How Much Does a SEN Teaching Assistant Earn in the UK (2025)?

So, how much does a SEN teaching assistant earn in 2025? The simple answer is around £25,000 a year full-time. But most SEN TAs work term-time only, so their real take-home is closer to £12,000 to £15,000. Pay varies by region, with London paying the most, and by role level, with Level 3 and HLTAs earning the highest.

Key Takeaways (2025)

• Entry-level TAs earn between £22,000 and £23,500 (full-time).
• Level 2 TAs earn about £25,000 to £26,800.
• Level 3 TAs earn around £27,000 to £28,600.
• Higher Level TAs (HLTAs) can earn up to £32,000.
• Inner London weighting adds over £3,000 to salaries.
• Outer London weighting adds about £2,000.
• April 2024 brought a £1,290 rise across all NJC points.
• Over 1.7 million pupils have SEN in 2025, meaning a huge demand for SEN TAs.

What is a Teaching Assistant?

Before diving deeper, let’s be clear about what a teaching assistant is. A teaching assistant, or TA, is someone who helps teachers in the classroom. They give extra support to pupils, prepare resources, and keep lessons running smoothly. In some schools, they are also called classroom assistants or learning support assistants.

What is an SEN or SEND Teaching Assistant?

An SEN (or SEND) teaching assistant focuses on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. These children might need extra help with reading, writing, or maths. Some need one-to-one support with behaviour. Others need help with physical needs. An SEN TA plays a huge role in making sure these children can learn and feel included.

How Much Does a SEN Teaching Assistant Earn by Level and Experience?

SEN TAs are classed as support staff. They follow the NJC Green Book pay spine, not the teacher pay framework called STPCD. The NJC pay spine is used by councils and many academy trusts.

In April 2024, every NJC point rose by £1,290. For lower points, that meant about a 5 to 6 percent rise. Here’s how the pay spine works:

• Level 2 TAs often sit between SCP 4 to 8. That is about £25,200 to £26,800.
• Level 3 TAs sit between SCP 9 to 12, earning about £27,250 to £28,600.
• Higher Level TAs sit between SCP 13 to 18, with pay rising above £29,000 and up to £32,000.

So most SEN TAs are at Level 2 or Level 3, depending on duties and experience.

London Weighting: Inner, Outer and Fringe (GLPC)

Pay in London is higher because of the GLPC weighting system. This is how it breaks down:

• Inner London SEN TAs earn about £28,500 to £29,500.
• Outer London SEN TAs earn around £26,000 to £27,000.
• Fringe London TAs earn just above national levels, about £26,000.

Some councils also make sure no one earns below the London Living Wage, which can boost take-home pay further. This is why London job adverts often look different, even for the same role.

Term-Time-Only (TTO) Pay Explained

Most teaching assistants are on term-time only contracts. This means you work during the school year (39 weeks), plus some paid holiday, usually around 44 to 45 weeks. Your employer then spreads this pay over 12 months.

The formula looks like this:

Annual pay = hourly rate × weekly hours × paid weeks.

This is why job adverts can say £25,000, but your payslip shows £13,000. The advert shows the full-time equivalent, not your term-time pay.

From April 2024, holiday pay rules changed. Part-year staff now build holiday at 12.07% of hours worked. Employers can also “roll up” holiday pay into wages. This makes pay more transparent and fairer.

Salary by Region and City (2025)

SEN TA pay changes across the UK. Here’s a breakdown:

• Inner London, SEN TAs can earn close to £29,500.
• Outer London, the average is around £27,000.
• South East, pay is often £24,000 to £25,000.
• Midlands, most earn £23,000 to £24,000.
• North West, salaries are around £22,000 to £23,500.
• Yorkshire, pay is usually £22,000 to £23,000.
• Wales, SEN TAs earn close to £26,000.
• Scotland, most councils pay between £24,000 and £26,000.
• Northern Ireland, SEN TA pay is lower, around £22,000 to £23,500.

For cities, London pays the most, followed by Cardiff, then Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds.

Demand and Job Outlook in 2025

The number of pupils with SEN is rising fast. In 2025, more than 1.7 million pupils in England have SEN. That is nearly 20 percent of all children. Around 638,700 pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan.

Schools cannot manage without SEN TAs. Demand is huge, and roles are available in every region. This makes the job stable and secure.

Do SEN TAs Get an SEN Allowance?

