Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher Without a Degree?

Many people ask, Can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree? The answer today is yes. A new pathway now makes it possible to train as a teacher while working in your current role. The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is the main route. It lets you earn a degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the same time. You stay in paid employment, so you don’t have to give up your job or income. This makes the process more realistic for many teaching assistants.

This change matters because teaching assistants bring valuable skills to the classroom. You already understand how to support pupils, work with teachers, and manage learning. These apprenticeships recognise that experience and build on it. With the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, you can move from support to teaching while working, studying, and building your future step by step.

In this guideline, we explore if a teaching assistant can become a teacher without a degree. You’ll learn what training routes exist, how experience as a TA helps, and when a degree becomes necessary. We also explain alternatives like Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles. By the end, you’ll know the clear steps from TA to teacher.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher Without a Degree?

Yes — here are the two main routes available. If you do not yet have a degree, you can take the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship. If you already hold a degree, the postgraduate teacher apprenticeship offers a faster route to QTS. Both options allow you to earn while you learn and gain practical classroom experience.

Route 1: Train While You Work — Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

The Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is ideal if you want to qualify as a teacher but do not yet have a degree. You stay employed in a school while studying part-time at a university. This route combines real classroom experience with academic learning. By the end of the programme, you earn a bachelor’s degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This pathway is supportive, practical, and designed to help teaching assistants grow into fully qualified teachers without giving up their current role or income.

Route 2: Already Have a Degree? — Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship

If you already hold a degree, the postgraduate teacher apprenticeship offers an employed route to QTS. It is aligned to the school year and allows you to train while continuing your work in a classroom. From 2025, updates to the programme mean you can qualify faster than through traditional teacher training. You receive mentoring, practical guidance, and structured support while developing the skills needed to become a confident, qualified teacher. Some subjects attract higher funding. For example, in 2025/26, grant funding for postgraduate teaching apprenticeships is £29,000 for chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics. GOV.UK

Why These Routes Matter

Teaching assistants already bring essential skills to the classroom, such as supporting pupils, assisting teachers, and managing learning. These apprenticeship routes recognise your experience and make progression achievable. They offer financial stability, real-world practice, and structured learning to help you confidently transition from support to teaching.

Do I Need QTS to Teach in the UK?

Most state schools in the UK expect teachers to hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS proves you are fully trained and ready to teach. Without it, permanent roles in state schools are limited.

Some academies, free schools, and independent schools may hire teachers without QTS, as they sometimes value experience, subject knowledge, or unique skills over formal qualifications. However, holding QTS still gives you the strongest career prospects. It provides credibility, long-term security, and wider mobility across the UK school system.

Why QTS Matters

• Shows you have completed the required teacher training.
• Demonstrates curriculum knowledge and classroom management skills.
• Makes you eligible for professional development and career progression.
• Opens more teaching opportunities in state schools.

For Teaching Assistants and Graduates

Apprenticeships and teacher training programmes allow you to earn QTS while gaining practical classroom experience. They balance academic study with real-world practice, providing a clear pathway from support staff to fully qualified teacher.

In short: while some schools can hire without QTS, holding it opens more doors, strengthens your credibility, and supports long-term career growth.

Entry Basics (What You Need Before You Apply)

Before you apply to teacher training or an apprenticeship, you need a few essentials. These requirements ensure you are ready to work safely and effectively in a school.

You will need:

• GCSEs in English and maths (minimum grade 4/C)
• GCSE in science if you want to teach primary
• An enhanced DBS check
• Basic safeguarding knowledge
• References from schools showing your experience and reliability

If you want extra support, the Teaching Assistant Course from Open Learning Academy can guide you. It helps you build skills, gain confidence, and prepare for the classroom.

These basics prepare you for a smooth start. They also show schools that you are responsible, skilled, and ready to grow as a teacher.

How Long It Takes

• Teacher Degree Apprenticeship: Typically takes 3–4 years to complete alongside your work.
• Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship: Typically lasts around one school year, giving a faster route to QTS.

Will I Be Paid While I Train?

Yes, both the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship and the postgraduate teacher apprenticeship are employed routes. You work in a school while you train, so you earn a salary throughout the programme. Pay varies by school, local pay scales, and experience — but you continue earning while working toward QTS. This approach allows you to learn, develop, and support yourself financially at the same time.

