How to Become a Teaching Assistant in the UK
A teaching assistant career offers excellent opportunities for professional growth.
Teaching assistants play a crucial role in the UK's education system, supporting learning activities and helping children progress and succeed in the classroom. If you are passionate about child development and have a flexible attitude and caring nature, read on to learn how to become a teaching assistant.
As a teaching assistant, you'll support pupils in their academic, emotional, and social development. You'll also assist the teacher with preparing lesson materials, overseeing group activities, and caring for distressed or unwell children.
Teaching jobs are in high demand across the UK, making it an ideal time to start your job hunt. In this role, you'll have excellent opportunities for professional growth. With experience, you could become a higher-level teaching assistant or advance to become a fully qualified teacher.
What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?
The primary role of a teaching assistant (also known as TA or classroom assistant) is to provide support to a teacher by undertaking tasks that can free up their time for teaching. Some TA's work one-to-one, while others work in small groups. Many schools employ teaching assistants with specialisms including music and creative arts, literacy, numeracy, and special educational needs (SEN.) TA's work in and out of the classroom and can help with outdoor activities, lunchtime supervision, and school trips.
As a teaching assistant, you could support children who may have a range of learning or behavioural issues, and you'll be busy with a combination of tasks on any given day. Since each school has different requirements, your daily duties may vary. However, some of your key responsibilities could include:
- preparing the classroom for lessons
- supporting teachers in overseeing class behaviour
- helping children who need extra support
- assisting teachers with administrative support
- monitoring and recording pupils' progress
- helping with extracurricular activities
- caring for pupils who are sick or who have had accidents
- motivating and encouraging pupils
How to Become a Teaching Assistant
While you don't need a degree to become a teaching assistant, you'll be at an advantage as this will show a competent level of skills to a potential employer. While each school sets its own entry requirements, most entry-level positions will require you to have some GCSEs, including English and maths. You'll also have to pass an enhanced background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), as you'll be working with young people.
If you're wondering how to become a teaching assistant with no experience in the UK, there are various routes you can take to get started, for example:
- complete a college course – Level 1 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Schools, Level 2 Award in Support Work in School, or Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. You’ll need some GCSEs, including English and maths, to apply.
- apply for an apprenticeship – a teaching assistant intermediate or advanced apprenticeship will allow you to work in a school while studying and earning a salary. You'll also need to have GCSEs, including English and maths, to apply.
- volunteer – in a local school or community organisation such as the scouts or brownies.
Employers seek candidates with the following essential skills:
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- patience, sensitivity, and compassion
- active listening skills
- flexibility and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- problem-solving and creativity
- ability to motivate and inspire
- organisational skills
How Much Do Teaching Assistants Make?
In the UK, the average salary for a teaching assistant is £20,800 per year. However, how much you earn depends on your experience, qualifications, training, and what part of the UK you live in. It's essential to understand what you're worth in your desired profession. You can research salary expectations for this job and related roles online. With training and experience, you could move into a more senior position such as a higher-level teaching assistant or a fully qualified teacher, resulting in a significant salary increase.
How to Apply for Teaching Assistant Jobs
Are you ready to start your search for teaching assistant jobs on Monster? Now that you've learned how to become a teaching assistant, you can start by reviewing and updating your teaching assistant CV and writing a persuasive cover letter before applying for jobs.
Teaching assistants are in high demand, and there are plenty of job vacancies across the UK. Depending on your location, you may want to consider looking for roles in:
Are You Ready to Find Teaching Assistant Jobs? Monster Can Help
Now that you know how to become a teaching assistant, you can be confident in taking the next step in your job search. Begin your search today by creating your free Monster profile. You'll be able to apply for jobs, upload your CV, receive new personalised job alerts, and access valuable career advice. It's also a terrific way to help potential recruiters find you online.