A teaching assistant leans over a primary school desk, helping a young student with an open textbook in a bright classroom.

Teaching Assistant

Support teachers in classrooms and work with pupils who need extra help.

This UK teaching assistant career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£18,000 - £22,000
Mid-career salary
£22,000 - £27,000
Senior salary
£28,000 - £33,000 (HLTA)
Work environment
School, term-time only
Time to entry
0 - 6 months
Degree required
Not required
Category
Education, Science and Research

What a Teaching Assistant does

Support teachers in classrooms and work with pupils who need extra help.

How to become a Teaching Assistant

  1. Look up Teaching Assistant roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Teaching Assistant - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Adaptability