Who to Speak to First (to avoid delays)

Before starting any teacher training, it helps to speak to someone who can guide you. Talk to your headteacher or HR team about sponsored training routes, partner universities or providers, and programme start dates. They can explain which options suit your experience and role. Asking early ensures you plan effectively, avoid delays, and get the support you need while working towards Qualified Teacher Status.

Simple Steps to Get Started (1–2–3)

Starting your journey from teaching assistant to qualified teacher can feel overwhelming. Breaking it into clear steps makes it manageable and practical.

1. Check your GCSEs – Make sure you meet the minimum requirements and any extra criteria your chosen provider asks for.
2. Ask your school – Speak to your headteacher or HR about apprenticeship sponsorship and support options.
3. Pick a provider and apply – Gather your references, ID, and any documents needed to complete the application smoothly.

Following these steps helps you stay organised, confident, and prepared as you take the first move towards teaching.

What You’ll Do as a Trainee in School

As a trainee, you will support classes, help teachers, and teach supervised lessons. You follow the school’s curriculum plan carefully and assist with lesson preparation. You also log your training tasks, keep records of your progress, and complete assessments that count towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You will gradually take on more responsibility, from supporting small groups to leading full lessons. You observe experienced teachers, receive feedback, and reflect on your practice. This hands-on experience helps you develop classroom management skills, plan effective lessons, and gain confidence in teaching. By the end of the programme, you will be ready to take on a full-time teaching role with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed.

Safeguarding & Checks (Everyone Does This)

Our Safeguarding course fits anyone working in care—teachers, support staff, volunteers—and gives confidence in handling tough situations. Because everyone deserves safety and respect, this training makes a difference.

Before working directly with pupils, you will complete key checks and training to keep everyone safe:

• Enhanced DBS check – ensures you are safe to work with children and young people.
• Read Keeping Children Safe in Education (Part 1) – understand essential safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.
• School safeguarding training – covers child protection, online safety, and preventing bullying.
• Supporting vulnerable pupils – learn how to help pupils with special educational needs or challenging circumstances.

These steps help you work confidently, responsibly, and professionally, creating a safe environment for all pupils.

Dates to Watch (Applications & Start)

Planning ahead is important when moving from teaching assistant to teacher. Providers usually open applications several months before the school year starts, so you have time to prepare your documents, references, and ID. Many apprenticeship cohorts begin each autumn, aligned with the school calendar.

It’s essential to check with your school to see which partner university or provider they work with, as different schools have different partnerships. Some schools may also offer advice or support for sponsored routes, which can help with tuition and training.

Key points to remember:

• Applications open early – start gathering references and documents in advance.
• Cohorts start in autumn – this is the most common start time for apprenticeships.
• School partnerships vary – ask your school which provider they work with.
• Plan ahead – early planning ensures you meet deadlines and start training without stress.

By staying organised and transitioning into teaching.

Where to Find Live Opportunities

If you’re ready to take the next step, there are several places to find live teaching, apprenticeship and training opportunities. Check Teaching Vacancies (DfE) for nationwide openings. Many academy trust websites also advertise apprenticeships and sponsored teacher training. Local universities or provider pages often list their partner schools and upcoming cohorts. Regularly checking these sources helps you stay informed and apply early, giving you the best chance to secure a place on these dates. You increase your chances of securing a place and making a smooth transition.

Take the Next Step in Your Teaching Career

Ready to start your journey as a teaching assistant and move toward becoming a qualified teacher? Enrol in our Teaching Assistant course today.  Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to support pupils effectively and grow in your career. Sign up now and start learning with expert guidance!

FAQ

• Can you be a teaching assistant without a teaching degree?

You don’t need a university degree to become a teaching assistant in the UK.

• Can a teaching assistant teach a class without a teacher?

Yes, but only if you are a qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA).

• Can you go from being a teaching assistant to a teacher?

If you’re a teaching assistant, your classroom experience helps, but you still need a degree and QTS, which is achievable through standard teacher training routes.

• What are the disadvantages of TA?

It has drawbacks, but it remains valuable for personal and professional growth.

• Is it worth being a teaching assistant?

 Being a Teaching Assistant can be a rewarding career or a stepping stone to becoming a qualified teacher.