How Much Does a Part-Time Teaching Assistant Earn in 2025 (UK)?

If you’re asking “how much does a part-time teaching assistant earn?”, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks down UK 2025 teaching assistant hourly rates, pro-rata pay, TA Levels (1–3, HLTA), SEN uplifts, and London weighting. You’ll also find worked salary examples, responsibilities, and ways to grow your pay. Let’s keep it simple, practical, and clear from the start.

Salary Snapshot (UK 2025)

• Average part-time teaching assistant hourly rate: £12.65 – £14.60
• Typical weeks paid (term-time): 39–46 (depending on contract)
• Level 1: £12.65 – £13.05 per hour (£12k – £13k pro-rata)
• Level 2: £13.26 – £13.90 per hour (£13k – £14k pro-rata)
• Level 3: £14.13 – £15.56 per hour (£14k – £16k pro-rata)
• HLTA (Higher Level): £15.56 – £17.00 per hour (£16k – £19k pro-rata)
• SEN allowance: around £1,500 annually (varies by role and school)
• London weighting: higher London pay spines add several thousand per year

These bands reflect the 2025 uplift on local government scales. Councils map job profiles to spine points. Academies may track the same spine or set local ranges. Your contract shows the point used for pay.

You can ask HR for the exact point and hourly value. Your payslip often shows it as well. That tiny detail helps you plan the next step and check each raise lands on time.

Average Part-Time Teaching Assistant Hourly Rate (UK 2025)

So, how much does a teaching assistant earn per hour in the UK? The short answer sits between £12.65 and £14.60 in 2025.

Rates shift with level, experience, and location. Most state schools follow local government pay scales. Academies and independent schools may set their own. Pay has climbed each year since 2022 after union awards. The full-time equivalent now starts near £24,413. Part-time hours bring the real figure down. Always check whether a salary is full-time equivalent or pro-rata. That single check saves confusion on job ads.

Hours also shape the rate you see. Many schools offer 15–30 hours each week—some split time across class support and club cover. Agencies often quote day rates, not hourly. You can convert by dividing the day rate by actual daily hours. That quick step keeps your comparisons fair.

Term-Time Only and Pro-Rata Pay Explained

Here’s the reality you need. Most teaching assistants don’t get paid for school holidays.

Schools hire on term-time only contracts in many cases. You usually work 39 weeks, plus training days. That makes 39–46 paid weeks in total. Holiday entitlement sits inside the contract. Schools spread your pay across 12 equal months. You still get paid in August, yet it isn’t extra. It’s pay earned during term time and smoothed out.

Let’s do a quick sum for clarity. If you earn £12.65 per hour, work 25 hours a week, and do 39 weeks, the maths looks like this: £12.65 × 25 × 39 = £12,334 per year. That number shows your real annual income. It does not match a full-time headline figure. This is why many part-time TAs report £12,000–£15,000 a year.

Before you accept an offer, check the exact weeks paid. Some contracts pay for 43 or 46 weeks. Those weeks include paid leave within the total. Your monthly sum rises without changing your hourly rate. Also, check whether INSET days sit within paid weeks. Confirm whether lunch duty counts within paid hours. Those small details add up over a year. Keep a simple spreadsheet to track hours and pay.

Teaching Assistant Pay by Level (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, HLTA)

Not all teaching assistant jobs look the same. Pay links to level and scope.

• Level 1 (entry): Core classroom support and routine tasks. Pay: £12.65–£13.05 per hour.
• Level 2: Added responsibility and small-group delivery. Pay: £13.26–£13.90 per hour.
• Level 3: Advanced support, planning help, and cover work. Pay: £14.13–£15.56 per hour.
• HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant): Leads classes and mentors staff. Pay: £15.56–£17.00 per hour.

Each level links to clear duties, not just time served. A Level 2 often leads small groups with confidence. A Level 3 can adapt resources and shape short tasks. An HLTA can deliver a whole class with the plan in hand. HLTAs also support newer TAs with mentoring time. Your school holds job descriptions for each band.

