SEN Pay Guide: How Much Salary for Teaching Assistant

Wondering how much salary for teaching assistant jobs in the UK really is? You’re not alone. First, maybe you’re thinking about becoming an SEN teaching assistant. Or, perhaps you’re already in the role and feel unsure about your pay. Also, it can be confusing to figure out term-time contracts, hourly versus yearly pay, or whether extra skills really help. You might even feel a little frustrated, wondering if all your hard work is truly noticed and rewarded.

Don’t worry, we’ll make it simple. First, the average annual salary for a SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teaching Assistant in the UK typically ranges from £20,000 to £27,000. We’ll look at term-time contracts and the benefits you can get. Finally, we’ll cover career steps and show, with real examples, how to make the most of your skills and experience.

Is There a National Pay Scale for SEN Teaching Assistants?

You might be wondering if there is a set national pay scale just for SEN teaching assistants. The short answer is no. Most schools and academies follow the NJC/support staff pay scales. However, pay can change depending on the school, local council, or academy trust.

According to gov.uk, the usual pay for teaching assistants in England is about £23,656 full-time (around £12.26 per hour). At the same time, some schools may pay more or less depending on their budget, location, and what the job involves. For example, schools in London and other high-cost areas often pay higher rates. In addition, pay can change based on experience, extra responsibilities, or specialist skills, like using Makaton or BSL. Finally, some schools also offer benefits such as training, pension contributions, or holiday pay.

What Is the Average SEN Teaching Assistant Salary?

General Teaching Assistant Roles

• Starters usually earn around £19,000 per year.
• Experienced TAs can reach about £26,000 per year.

SEN-Specific Roles

• Pay typically ranges from £18,000 to £27,000.
• Salaries depend on the role’s complexity and the students’ needs.

SEN TA Pay in 2025

• Most SEN TAs can expect £20,000 – £27,000.
• Higher Level TAs (HLTAs) can earn £28,600–£32,000.

Do SEN Teaching Assistants Get Paid by the Hour, Day, or Year?

SEN teaching assistants can get paid by the hour, day, or year. For example, hourly pay is usually around £12–£14, following support-staff rates. If you work as a supply or agency TA, you might earn about £95–£100 per day, though it can change depending on where you are and how busy schools are. When it comes to yearly pay, it really depends on your contract. Full-year contracts spread pay over 12 months, while term-time contracts only cover school weeks, so your monthly take-home can feel smaller. Also, your experience, extra responsibilities, or specialist skills—like Makaton or BSL—can help boost your pay. So, knowing your contract and what you can offer makes a big difference in what you actually take home.

What Does Term-Time Only Pay Mean for SEN TAs?

Many SEN teaching assistants work about 39 weeks a year, which is just the school weeks—not the full 52 weeks. Because of this, your yearly salary is usually spread across 12 months, so your monthly pay can feel smaller than you expect. For example, a TA with a “£20,000” salary might actually take home around £1,200–£1,500 per month before tax. It can feel a bit tricky at first, but knowing this helps you plan your budget and understand what to expect each month.

How Much Salary for Teaching Assistant: Agency vs School Contracts

Agency or supply roles can give you higher daily pay, usually around £90–£100 or more, because they include extra risk and flexibility. But, school-employed TAs get benefits like a pension, holiday pay, and training—things agency jobs often don’t offer. So, which pays more really depends on your situation: how many days you work, how far you travel, and which benefits matter most to you. It can feel tricky to decide but knowing the differences helps you to make the best choice for you.

Which SEN Skills Can Help You Earn More as a TA?

• Learn BSL or Makaton – schools need these skills in special needs settings.
• Train in medical or personal care – help students with feeding, tube feeding, or epilepsy support.
• Get behaviour support training – use Team Teach or de-escalation to manage challenging situations.
• Take specialist training – work with SEMH, ASD, or communication aids to support students better.

Tip: Using these skills helps your students succeed and lets you earn more and get better opportunities.

How Can SEN Teaching Assistants Boost Their Pay?

