How to Be a Teaching Assistant in the UK

A Primary Teaching Assistant, or TA, helps teachers make learning fun and easy for young children. If you want to know how to be a teaching assistant, this is a great place to begin. You will support pupils aged 5 to 11 in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Your job is to guide them through their early school years and help them learn with confidence.

Every day is different for a Primary TA. You might be helping a child understand maths, supporting a reading group, or preparing creative classroom activities. Most importantly, you help children feel confident and cared for as they learn and grow.

Primary teaching assistants play a huge part in children’s development. They are the friendly faces children turn to when they need help or encouragement. With your support, the classroom runs smoothly, and every child gets a fair chance to succeed.

If you love helping children grow, this is the role for you. Being a classroom helper isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to make a real difference in young lives every single day.

What Does a Primary Teaching Assistant Do?

A Primary Teaching Assistant supports both teachers and pupils to make every school day run smoothly. Their main purpose is to help children learn, stay focused, and enjoy their time in class. They also make sure the teacher has everything ready — from lesson materials to calm, happy pupils.

You can find primary school teaching assistants in many types of schools, such as:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Academies
• Special schools

No matter the setting, the goal stays the same — to create a warm, safe, and engaging learning space for every child.

Here are some of the typical daily TA responsibilities:

• Supporting small reading or maths groups
• Preparing and organising classroom materials
• Helping with creative lessons and hands-on activities
• Encouraging pupils who need extra confidence
• Assisting with classroom displays and tidy-up time
• Supervising children during breaks or school trips
• Providing one-to-one help for pupils who need extra support

A Day in the Life
Imagine this:

• You start the morning by greeting excited children at the door.
• You help a few pupils with their handwriting practice.
• Later, you join a maths game and hand out stickers for great effort.
• After lunch, you sit with a child who finds reading hard and cheer them on.
• Before the bell rings, you help the teacher prepare for tomorrow’s lessons.

When the day ends, you feel proud knowing you’ve helped make learning fun, positive, and full of care.

Is a Primary Teaching Assistant Job a Good Fit for You?

Being a Primary Teaching Assistant is more than just helping in the classroom — it’s about making a real difference in children’s lives. If you’re patient, caring, and full of energy, this could be the perfect path for you.

A good TA needs a few key personal qualities:

• Patience, because every child learns at a different pace.
• Empathy, to understand how children feel and help them through challenges.
• Adaptability, since no two days in a classroom are ever the same.

This job is also a great start for anyone who wants to begin a teaching assistant career or explore working with children for the first time. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from teachers, and see how children grow and develop through every lesson.

Many TAs also get the chance to support children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or ALN (Additional Learning Needs). This part of the job can be deeply rewarding, as you’ll help pupils who need extra care and understanding to shine in their own way.

Your encouragement can shape a child’s confidence for life. When a pupil finally reads a full page on their own or smiles after solving a maths problem, you’ll know your support truly mattered.

Primary Teaching Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

A Primary Teaching Assistant helps children and teachers every day. Your job is to make learning easy and fun for everyone. You help pupils feel safe, happy, and ready to learn.

Here are some of the main teaching assistant duties:

• Help pupils one-to-one or in small groups.
• Help plan lessons and keep good behaviour in class.
• Prepare learning materials and use classroom tools like tablets or boards.
• Give kind and helpful feedback to pupils.
• Encourage good manners and positive behaviour.
• Watch pupils during breaks, lunch, or school trips.

Every small task matters. You might set up books for reading time or help a child who feels shy or stuck. Your care and support make a big difference each day.

 Practical Tip: Keep short notes about each pupil’s progress. Share them with the class teacher every week to help track learning.

Skills You Need to Succeed as a Teaching Assistant

To be a great Teaching Assistant, you need more than classroom experience — you need heart, patience, and people skills. These qualities help you connect with children and support the teacher every single day. If you want to learn more about different TA roles and what they involve, check out the blog Teaching Assistant Roles UK on Open Learning Academy. It shares useful tips and clear guidance to help you start your journey with confidence.

Here are the key teaching assistant skills you’ll need:

• Strong communication and listening skills. You must talk clearly with pupils, teachers, and parents and listen with care.
• Basic understanding of the national curriculum. This helps you follow lessons and give the right support during activities.
• Confidence with digital tools. Knowing how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and classroom technology makes your job easier.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods. Every child learns differently, so you may need to explain things in simple or creative ways.
• Empathy and creativity. Understanding how pupils feel and keeping lessons fun helps children stay excited about learning.
• Teamwork. You’ll work closely with teachers and other staff, so being friendly and cooperative really matters.

A good TA makes children feel heard, supported, and valued. When you combine these skills with a caring attitude, you help create a classroom where every child can shine.

How to Be a Teaching Assistant

To work as a Teaching Assistant, you don’t need a degree — but you do need the right mix of learning, training, and personal qualities. The path is simple, and each step helps you grow in confidence and skill.

Essential qualification:

• 5 GCSEs (grades 9–4), including English and Maths.

