How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Get Paid?

In 2025, how much does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant get paid is a question many ask before applying for the role. Salaries vary depending on location, contract type, and experience. Outside London, Level 3 Teaching Assistants usually earn £26,403 to £28,142 full-time equivalent (FTE).

In Outer London, the figure rises to £30,288–£32,070 FTE, while Inner London offers the highest pay at £30,987–£32,817 FTE. It’s important to remember that most posts are term-time only, not full-time year-round. Pay also changes with added duties, such as supporting children with SEN, leading interventions, or covering lessons.

Level 3 Teaching Assistants often earn more than Level 2 staff because they take on greater responsibility, work more independently, and sometimes lead small groups. Location, living costs, and school budgets also influence final salaries.

TL;DR — Level 3 TA Pay Snapshot

In 2025, the level 3 teaching assistant salary 2025 is set by the national TA pay scale, based on the NJC pay scales 2025. Rates differ by location and are usually advertised as full-time equivalent (FTE) pay, but most roles are term-time only pay, so actual take-home is lower.

• Outside London: £26,403–£28,142 FTE (aligned with SCP 7–11 on the 2025 spine).
• Outer London (example: Waltham Forest 2025): £30,288–£32,070 FTE, reflecting the outer London TA pay uplift.
• Inner London (example: Southwark 2024 spine, with 2025 uplift applied): £30,987–£32,817 FTE, due to higher London weighting.

Pay rises by around 3.2% from April 2025 under the latest support staff pay rise 2025 agreement, though exact adoption varies by council.

What “Level 3” Means

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant role is usually linked to SCP 7–11 on the teaching assistant pay spine, which places it at Grade 3 on the NJC pay structure. In some schools, duties are broader and may move the role to SCP 12–15 (Grade 4), especially if the TA covers more complex interventions or takes on leadership of small programmes. This means the level 3 teaching assistant salary 2025 is not identical everywhere — it depends on the job description set by each council or academy trust.

Typical duties include:

• Working closely with teachers to deliver lesson activities.
• Running small group interventions for literacy, numeracy, or behaviour.
• Offering one-to-one support for pupils with extra needs.
• Helping with classroom resources, admin, and planning.
• Providing occasional lesson cover when a teacher is absent.

How it compares to other levels:

• Level 1/2 TAs: Mainly focus on classroom set-up, routine support, and assisting pupils under direct supervision.
• Level 3 TAs: Take more independent responsibility, often leading learning for groups and supporting pupil progress.
• HLTAs: Go beyond Level 3 by planning lessons, covering whole classes, and working with greater autonomy. This is why the HLTA salary sits above Level 3 on the TA pay scale.

In short, Level 3 is the stepping stone between general classroom support and higher-responsibility roles. It balances hands-on pupil work with growing independence, and pay reflects that progression.

How TA Pay Works

Here’s how TA pay works in the UK for 2025:

• NJC pay spine

The national framework guides pay. Councils match local jobs to specific spinal column points (SCPs). Many level 3 teaching assistants fall on SCP 7–11, depending on duties.

• Annual uplift

Pay rose by 3.2% in April 2025. That was the latest support staff pay rise for 2025.

• London weighting

Staff in inner London TA pay areas get higher SCPs. Outer areas get a smaller premium under outer London TA pay.

• SEN allowance

Many schools add about £1,491 as an allowance. That was the 2024 figure, uprated for 2025.

• Stress FTE vs pro‑rata

Most TAs work term‑time only. They get term‑time only pay, not full‑year pay. So their full‑time equivalent (FTE) pay differs. This is also called pro‑rata teaching assistant pay.

What Affects Level 3 Teaching Assistant Salary 2025?

• Level 3 teaching assistant salary 2025 depends on school, council, and SCP allocation.
• TA pay scale reflects job weight, SCP, and allowances.
• London staff often earn more under “inner London TA pay” or “outer London TA pay”.
• SEN roles often attract extra pay under “SEN allowance for teaching assistants”.
• If you compare an HLTA salary with your rate, note the “HLTA vs Level 3 TA pay” gap.
• Overall pay is based on the “teaching assistant pay spine” and follows the “NJC pay scales 2025”.