Ask for a copy before you apply. Map your skills to each line. You then build a clean case for the higher point.

Part-Time TA Salary Table (UK 2025)

This table shows how hours reshape the total. Even at HLTA level, 20 hours brings about £12,000–£13,000. Aim for impact to unlock higher bands. Log small wins each week and build evidence. Note reading progress, attendance gains, and calmer routines. Track these outcomes with simple numbers. Share results during appraisals and reviews. Managers value proof more than effort alone. That habit speeds your move to the next point.

Region and City Pay: London Weighting and Regional Differences

Location changes the picture fast. Teaching assistants in London earn more due to London weighting. The uplift sits on top of the core pay spine. Inner London pays more than Outer London. Fringe areas sit between London and nearby counties. Outside London, most councils follow the 2025 NJC spine.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

If you plan a move, compare the ad to your current point. Ask HR for the hourly rate, not just the grade. Confirm the exact paid weeks each year. That method gives you a fair, like-for-like view. It also helps you balance travel time and family life.

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant Pay

SEN roles add a different kind of challenge and reward. These jobs often pay a little more.

Entry SEN roles follow the same spine with an allowance on top. With experience, SEN assistants earn more across the band. Average SEN pay sits near £21,000–£24,000 FTE. Many schools add a SEN allowance of about £1,500 per year. Extra skills can lift your offer. Think British Sign Language, autism practice, or behaviour support.

SEN teams work closely with SENDCos and class teachers. At times, you support pupils with EHCPs and reviews. In class, you use visual timetables and clear routines. Often, you liaise with therapists and parents. The role needs calm focus and steady communication. If you enjoy structured support work, SEN can suit you well.

That extra skill set can unlock a raise or a step up.

How Much Does a Part-Time Teaching Assistant Earn? (Worked Examples)

Let’s crunch some quick numbers together. Using £12.65 per hour:

• 15 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £7,403 per year
• 20 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £9,871 per year
• 25 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £12,334 per year
• 30 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £14,806 per year

Now add SEN or London weighting. Totals can rise by £1,000–£3,000. Next, try a mid-band rate of £13.50:

• 20 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £10,530 per year
• 25 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £13,163 per year
• 30 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £15,795 per year

Add a £1,500 SEN allowance for context. Your 25-hour total jumps to £14,663.

Your 30-hour total reaches £17,295. You can also add breakfast or after-school club hours. Five extra hours each week lift the annual total fast. Small blocks stack across 39 weeks. You grow your income without changing schools.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do? (Responsibilities in 2025)

TAs do far more than photocopy worksheets. Here’s what you do in real classrooms:

• Support pupils in small groups and one-to-one.
• Help learners with special needs or EAL.
• Guide behaviour and coach positive habits.
• Prepare lesson materials and displays.
• Track progress and share notes with teachers.
• Care for pupils during breaks and trips.
• Cover breakfast and after-school clubs.
• Lead classes in HLTA roles when needed.

Each day, you guide phonics and early reading. Pupils read with you, and you note tricky sounds. When concerns arise, flag them to the class teacher quickly. Afterwards, you keep routines tight and calm. On tough days, help pupils settle with steady support. At pick up, chat with parents and share quick updates.

That friendly word can reset a tough afternoon.

Teaching Assistant Requirements in the UK

Let’s answer this clearly: Do I need qualifications to be a teaching assistant?

For entry roles, you usually need GCSEs in English and Maths. Some schools ask for childcare or education certificates. Many schools hire without a TA certificate if you show ability. You can bring experience from volunteering, youth work, or parenting.

To progress, consider recognised courses like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• HLTA status for leading classes with confidence

All schools require an enhanced DBS check before you start. You can join the DBS Update Service to move jobs smoothly.

Many colleges run evening or online TA courses. You can study while you work or volunteer. Ask your school to support hours for placements. Leaders value staff who invest in growth. That mindset speeds your move up the scale.

