Curious about teaching assistant salary in the UK? Most TAs are paid on the NJC local-government scale, though rates differ by role and school type. In 2025, a typical TA earns around £24,400–£26,800, while higher-level teaching assistants (HLTAs) see £28,600–£32,000.. Day rates usually sit just under £100, but because many roles are part-time or term-time only, actual take-home pay is often lower.
It’s also worth noting: there’s no single national scale—maintained schools follow NJC, but academies and private schools set their own. Pay went up 3.2% in 2025, and in big cities, daily rates hover around £98 in London, and about £97 in Manchester and Cardiff.
Typical Duties of a Teaching Assistant
- Help teachers run lessons and support pupils’ learning.
- Work with children one-on-one or in small groups.
- Keep the classroom calm and organised.
- Prepare materials and help with simple admin.
- Support pupils with special needs.
- Make sure lessons run smoothly and every child gets help.
Is there a national pay scale?
Most state schools in the UK follow the NJC pay scale, which sets clear pay points for TAs and HLTAs. But academies and private schools can pay differently, so the same job in two schools might have different salaries. The easiest way to know what you’d earn is to check the SCP in the job advert. That tells you the full-time pay, which you can then adjust if it’s a term-time or part-time role. Also, even councils using NJC can apply it slightly differently, so it’s worth checking locally too.
Average Teaching Assistant Salary
Here’s a quick guide to what TAs and HLTAs usually earn:
- Level 1 TA (SCP 3–4) → around £24,800–£25,200 a year.
- Level 2 TA (SCP 5–7) → about £25,600–£26,400.
- Level 3 / SEN-focused TA (SCP 7–11) → roughly £26,400–£28,100.
- HLTA (SCP 12–19) → usually £28,600–£32,100.
Keep in mind, these are typical ranges. Some councils or schools might pay a bit more or less. Job adverts usually list the SCP, which helps you see exactly what the full-time pay would be.
How pay varies by city
Day rates for TAs can change depending on where you work. Bigger cities often pay a bit more, while smaller towns might be slightly lower. For example:
- London → £98.28 a day on average.
- Manchester → £97.68 a day on average.
- Cardiff → £97.68 a day on average.
These figures give a good idea of what TAs typically earn in major UK cities, though actual pay can vary by school or council.
Term-time pay & holidays
Most TAs and school support staff only work during term-time. So, their pay is adjusted to match the weeks or hours they actually work. This means the full-time salary is split down to reflect term-time work. Also, councils follow rules for part-year or irregular hours, which affects holiday pay and leave. In other words, you won’t get a full-year paycheck, but your pay reflects exactly how much you work.
Career progression & qualifications
When you move from being a TA to an HLTA, your pay usually jumps to SCP 12–19. This is because you take on more responsibility, like covering lessons, planning activities, and helping with assessments. Also, some SEN roles can give extra pay on top. So basically, the more you do, the higher your pay. It’s worth checking job adverts to see the exact pay points being offered.
Worked examples
To make sense of actual pay, here are a few typical scenarios:
TA outside London
A TA on SCP 6 earns about £25,989 full-time. Working 32.5 hours a week for 39 weeks, the take-home pay is roughly 75–80%. Term-time pay includes holidays automatically.
Outer-city HLTA
An HLTA on SCP 15 earns £30,024 full-time. With similar hours, actual pay usually comes to around £23k–£24k. These roles come with more responsibility.
Part-time HLTA/SEN role
SCP 8–14 full-time pay is £26,824–£29,540. Part-time term-time work usually brings £12.6k–£13.9k. Pay depends on hours and weeks worked.
In short, term-time and part-time roles mean you take home less than full-time pay, but these examples give a clear idea.
How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Course Cost?
If you’re just starting, primary-level TA courses (Level 2) are the cheapest, usually between £20–£800. They cover the basics and get you classroom-ready.
Next, Level 3 courses cost around £175–£2,200. These give you more skills and confidence, so you can take on bigger roles like small-group teaching or SEN support.
Finally, if you’re aiming high, the HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) or Level 4 route is usually £495–£1,200. This level prepares you to cover classes, plan lessons, and step into leadership-style responsibilities.
Qualifications You Might Need
To start as a TA, you don’t always need loads of experience. Many schools like it if you have a Level 2 or 3 certificate in supporting teaching and learning. It also helps to have English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Experience with kids is useful, but for entry-level roles, it’s not always required.Â
Career Path: From TA to HLTA and Beyond
Being a TA doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Most people start at Level 1 or Level 2, then move up to Level 3 as they pick up more skills and confidence. After that, you can aim for HLTA, where you cover lessons, plan activities, and of course, get a better salary.
And it doesn’t stop there—lots of TAs later train as teachers, using all that classroom experience as a strong stepping stone. So really, you can build your career step by step, while still doing what you love: helping kids learn and grow.
Benefits of Being a Teaching Assistant
Being a TA isn’t just about money. You get to help kids learn and really make a difference. Most jobs are only during school terms, so you get holidays that match the school year. It’s also a good way to move up in your career—becoming an HLTA or SEN TA usually means more pay and more responsibility. You also learn useful skills like talking to kids, keeping lessons organised, and helping teachers in class. Overall, it’s a job where you help others, learn new things, and get real experience in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a teaching assistant salary in the UK?
- It usually ranges from about £24,800 to £32,100 depending on level, experience, and location.
2. Can I be a TA with no experience?
- Yes! Many schools hire beginner TAs, especially for Level 1 roles.
3. Does a HLTA get paid more than a TA?
- Yes, HLTAs usually earn more because they take on extra responsibilities.
3. What is a Level 2 teaching assistant?
- A Level 2 TA has more skills and experience than a Level 1 TA and may support SEN pupils.
4. How much does a Level 3 TA get paid?
- Typically between £26,400 and £28,100 full-time, depending on the council or school.
5. How long does a TA Level 2 take?
- It depends, but training or qualifications usually take a few months to a year.
Final Thoughts
Knowing about teaching assistant salary in the UK gives you a clear idea of what to expect. Pay depends on your level, experience, and where you work. Also, whether you work full-time or just term-time changes your take-home pay. Moving from TA to HLTA usually means more responsibility and more money. So, always check job adverts for the SCP to see the full-time salary. Even part-time roles give you valuable experience and steady pay. In short, being a TA can be a rewarding job with chances to grow and make a real difference for pupils.
Don’t wait to level up! Start the Teaching Assistant Course today and unlock your full potential!
