Becoming a teaching assistant

The role of teaching assistant (TA) can be very rewarding and for parents has the added bonus that the job fits in with school hours. Depending on the post, together with your qualifications and experience, full time pay can approach £18,000 pro-rata per year, although most support staff work part time.

Teaching assistants (also known as classroom assistants) have an important role in schools supporting the work of teachers. The TA will work in class with pupils as well as helping with administrative tasks such as preparing teaching materials, photocopying and collecting dinner money.

See the BBC Schools page ‘How do I become a Teaching Assistant?’

How can I gain experience or qualifications in order to become a TA?

Schools often offer voluntary positions in which those interested can gain classroom experience and confidence with the intention of taking up a paid position in the future. Many volunteers also undertake the TA NVQ level 2 qualification for which you need to be volunteering a minimum of 15 hours a week in school. Before deciding to do this, you must first gain the support and agreement of the school as they need to provide appropriate opportunities for volunteers to fulfill all requirements of the training/qualification.

What qualifications do I need to become a TA?

You do not need any formal training or qualifications in order to apply for teaching assistant posts. TAs often take up positions without any particular training or experience. However, because the calibre of applicants for TA positions is increasingly high some schools may now require a certain level of qualification, such as the TA NVQ Level 2. It is also advantageous to have a Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy.

Find out how to get a Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy, equivalent to GSCE or 'O’ level grade A-C, visit our School Improvement Service pages on literacy and numeracy qualifications. You can find a test centre or test your skills at the Move On website.

You will have to pass a check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

How do I find a TA job?

• Check our Jobs pages for the latest TA jobs. These will be listed under Teaching vacancies.
• Check the local press – schools may advertise vacancies.
• Contact schools in your area. Phone or visit to ask about opportunities and whether they would be able to let you know when vacancies arise. They may want a CV or resumé. You can browse details of all schools in East Sussex.

For an informal discussion about a post advertised, contact the school direct. For more general advice, contact Chris Ayliffe, below.

Contact us

Chris Ayliffe, Support Staff Adviser
Centre for British Teachers
4th Floor, St Marks House
14 Upperton Road
Eastbourne BN21 1EP

Tel: 01323 432249
Email: chris ayliffe