How Do You Become a Teaching Assistant? (With or Without Experience)

You have several routes that work well:

• Volunteering: Start in a local school and learn the ropes.
• College courses: Take Level 2 or 3 with a placement.
• Apprenticeships: Earn and learn with a Level 3 route.
• Direct application: Apply for unqualified roles and train on the job.

So yes, you can become a teaching assistant with no experience if you show drive. A small step gets you started. Email local schools with a short note. Offer one morning for reading groups. Attach a clean, one-page CV with key skills. Mention first aid, safeguarding, or sports coaching. List any work with children in the last two years. Add two referees if you can. That simple email can open a real door.

How to Earn More as a Part-Time Teaching Assistant

You can nudge your pay up with small, smart moves.

• Gain HLTA status so you can cover classes.
• Add an SEN qualification, like autism practice.
• Take CPD in first aid, safeguarding, or phonics.
• Add breakfast or after-school club hours.
• Apply in London or higher-pay regions if that fits your life.

Many TAs step into SEN roles or HLTA posts for higher pay. Others add paid lunchtime supervisor hours.

You can help with exam invigilation in the spring. Some trusts run paid holiday clubs as well. Each add-on boosts your yearly total. Track every hour in your diary. Check that your payslip reflects each claim. Raise issues early with HR, and keep it polite.

Benefits and Contracts for Teaching Assistants

Salary only tells part of the story. Most TA roles also include strong extras.

• The LGPS pension scheme with solid employer contributions.
• INSET days for paid training time.
• Holiday pay pro-rated for term-time staff.
• Fixed-term or permanent contracts based on budgets.

Agency routes bring flexibility but often skip pensions. The LGPS lifts your total package by a lot. Ask for the employer rate at your school. Many trusts add wellbeing days or support lines. Cycle-to-work and tech schemes also appear often. Read the staff handbook from start to finish.

Learn how overtime claims run in your trust. Check which roles earn time off in lieu. Good process knowledge saves stress later.

Part-Time Teaching Assistant Salary Calculator

Here are some quick examples at £12.65/hour:

• 10 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £4,935
• 15 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £7,403
• 20 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £9,871
• 25 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £12,334
• 30 hrs/week × 39 weeks = £14,806

Always multiply hourly rate × weekly hours × paid weeks. That simple sum shows true earnings. Now try 46 paid weeks with the same hours. Use 25 hours × 46 × £12.65 = £14,548. That jump comes from paid weeks, not a higher rate. Try a Level 3 mid-rate at £15.00/hour. Use 20 hours × 39 weeks = £11,700. Add a £1,500 SEN allowance to reach £13,200. Add five club hours each week as well.

Your annual total rises by £2,925 across the year. These quick sums help you compare two offers in minutes. You can then choose the path that fits life best.

FAQs About Teaching Assistant Pay (UK 2025)

Do teaching assistants get paid over summer?

No, unless you hold a full-year contract. Schools annualise term-time pay into twelve months. You still receive money in August. That pay comes from hours worked in term time.

What’s the difference between Level 3 TA and HLTA?

Level 3 supports learning across groups and tasks. HLTA leads classes and delivers planned sequences. HLTA also mentors newer staff at times.

What is London weighting for teaching assistants?

It’s an uplift on core pay for London roles. Inner London pays more than Outer London. Fringe areas sit between London and nearby counties.

How much do SEN teaching assistants earn?

Around £21,000–£24,000 FTE in many settings. Allowances can lift totals further. Strong SEN skills hold clear value.

Is being a teaching assistant a good job?

Yes, if you enjoy helping children and value flexible hours. The role offers daily wins and a clear path to grow.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a part-time teaching assistant earn in 2025? Most take home £12,000–£15,000 a year. Hours, level, and region shape that range. The role brings real impact and steady progression. You can boost pay with HLTA or SEN skills. Keep clean records and note weekly wins. Ask for clarity on points and duties. Build a simple case for your next step. You can lift income without losing balance. You can also move into a lead role with time. Classrooms need calm, skilled adults each day. You can be that person for your pupils.

Want to grow your pay and confidence as a TA? Enrol in our Teaching Assistant Course at Open Learning Academy today and take the next step in your career.