How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant earn UK? (2025)

Wondering how much does a Level 3 teaching assistant earn UK? Most of these jobs pay between £24k and £27k a year, with the UK average around £26,747. A lot of roles are term-time only, so your actual pay gets spread across the year. From 1 April 2025, NJC pay went up by 3.2%, which many schools follow. If you step up to HLTA, you could be looking at over £30k a year, depending on where you work and your grade.

What is a Teaching Assistant?

A teaching assistant, or TA, is basically the teacher’s right-hand person in the classroom. They help kids learn, stay on track, and get extra support if needed. Some TAs work with the whole class, while others focus on just a few children who need one-to-one help. Meanwhile, Level 3 TAs often run small groups and help plan activities, and Higher Level TAs (HLTAs) can even take over the class if the teacher isn’t there.

What “Level 3” Means

Level 3 is basically the next level up for teaching assistants. It usually means you’ve done a proper Level 3 course, like an NVQ or apprenticeship. Compared to Level 2, you get more freedom—you might run small groups, help plan lessons, and sometimes cover the class. Some Level 3 TAs focus on SEN, giving extra help to kids who need it. After this, the step up is HLTA, which comes with even more responsibility and chances to lead learning.

How pay is set

So, your level 3 teaching assistant salary mainly depends on the school’s pay system. Most councils follow the NJC “Green Book,” which sets points for different support roles. Last year (2024/25), each point went up by £1,290, and this year (2025/26), there’s another 3.2% bump. Many schools mirror these rules.

In addition, where you work makes a big difference. London weighting support staff adds extra pay in Inner, Outer, or Fringe London. Academies and Multi-Academy Trusts sometimes set their own pay, so it’s worth checking for level 3 teaching assistant jobs London.

Term-Time Only Pay Explained

Most TA jobs are term-time only, which just means you work during the school year—usually about 38–39 weeks plus holidays. Your yearly pay is stretched over 12 months, so each month’s pay looks smaller than the full-time figure. For instance, schools often have a simple calculator to check the numbers, and the Local Government Association (LGA) has guides so you can see if an offer is fair.

How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Earn UK

So, what do Level 3 teaching assistants usually earn?

• Yearly pay (full-time): Most Level 3 TAs make around £24k–£27k a year, with the UK average close to £26,747.
• Hourly and daily pay: Many jobs offer £12–£13 per hour, and daily pay is usually about £97–£100. Just remember, term-time only jobs and hours can change what actually hits your bank account.
• SEN Level 3 TAs: They follow the same pay range, but extra duties with SEN support can push the top end a bit higher.

Teaching Assistant Salary (All Levels)

To see where Level 3 sits, let’s look at all TAs:

• Entry-level (Level 1–2): Usually about £20k–£23k a year full-time.
• Level 3: Most jobs pay £24k–£27k, with the average around £26,747.
• HLTA: Step up to Higher Level TA, and you could earn over £30k a year, depending on your grade and where you work.

Where Pay is Highest

Where you work matters. For instance, Inner London jobs usually pay the most, followed by Outer and Fringe London. The South East also tends to pay more. Outside these areas, pay varies by council and demand. London weighting support staff adds extra for higher living costs.

HLTA Pay (Next Step Up)

Becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) means taking on more responsibility. You might run lessons, lead small groups, or even cover the class when the teacher isn’t there. Usually, full-time pay sits around £29k–£32.5k (HLTA salary UK), but across the UK the average is still mid-£20Ks—how much you earn really depends on your school and location.

What Moves Your Pay

A few things can change how much you take home as a teaching assistant:

• Council grade: Higher council grades mean higher pay.
• Location & London weighting: Jobs in Inner, Outer, or Fringe London usually pay more.
• Hours & weeks: Term-time only or shorter hours mean less monthly pay.
• SEN duties: Extra work supporting SEN kids can bump your pay a bit.
• HLTA status: Step up to HLTA, and your pay goes up with the extra responsibility.

Grow Faster (Friendly Tips)

• Do a Level 3 course, then aim for HLTA standards.
• Keep a record of what you do with SEN kids, behaviour support, EAL learners, and safeguarding.
• If you start covering classes regularly, ask your school to check your pay.
• Little steps like this can help you earn more and move up faster.

CPD Courses (Boost Your Hireability)

Taking the right CPD courses helps with level 3 teaching assistant jobs London, interviews, and promotion:

• Stand out in interviews: Refresh your Safeguarding or Behaviour training to show you’re up to date.
• Be in demand: Short SEN courses—like autism, ADHD, communication, or de-escalation—can open more job options.
• Show impact: CPD in literacy, numeracy, and phonics helps pupils progress and looks great on your CV.
• Ready for HLTA: Structured CPD links straight to HLTA standards, making the next step easier.
• Find trusted providers: Local colleges, council training hubs, Multi-Academy Trust centres, or recognised awarding bodies are all good options.

The Job, Honestly

Being a TA is really rewarding, but it can be tough too. You’ll be helping kids, supporting teachers, and sometimes dealing with tricky behaviour. Some days are long, and there might be a bit of unpaid work here and there. Knowing this helps you be prepared and sets realistic expectations.

Application Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you get your TA application right and stand out.

• Match the job level: Make sure your application lines up with the TA grade they’re hiring for.
• Show what you’ve done: Include examples like reading progress, attendance improvements, or behaviour support.
• List your training: Add any CPD courses, Safeguarding, or First Aid certificates.
• Bring a quick portfolio: A one-page summary with intervention notes and certificates can really help you stand out.

FAQs

1. How much do Level 3 teaching assistants make in the UK?
   Usually around £24k–£27k a year, with the average close to £26,747.
2. What jobs can I do with a Level 3 TA qualification?
   You can work as a Level 3 TA, help SEN kids, or even step up to HLTA roles.
3. What is Level 3 TA equivalent to?
   It’s an advanced TA role, usually linked to a Level 3 NVQ or apprenticeship.
4. What’s the starting salary for a TA in the UK?
   Entry-level TAs usually start around £20k–£23k a year.
5. What’s a TA pay scale?
   It’s how schools set pay—based on job level, council points, and sometimes location.
6. Can a teaching assistant become a teacher?
   Yes! Many TAs go on to do teacher training and become qualified teachers.

Boost Your TA Skills

It’s hard to get more pay or responsibility without the right skills. The Teaching Assistant Course at Open Learning Academy helps you learn practical stuff, get qualified, and unlock better roles. Sign up today and take your TA career further!