Regional Pay Explained

How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant get paid? It depends on location. Outside London, Level 3 TAs on SCP 7–11 typically earn between £26,403 and £28,142 full-time equivalent (FTE).

In outer London, pay rises to around £30,288 to £32,070 FTE, based on 2025 Waltham Forest figures. Inner London sees the highest rates, with salaries around £30,987 to £32,817 FTE, using Southwark’s 2024 spine plus the 2025 uplift. Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland have different frameworks; figures vary.

What Affects Where You Land on the Scale

How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant get paid isn’t a fixed amount. Several factors influence where you start and how you progress on the TA pay scale. Your experience and length of service play a big part. A new starter may begin on SCP 7, while a more experienced TA could be placed closer to SCP 11.

Added responsibilities also matter. Tasks like running interventions, covering lessons, or working with SEND pupils might justify a higher point on the teaching assistant pay spine. Some schools may even offer a SEN allowance for teaching assistants.

Your school type can influence pay too. Local authority schools, academies, faith schools, and independents may apply different NJC pay scales 2025 or follow their own structures. Local job evaluation systems vary, which means pay can differ even between nearby schools. For instance, outer London TA pay may be higher than that of neighbouring counties.

Finally, pay is affected by funding cycles and how each council applies national uplifts. Some adopt the support staff pay rise 2025 earlier than others. All of this means Level 3 TA pay UK is shaped by more than just job title—local context matters.

HLTA vs Level 3 Pay

A common question is how HLTA vs Level 3 TA pay compares. The difference is clear when you look at the pay scale and duties.

While a Level 3 teaching assistant salary 2025 typically falls within SCP 7–11, HLTAs (Higher Level Teaching Assistants) often land on SCP 16–19. That means in 2025, HLTAs outside London can earn roughly £30,825 to £32,076 full-time equivalent (FTE)—a noticeable jump from standard TA rates.

The role also involves more responsibility. HLTAs are often asked to cover lessons, support planning, and lead small group sessions. If you’re already experienced and taking on extra tasks, moving into an HLTA post is a natural progression. The higher HLTA salary reflects the added workload and skill. In many cases, it also means moving further up the teaching assistant pay spine—and out of the pro-rata teaching assistant pay bracket into more stable earnings.

What Adverts Show (Reality Check)

When searching for jobs, many adverts list pro-rata teaching assistant pay. For example, you might see “£18,000 actual” even though the full-time equivalent (FTE) pay is closer to £27,000.

This happens because two jobs on the same SCP 7–11 can offer very different “actual” salaries. The difference comes down to hours and weeks worked, especially with term-time only pay. One role might be full-time, while another is part-time or term-time only, which reduces the total pay even if the pay scale is identical. Always check the FTE pay first to get a true picture of the salary. Comparing only the “actual” pay can be misleading. This simple step helps you understand the real value of the role before applying or accepting an offer.

FAQs

How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant get paid?

Many wonder about this. The answer varies but typically falls between SCP 7–11, depending on experience and location.

Do Level 3 TAs get paid in the holidays?

No, they don’t receive separate holiday pay. However, salaries are annualised and spread evenly across the year.

What is the hourly rate?

For SCP 7–11 outside London, it’s about £13.68 to £14.58 per hour in 2025.

Which SCP is Level 3?

Usually, it’s SCP 7–11, but sometimes it extends to SCP 12–15 depending on the school.

Is there extra pay for SEN?

Yes, many receive a £1,491+ SEN allowance for teaching assistants, which is uprated in 2025.

How can a Level 3 TA progress?

Taking on interventions, cover duties, and SEN or EAL roles helps. Many also aim for HLTA status for better pay and responsibilities.

Your Next Step to Higher TA Pay

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