How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Get Paid in the UK (2025)?

Level 2 teaching assistants play a key role in classrooms, helping teachers and supporting pupils every day. They might run small group sessions, assist pupils with extra needs, or help lessons run smoothly. So, how much does a Level 2 teaching assistant get paid in 2025?
Most are on NJC SCP 4–7, which is £25,185–£26,403 full-time. Since most jobs are term-time only, your actual take-home is closer to 75–80% of that. Day rates in cities like London, Manchester, or Cardiff sit around £95–£100/day.

It’s a nice step up from Level 1, but still below Level 3 or HLTA. Overall, it’s a solid starting point if you want to grow your career in teaching support.

How much does a level 2 teaching assistant get paid?

A lot of Level 2 TAs sit on SCP 4–7. Since most jobs are term-time only, you actually take home closer to £20k a year. Day rates for supply or cover work in big cities like London, Manchester, or Cardiff are about £95–£100/day. Pay can change a bit depending on the school and SCP point, so two Level 2 TAs might not earn exactly the same. 

Here’s what you can expect to earn as a Level 2 TA in 2025:

• SCP 4 → £25,185
• SCP 5 → £25,583
• SCP 6 → £25,989
• SCP 7 → £26,403

These numbers come from the 2025 NJC pay award (from April 1).

So, the higher your SCP, the more money you take home. Each step adds a few hundred pounds a year. It may not sound huge, but over time it really adds up. Working in bigger schools or in London can give extra allowances.

Who Decides a Level 2 TA’s Pay?

For Level 2 teaching assistants, it depends on where you work. In maintained schools, pay follows the NJC local government scale, so there’s a clear structure.

If you work in an academy or a private school, you can set your own pay, which means salaries can vary a bit from place to place. The term “Level 2” is mostly just a council label. The real way to check your pay is by looking at the SCP point your job is on. That’s what actually decides how much you earn.

So basically, your pay depends on the school type and the SCP, not just the “Level 2” title.

Extra Pay in London and Fringe Areas

Working in London or nearby fringe areas usually means higher pay to match the higher cost of living. Additionally, schools often add extra allowances, helping TAs cover rent, transport, and other daily expenses. As a result, a Level 2 TA in London can take home noticeably more than someone in Manchester or Cardiff. Fringe areas around London also have pay uplifts, though slightly smaller than inner London roles. Always check job adverts for “London” or “Fringe” to spot these higher-paying positions. 

Even a few hundred pounds more per year can ease the pressure of rent, bills, and travel costs. Ultimately, this extra pay can make London or fringe roles very appealing while gaining valuable classroom experience.

Term-Time Only Pay Explained

If you’re thinking about how much a level 2 teaching assistant gets paid, remember that most jobs are term-time only. That means you get paid for about 39 weeks a year, plus holiday, not the full year.

New rules from 2024 help part-year or irregular hours workers. Some schools add 12.07% holiday pay, others roll it straight into your pay. So, your take-home pay usually ends up around 75–80% of full-time. It’s less than the full FTE, but still a decent yearly income.

Average Day Rates by City

If you do day work as a Level 2 TA, here’s what you’ll usually get:

• UK average: about £97.68/day
• London: a little higher at £98.28/day
• Manchester: around £97.68/day
• Cardiff: about £97.68/day

So, day rates are pretty similar across most cities, with London just a tiny bit higher.

Real Examples of Level 2 Pay

Here’s what Level 2 pay can look like in real life:

Example A: Standard SCP 6

If you’re on SCP 6, full-time pay is £25,989, but most Level 2 TAs actually take home about £20k. That’s because you usually work 32.5 hours a week for 39 weeks, not the full year. It’s normal for school-based TAs outside London and gives a steady, reliable income every year. Even though you don’t get the full £25k, it’s enough to plan your budget and cover daily costs. Some schools might add small extras, but most of your money comes from that base SCP 6 pay.

Example B: Outer London Boost

After pro-rata for term-time contracts, your take-home comes to around £23k a year. This extra money can help cover rent, travel, and everyday expenses that are higher in London. Because of the allowance, Level 2 TA roles in London are more competitive and often more attractive. Even a few extra thousand pounds a year makes a noticeable difference when planning your budget.

Example C: Part-Time Roles

Some schools list “Level 2” jobs on SCP 4–6 for part-time contracts, rather than full-time roles. Annual pay for these roles usually falls between £12k–£15k, depending on hours worked. Part-time TAs often cover mornings, afternoons, or just a few days a week, giving flexibility. This setup is perfect if you can’t work full-time but still want classroom experience. 

Even with fewer hours, part-time roles let you build skills, gain experience, and get paid regularly. Many part-time positions also offer small allowances, though main earnings come from the SCP base pay.

How Level 2 Compares to Level 1, 3, and HLTA

Think of TA pay like climbing a staircase:

• Level 1: SCP 3–4 → around £24.8–£25.1k. The first step, where you’re learning the ropes and helping in class.
• Level 2: SCP 4–7 → about £25.2–£26.4k. A nice step up, more responsibility, and a bit more money.
• Level 3 / SEN TA: SCP 8–11 → roughly £26.8–£28.1k. Higher still, often supporting special needs pupils or leading tasks.
• HLTA: SCP 12–19 → £28.6–£32.1k. Top of the staircase—leading lessons and managing classes, so pay reflects the extra work.

Level 2 sits nicely in the middle—above Level 1 but just below Level 3 and HLTA. It’s a solid way to grow in your TA career while getting a decent pay bump.

Career Path for Level 2 Teaching Assistants

Starting as a Level 2 TA gives you real classroom experience and helps you learn how schools operate. You assist teachers, support pupils, and understand daily classroom routines. Next, you can move to Level 3 or SEN TA for more responsibility and slightly higher pay. With experience and extra qualifications, becoming an HLTA lets you lead lessons independently. Some TAs use Level 2 as a stepping stone to become fully qualified teachers. Courses, workshops, and learning new skills help you earn more and open doors for bigger roles. Level 2 is a solid foundation for a long-term career in education.

FAQs

1. What is the pay scale for a Level 2 teaching assistant?

• Level 2 TAs are on SCP 4–7, earning £25,185–£26,403 full-time in 2025. Pay depends on experience, duties, and school type.

2. How much does a TA get paid per hour?

• Around £12–£13/hour, though this can vary based on hours, term-time contracts, and location.

3. How much does Level 2 get paid?

• Full-time pay is roughly £25k–£26k, but term-time contracts mean take-home is closer to £20k.

4. Do Level 3 teaching assistants get paid more?

• Yes. Level 3/SEN TAs earn £26.8–£28.1k full-time because they take on more responsibility and sometimes support special needs pupils.

5. Can a Level 2 TA teach a class?

• Usually no. Level 2 TAs assist and support lessons. HLTAs or teachers are the ones who lead classes.

6. What is a TA pay scale?

• A TA pay scale is how schools decide your salary based on level, experience, and responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Being a Level 2 TA in 2025 is more than a job—it’s your launchpad into a teaching career. You gain hands-on classroom experience, support pupils, and build the skills and confidence needed to grow.

Level 2 sits between Level 1 and Level 3/HLTA, offering a solid stepping stone toward higher responsibilities and a teaching role. Pay varies by SCP, school type, and location, but the real reward is the experience and career growth you get along the way.

Ready to take your TA career to the next level? Sign up for the Teaching Assistant Course at Open Learning Academy now!