Teaching Assistants (TAs) play a pivotal role in the UK education system, providing essential support that empowers both students and teachers to thrive. If you are considering a job as a TA or are simply curious about what kind of money you could make working as one, it is essential to have the idea about the salary you can expect your work to get you.
In the following article, we’ll discuss the average teaching assistant salary, payment scale and what factors affect the income aspect of this type of job.
How TA Pay Scales Work?
Unlike teachers, there is no standardised national pay scale for teaching assistants in the UK. Rather, their compensation is frequently decided by local governments or individual schools, which means depending on the region and institution, they may receive a different kind of paycheque. However, many schools will use the National Joint Council (NJC) pay scales for support staff that offer a guide to TA salaries.
As of 2024, the NJC wage scales have been adapted with the cost-of-living increases. For example, in Outer London, salaries are between £27,345 and £83,019 depending on your experience and the level of responsibility you have.
Average Teaching Assistant Salary in the UK
The average teaching assistant, TA pay, varies according to factors including experience, place of work, type of contract. According to recent data:
Entry-Level TAs: Start at around £17,000 per year.
Experienced TAs: Can earn up to £25,000 annually, especially with extra responsibilities or SEN specialisations.
HLTAs: Can be paid between £22,500 and £29,000 a year, with extra responsibilities.
Many TAs are employed on term-time-only contracts, meaning that they earn significantly less than people on equivalent full-time salaries each year. It should be said that a lot of TAs are on term-time only contracts, which will have an impact on annual earnings.
Regional Variations in TA Pay
TA salaries can differ significantly across the UK. For instance:
London: Due to the higher cost of living, TAs in London often receive a salary uplift. In London, pay scales are adjusted accordingly, with starting salaries higher than in other regions.
Other Regions: In areas like Manchester and Leeds, average daily rates for TAs are around £95, reflecting regional demand and living costs.
These variations underscore the importance of considering location when evaluating TA salaries.
Factors Influencing Teaching Assistant Pay
Several elements can impact a teaching assistant’s salary:
Qualifications
TAs which have other qualifications at a higher level or in specialist areas such as SEN (Special Educational Needs) may attract a higher salary.
Experience
Based on years of employment and successful performance, little salary increments may be hiked up.
Responsibilities
Grad TAs with additional duties (e.g., leading small-group sections, filling in for the instructor) may receive a higher stipend.
Contract
Full-time, permanent contracts are usually more secure and include benefits such as paid leave.
Holidays for Teaching Assistants
Whether TAs get paid during breaks will vary based on contracts. The majority of TAs in the UK are employed on term-time-only contracts so they are not paid when schools are on holiday, such as Christmas and Easter. These contracts typically spread their pay out over the year, so they continue to earn a consistent monthly income.
Permanent, full-time TAs do get paid leave and fall on the higher scale, closer to the full government pay grade. Term-time-only contracts also tend to mean a lower annual salary (on average of around £12,000) but TAs benefit from the flexibility and extra time to earn money in other ways, or to gain additional qualifications.
Career Progression for TAs
Pursuing further qualifications can help you advance and earn more as a teaching assistant. At Bright Pathway, we offer accredited teaching assistant courses to support your career growth. You may look into one of the following nationally recognised qualifications to continue your career pathway:
Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Furthermore, a career as a TA in the UK is fulfilling and offers potential pathways and the ability to influence individuals. The pay can differ based on a number of considerations but if you have the right qualifications and experience you can steer yourself clear of mediocrity to earn closer to the top end of the scale.
These qualifications boost your skills, prepare you for higher-level roles, and improve your earning potential.
If you’re looking to improve your skill-set, you may explore our teaching assistant course range and take the next step in your TA career today.