The SEN allowance is often mentioned, but it only applies to teachers. Teaching assistants do not get it. Some councils or schools may add local supplements or bonuses for SEN roles. Others guarantee a minimum wage top-up. But there is no national SEN allowance for TAs.

Teaching Assistant Requirements: Do I Need Qualifications?

One common question is, do I need qualifications to be a teaching assistant? The answer is simple: you don’t need a degree, but you do need the right skills.

Many schools ask for good GCSEs in English and maths. Some also prefer childcare or education qualifications, such as:

• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma.
• Safeguarding training.
• First Aid training.

For SEN roles, specialist training in autism, ADHD, or behaviour support can make a big difference.

How to Become a Teaching Assistant in the UK

If you ask, how do I become a teaching assistant in England?, the path is clear. You can apply directly to schools, but training makes you more competitive.

The steps look like this:

1. Check the requirements to be a teaching assistant at local schools.
2. Take a course in teaching support or SEN if possible.
3. Apply for entry-level roles, even with no experience.
4. Build experience through volunteering.
5. Progress to Level 2, Level 3, or HLTA with more training.

The great news is that schools often hire staff with teaching assistant no experience, as long as they show passion and willingness to learn.

What Do Teaching Assistants Do? Roles and Responsibilities

Teaching assistant roles cover a wide range of tasks. So, what does a teaching assistant do? They support the teacher, help pupils, and manage behaviour.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting pupils one-to-one or in groups.
• Preparing learning materials.
• Helping with reading, writing, and maths.
• Managing behaviour and keeping the class calm.
• Supporting SEN pupils with special needs.
• Helping with trips and school activities.

In SEN roles, you may also help with speech, therapy exercises, or physical support.

What is a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant?

Many job adverts mention Level 2 teaching assistant or Level 3 teaching assistant. So, what do these mean?

• A Level 2 TA usually helps with general class support. They work under close guidance from the teacher. Pay is around £25,000.
• A Level 3 TA takes on more responsibility, such as leading small groups. They may also support SEN pupils more directly. Pay rises to £27,000 or more.
• A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) has the highest responsibility. They may even cover classes in the teacher’s absence. Pay can reach £32,000.

Is a Teaching Assistant a Good Job?

Yes. The pay is not the highest, but the job brings rewards that money cannot buy. You help children succeed. You gain respect and appreciation from teachers and families. The hours fit family life. And with demand rising, jobs are secure.

How to Earn More as a SEN TA

There are many ways to boost your pay as a TA:

• Train as an HLTA.
• Gain SEN specialisms in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or behaviour.
• Add safeguarding or first aid.
• Apply for jobs in London or SEN schools.
• Move into teacher training if you want more progression.

Schools value staff who keep learning. Every new course adds to your value.

FAQs

Do SEN teaching assistants get paid more?

Not always. Most earn the same as other TAs, but some schools add small SEN allowances.

How much does a SEN teaching assistant earn in the UK?

On average, full-time SEN TAs earn about £25,000. With term-time contracts, take-home pay is usually £12,000–£15,000.

What level is a SEN teaching assistant?

Most SEN TAs work at Level 2 or Level 3. Some progress to HLTA level with more training.

Is it hard being a SEN teaching assistant?

Yes, it can be challenging. But it’s also rewarding because you make a big difference to children’s lives.

What is the difference between a teaching assistant and a SEN teaching assistant?

A TA supports all pupils in class. A SEN TA focuses on children with special educational needs.

How long is SEN training?

Most SEN courses take a few weeks to a few months. Advanced qualifications take longer.

Can I be a SEN teacher without a degree?

No. To be a teacher you need a degree. But you can be a SEN teaching assistant without one.

How much do SEN teachers get paid per hour?

SEN teachers earn more than TAs. Their hourly rate is usually between £18–£25, depending on region.

What qualifications do you need to work with a SEN child?

Most schools ask for GCSEs in English and maths. SEN training, safeguarding, or a Level 2/3 TA course also helps.

Conclusion

So, how much does a SEN teaching assistant earn in the UK in 2025? The full-time figure is around £25,000, but real take-home pay is usually £12,000 to £15,000 on term-time contracts. London pays more, and higher levels push pay above £30,000. Demand is high, hours are family-friendly, and the role is rewarding.

Do you want to start or grow your career as a teaching assistant? The best step is training. Enrol today in our online Teaching Assistant Course at Open Learning Academy. Build skills, gain confidence, and unlock new job opportunities in schools.