These subjects help you with reading, writing, and understanding classroom work.

Recommended qualifications:

• Begin with the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools – perfect for beginners who want to learn how schools work.
• Move on to the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning – ideal if you want more classroom responsibility.
• Then try the Level 4 HLTA Certificate – great for those who want to lead activities or help plan lessons.

You must also pass an Enhanced DBS check before working with children. This is very important, as it helps keep pupils safe and shows that you are trustworthy.

Besides qualifications, personal qualities matter the most. A great Teaching Assistant is compassionate, professional, and reliable. Children need someone who listens and cares, while teachers depend on your support every day. If you’re ready to start your journey, check out our [Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course] page to learn more about training and how to qualify.

Step-by-Step Career Pathway — How to Be a Teaching Assistant

Becoming a Teaching Assistant is a rewarding journey that starts with small, simple steps. If you enjoy working with children and want to make a real difference, here’s how you can begin your teaching assistant career route in the UK.

1. Get your GCSEs or equivalent.
   Start with your basic education. You’ll need at least 5 GCSEs (grades 9–4), including English and Maths. These subjects help you support pupils with reading, writing, and number work.
2. Enrol in a recognised Level 2 or Level 3 course.
   Next, take a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant course to build your classroom skills. These courses teach you how to support lessons, help pupils learn, and work closely with teachers.
3. Gain classroom experience through volunteering or placement.
   Try volunteering at a local school or completing a work placement. This experience helps you understand real classroom life — from helping pupils during reading time to supporting teachers during lessons.
4. Apply for a teaching assistant role.
   Once you have training and experience, you can apply for your first TA job. Schools often look for friendly, caring, and reliable people who love helping children succeed.
5. Progress to HLTA, SEN specialist, or teacher training.
   After some experience, you can grow your career further. You might train to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), focus on SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, or even move into teacher training.

Every step brings you closer to helping children learn, smile, and grow. With passion, patience and the right training, you can build a career that truly makes a difference.

Working Hours, Salary, and Real-Life Experience

A Teaching Assistant’s job fits perfectly with school life. Most TAs work during school term-time, which means you get the same holidays as pupils. It’s a great choice if you want a steady routine and a good work–life balance.

Typical working hours:

• Around 30 to 37 hours a week
• Usually from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Term-time only, so you’re off during school holidays

Average salary (2025 data):

• Between £20,000 and £25,000 a year (based on the NJC pay scale)
• Pay depends on experience, school type, and location
• Some schools offer extra pay for special duties, like supporting pupils with learning needs

Holiday time:

• Aligned with school terms
• Enjoy long breaks during summer, Christmas, and Easter

Career Progression and Future Opportunities

A Teaching Assistant role is a great starting point in education. It opens the door to many exciting career paths. With time, training, and dedication, you can grow into new roles that bring even more responsibility and reward.

As you gain experience, you can move up to:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – lead small group lessons and help plan classroom activities.
• SEN Support Specialist – work closely with children who have special educational needs and help them reach their full potential.
• Qualified Teacher – with extra study and training, many TAs go on to complete teacher training and run their own classrooms.

You can also choose to specialise in areas that inspire you, such as:

• Early Years Education, working with younger children in nursery or reception.
• Autism and Learning Support, helping pupils with additional needs feel included and confident.

Learning never stops in this career. Taking short courses, attending workshops, or completing a higher qualification helps you stay skilled and confident. Every bit of training adds to your knowledge and keeps your work fresh and rewarding.

Remember, education is a field where kindness and effort truly matter. With each new skill you learn, you’ll make an even bigger difference in children’s lives.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to be a teaching assistant gives you the chance to build a career that’s both meaningful and rewarding. This role lets you support children as they grow, learn and gain confidence every day. With the right training, skills, and caring attitude, you can make a real difference in every classroom.

Start by gaining your GCSEs, completing a recognised teaching assistant course, and gaining hands-on school experience. Each step helps you move closer to a fulfilling role where your patience, empathy, and dedication truly matter.

Begin Your Teaching Assistant Journey Today

Ready to step into a rewarding role as a teaching assistant? Join the comprehensive course at Open Learning Academy and take your first confident steps into the classroom. Enrol now and start your journey to making a real difference!  Explore the Teaching Assistant Course.

FAQs 

• Can I be a TA with no experience?

Yes, you can become a Teaching Assistant with no experience. Schools value enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine passion for helping children learn.

• Is becoming a TA hard?

Becoming a TA can feel hard at first. You may make mistakes, but that’s normal. With time, you learn and get better.

• What qualifications do TAs need?

You need GCSEs in English and Maths, grade 4 or higher. You also need to pass an enhanced DBS check.

• How much does a TA get paid per hour?

Teaching assistants usually earn between £12 and £18 an hour. New TAs start around £12, while experienced HLTAs can earn up to £18.50.

• What is the disadvantage of TA?

One main disadvantage of being a TA is the heavy workload. You may often feel busy and tired after long school days.