Want to earn more as an SEN TA? Here are some smart ways to do it:

• Move into HLTA roles – these roles usually pay between £22,500 and £29,000, giving your career a real boost.
• Take on extra responsibilities – lead groups, run interventions, or supervise other staff.
• Get specialist training, such as BSL, Makaton, behaviour support, or medical care.
• Apply to higher-paying schools or areas – for example, London or inner-city schools often offer bigger pay bands.
• Negotiate your contract – don’t be shy! Discuss your hours, role, and allowances carefully to get what you deserve.

Pro tip: Mix these strategies, and you won’t just increase your pay—you’ll grow your skills, confidence, and career opportunities.

What Benefits Do SEN TAs Get in UK Schools?

Working as an SEN teaching assistant comes with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Pension contributions – the school helps you save for the future.
• Holiday pay – full-year contracts give regular pay for holidays, while term-time roles give a holiday allowance.
• Training and courses – schools often pay for extra learning to help you grow in your job.
• Extra perks – sometimes travel or parking costs are covered, and many schools support staff wellbeing.
• Job stability – working for a school is more secure than agency work, which can be unpredictable.

Bonus tip: These benefits make your job easier and more enjoyable, not just your bank balance.

What Is the Career Path for SEN Teaching Assistants?

The career path for SEN teaching assistants gives you clear ways to grow and earn more. First, you start as an SEN TA, gaining experience and learning the job. Next, you can move up to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), take on more responsibility, and earn around £22,500–£29,000+, depending on your experience. After that, you might become a SENCO or Inclusion Lead, leading a team and helping the whole school’s SEN provision. Finally, some choose to train as qualified teachers, which brings higher pay and more responsibility. So, with each step, not only does your salary usually rise, but your impact in the school grows too—and that can feel really rewarding.

Curious about other options? If you want to see how a teaching assistant can also work in a nursery, check out this guide for more info.

How Much Do SEN TAs Take Home Each Month?

Let’s make it simple. Suppose your annual salary is £24,000, but you only work term-time—about 39 weeks a year. Because of this, your pay spreads over 12 months, so your monthly salary before tax is around £1,700–£2,000. Some months might feel a bit higher when school is in full swing. After tax and pension, you usually take home about £1,300–£1,500, depending on allowances, deductions, and where you live. So, knowing this can help you plan your money and feel less worried about each month’s pay.

Where Can You Find SEN Teaching Assistant Jobs and Salary Info?

If you want to know how much salary for teaching assistant roles or are looking for SEN TA jobs, here are some good places to check:

• Local authority or council websites – look in the “education / jobs” section.
• Academy trust job boards – many academies post vacancies directly.
• SEN-specialist recruitment agencies – they focus on special needs roles.
• General job sites – like TES, Indeed, Reed, or Totaljobs.
• Union or association pay tables – use these to compare local pay scales and benchmark offers.

Tip: Checking several sources helps you find the best opportunities and understand typical pay for your area.

FAQs

• How much does a UK teaching assistant earn?

Most TAs earn between £19,000 and £26,000 per year, depending on experience and role.

• How much are TAs paid per hour?

Hourly pay is usually around £12–£14, following support-staff pay scales.

• Is teaching assistant a good job?

Yes, it can be rewarding, especially if you enjoy helping children and supporting learning, though pay is modest.

• What is a TA pay scale?

A TA pay scale sets the salary bands for teaching assistants, often following NJC/support staff scales.

• How many hours is full time for a TA?

Full-time TAs usually work 32–37 hours per week, depending on the school.

• What is the minimum wage for a teaching assistant?

Pay must at least meet the UK National Minimum or Living Wage, depending on age and experience.

Final Thoughts on SEN TA Pay and Career Growth

SEN TA pay may be modest, but don’t worry—you can increase it by learning new skills, doing specialist training, or moving into roles like HLTA. Also, always check your contract carefully—look at your weeks, duties, and benefits so you know exactly what you’re getting. Next, use local pay scales and union information to compare and see what the salary for teaching assistant roles usually is, making sure you get a fair deal. Remember, your skills really matter—investing in them can help you earn more and feel proud of the difference you make every day.

Want to earn more and feel confident as a teaching assistant? Our Teaching Assistant Course gives you useful skills, practical knowledge, and training that schools value. Learn, grow, and boost your pay while making a real difference every day.