solid experience working with special needs (SEN) pupils. You often take more responsibility. You may work closely with teachers to plan support. You are placed on SCP 8 to 11. Your pay is £26,824 to £28,142 full-time.
4. Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
This is a senior role. You may lead whole classes without a teacher present. You might train or guide other TAs. Your SCP level is 12 to 19. Your pay is £28,598 to £32,061 full-time.
UK Average – £97.68/day
This is the national average. It includes data from over 80,000 salaries. This number gives a general idea across the country.
London – £98.28/day
This is the highest average. London pay is usually higher due to living costs.
Manchester – £97.68/day
Same as the UK average. No change from the national rate. Pay here stays stable and in line with national trends.
Cardiff – £97.68/day
Also matches the UK average. Wales often follows similar pay patterns.
The Term-Time Reality (FTE vs What Lands in Your Account)
Many Teaching Assistants (TAs) work term-time only. This means you don’t get paid for the full year. Instead, your pay is pro-rated.This depends on how many weeks and hours you work.
FTE Sounds High, But…
FTE stands for Full-Time Equivalent. It shows what you would earn if you worked all year.
For example, FTE might say £26,000. But if you work 39 weeks, you don’t get that full amount. Your real pay is lower. That’s because schools only pay for the time you work. They spread your pay over 12 months, so it feels steady. But you’re only paid for actual school weeks, plus holiday allowance.
Real-world pay
Teaching Assistant (SCP 6)
Outside London, FTE is £25,989. With 32.5 hours across 39 weeks, pay drops to about 75–80% of FTE. That means most TAs earn around £19.5k to £20.8k. Always check your council rules, as paid weeks vary.
HLTA (SCP 15)
FTE is £30,024. With similar hours and weeks, actual pay lands near £23k to £24k. The exact figure depends on two things. First, how many paid weeks does your council set? Second, whether full-time means 35 or 37 hours.
Check Current Job Adverts for Accuracy
Recent HLTA posts list bands from SCP 9 to 14. That equals about £27.7k to £29.5k FTE. Other adverts stretch from SCP 15 to 23, depending on duties. Again, term-time and part-time rules cut these to the actual take-home.
You can confirm these ranges by checking:
- Local Government Association
- Surrey County
- Teaching Vacancies
- Sefton Schools Jobs
New Rules Since April 2024
There are new rules for irregular or part-year workers. This includes many TAs on variable hours or term-time contracts. You may now accrue 12.07% holiday pay. In some cases, employers can “roll up” this holiday pay. That means they include it in your monthly wage. Not all schools do this. It depends on your contract and your local council’s policy.
How to move the needle to Progress Your Career
First, you need to build strong experience as a teaching assistant. Schools want to see that you can manage groups and support lessons. They also value extra training, so short courses in literacy, numeracy, or SEND help a lot.
Next, look at HLTA standards. These list the skills and knowledge you must show. You can often do an HLTA preparation course through your council or a training provider. Passing this makes your CV stronger.
Then, watch for HLTA job adverts. The jump normally puts you on pay scale points 12 to 19. That equals about £28.6k to £32.1k for full-time hours. Remember, schools pay pro rata if you work term-time only.
After that, compare real job listings. Use sites like:
- Local Government Association for pay scales
- Cambs Learn Together for training routes in Cambridgeshire
- Teaching Vacancies for live HLTA jobs
Finally, match your skills to what schools ask. If adverts show higher demand for SEND support, focus training there. If schools want cover supervision, build confidence in leading whole classes.
How to Be a Teaching Assistant
Being a Teaching Assistant is a great career choice. It lets you support pupils, help teachers, and grow your skills. But where do you start? Let’s break it down step by step.
- Build your basics
Start with strong English and maths. Most schools ask for GCSEs in these subjects. They show you can read, write, and use numbers well.
- Get experience
Next, spend time working with children. Volunteer in a school or help at a youth club. This shows you can handle real classroom situations.
- Add training
Formal courses give you an edge. A Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is ideal. You could also take an apprenticeship, which lets you earn while you learn.
- Grow your skills
Personal skills matter just as much. Patience helps with pupils who learn slowly. The organisation keeps lessons running smoothly. Adaptability prepares you for surprises in class. And good communication helps with pupils, teachers, and parents.
- Aim higher
Keep learning with short courses in SEND, literacy, or digital tools. These boost your confidence and prepare you for higher roles like HLTA.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?
To be a Teaching Assistant, you first need solid literacy and numeracy. Most schools ask for GCSEs in English and maths. These show you can read, write, and use numbers with confidence.
Next, you need strong personal skills. Patience helps you support pupils who learn at different speeds. Good communication lets you work well with teachers, parents, and children. Flexibility is also key, since no two school days are ever the same.
While some entry-level jobs accept people without formal training, extra qualifications make a big difference. A Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is a great choice. These courses give you knowledge, practice, and confidence.
Apprenticeships are another smart route. They let you earn while you learn, and you gain hands-on classroom experience at the same time. Volunteering in schools can also strengthen your CV and show employers your commitment.
Improve Your TA Career: Join Our Training Program
Now that you know the answer to “How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Earn?” Schools especially value skills in digital learning and special educational needs (SEN). Building these strengths will make you stand out when applying for promotions or HLTA roles. Training courses and council-run preparation programmes can help you gain the knowledge and confidence needed to move up. To grow your career, join our Teaching Assistant course. You will gain expert training, tailored support, and confidence to take the next step.
FAQs
- How many hours do teaching assistants work in the UK?
A Teaching Assistant usually works 32–40 hours a week during term-time. They follow school hours and have 13 weeks of holidays.
- Do I need qualifications to be a Teaching Assistant in the UK?
You can apply for jobs through schools, councils, or academy trusts. Most schools set their own rules, but many ask for GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C) in English and maths.
- Is it hard to become a teaching assistant?
You don’t need a degree to be a TA. But you will support teachers and students, so patience and communication are key.
- Can I be a teaching assistant with no experience?
Yes, you can. Start by volunteering in schools or working with young people. Some schools also offer trainee or unqualified TA roles.
