Are teaching assistants getting a pay rise in the UK? If you work as a teaching assistant, you may be asking this important question. The good news is that many school support staff can get a pay increase. However, the exact rise depends on your role, school, council and pay scale.

In England, many teaching assistants follow local government pay arrangements. These include a 3.3% pay increase from April for eligible staff. This change can give TAs a welcome boost in their pay. Still, not every teaching assistant earns the same amount. Your experience, working hours and job level can affect your salary. 

So, let’s look at the latest teaching assistant pay rise and what it means for your salary.

Are Teaching Assistants Getting a Pay Rise?

Yes, many teaching assistants can get a pay rise in 2026. However, the amount depends on where you work, your role and your pay scale. So, not every TA will get the same increase.

  • England: In England, many teaching assistants follow the NJC pay scale. The latest offer gives eligible staff a 3.3% pay rise from 1 April 2026. Many school support staff, including some TAs, fall under this pay system. However, the pay talks are not fully settled for everyone. Unions have raised concerns about the offer. Therefore, your final pay may depend on your employer and local agreement.
  • Wales: Wales has a separate plan for teaching assistants. From September 2026, Level 1 TAs will move to Level 2 roles. This change could give some TAs a pay rise of up to £1,350.
  • Scotland: Scotland has its own pay rules for school staff. So, TAs in Scotland do not automatically get the same rise as TAs in England. Your council or employer will decide your pay.
  • Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland follows the NJC pay system for many local government staff. However, your exact pay rise will still depend on your role, employer and contract.

Overall, teaching assistants can get a pay rise in 2026, but the amount can vary. Your location and pay scale make a big difference.

How Much Will Teaching Assistants’ Pay Increase?

The pay rise can make a real difference to a teaching assistant’s income. However, the amount will depend on the pay point and the number of hours worked. For example, a TA on £23,500 could see an increase of around £775 with a 3.3% rise. This would take their pay to about £24,275 before tax.

Hourly pay can also change when a new pay rate starts. Full-time TAs normally work more hours across the year. In contrast, term-time TAs often work only during school weeks. This can make their yearly pay lower.

The monthly difference will also vary. A TA on a lower pay point may see a smaller increase than someone on a higher point. Even so, extra money each month can help with bills, travel and other daily costs.

What is the New Teaching Assistant Salary in the UK?

Teaching assistant salaries can change based on experience and job level. New TAs usually start near the lower end of their school’s pay scale. With more experience, they can move to higher pay points. Some TAs also take on more duties. They may support pupils with extra learning needs or help with wider school tasks. This can lead to a higher pay level.

HLTAs usually earn more because they have greater duties. They may lead lessons, support teachers and help other staff. Pay also differs by area. London often offers higher rates than many other parts of the UK. However, living costs can also be higher there.

What is the New Teaching Assistant Salary in the UK?

Teaching assistant pay can change based on your job, skills and hours. A full-time new TA can earn about £24,413 a year before pro-rata pay. However, many TAs work only during school terms. They often work for around 39 weeks each year.

Because of this, their yearly pay can be lower. Many term-time TAs earn about £13,900 to £18,500 a year. Their hourly pay often falls between £12.65 and £13.47. So, the amount you take home can look quite different from the full-time salary.

New TAs often start at Level 1 or Level 2. Their full-time salary can be around £24,413 before pro-rata pay. With more experience, TAs can move to Level 3. Their full-time salary can reach about £25,500 or more. They may also take on more tasks at school.

SEND TAs help pupils who need extra support. Their hourly pay can range from about £12.71 to £15.00. The rate depends on their skills, role and duties. This role can also bring more responsibility each day.

Higher Level Teaching Assistants have more duties than regular TAs. They may lead lessons and help teachers in class. Their full-time salary can reach £32,000 or more. Their hourly pay can sit near £15.00.

How Much Does a Teaching Assistant Earn Per Hour?

Teaching assistant pay can vary from one job to another. Your experience, job level and location can all affect your hourly rate. Here is a simple look at the usual pay for different TA roles.

  • Typical TA pay: Teaching assistants in the UK can earn around £12.50 to £16.50 per hour.
  • New TAs: Entry-level TAs often earn about £12.80 to £13.50 per hour. The rate can change based on the school and area.
  • Level 1 TAs: They can earn around £12.65 to £13.10 per hour. They usually help teachers with basic classroom tasks.
  • Level 2 TAs: They can earn about £13.26 to £13.90 per hour. They may help with group work and track pupil progress.
  • Level 3 TAs: Experienced TAs can earn around £14.13 to £16.00 per hour. They may support pupils with extra learning needs.
  • HLTAs: Higher Level Teaching Assistants can earn £15.56 to £18.50 or more per hour. They may lead lessons and take on more duties.
  • London TAs: TAs in London may earn around £2 to £3 more per hour because of London weighting.
  • Minimum wage: The current minimum wage is £12.71 per hour. Many TA jobs pay slightly more because the role needs extra skills and duties.

Overall, your hourly pay depends on your experience, job level, skills and location. As you gain more skills and take on more duties, your hourly pay can also grow.

Do All Teaching Assistants Get the Same Pay Rise?

No, all teaching assistants do not get the same pay rise. Your pay can depend on your school, council, job level and experience. So, two TAs may earn different amounts even if they do similar work. Many local councils use pay scales for school staff. These scales set pay for different jobs and levels. However, some schools can make their own pay decisions.

Your experience and training can also affect your pay. For example, an experienced TA may earn more than a new TA. Extra training can also help you move to a higher pay level. Your duties also matter. A Level 1 TA may have fewer tasks than a Level 3 TA. HLTAs usually have more duties, such as leading lessons. Therefore, they often earn more.

Does the Pay Rise Apply to Teaching Assistants in England?

Yes, many TAs in England can get the pay rise if their job follows the NJC pay rules. The NJC sets pay rates for many council and school support staff. Maintained schools often use local council pay scales for support staff. So, many TAs in these schools follow the NJC rates.

However, academies can use different pay rules. They do not have to follow the same pay system as maintained schools. Each academy can set its own pay rates. So, if you work as a TA in England, check your contract and pay scale. You can also ask your school or council about your pay. This will help you understand what pay rise you may get.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Teaching Assistant?

You do not need a degree to become a teaching assistant in the UK. You also do not need one special qualification for every TA job. However, each school may have its own rules. So, check the job advert before you apply.

Most schools look for:

  • GCSEs in English and Maths: Many schools ask for Grade 4 or above. Some schools may accept Functional Skills Level 2.
  • Good English skills: You need to read and write well. This helps you support children with their schoolwork.
  • Good maths skills: You may help children with simple sums and number work.
  • Experience with children: Childcare, volunteering or school work can help. Even some experience can support your application.
  • Enhanced DBS check: Schools usually need this check because you will work with children.
  • Good people skills: You should be kind, patient and friendly. You also need to work well with teachers.
  • A caring nature: You should enjoy helping children learn and grow.

Final Thoughts on Are Teaching Assistants Getting a Pay Rise

So, are teaching assistants getting a pay rise? For many TAs, the answer is yes. However, the amount can change based on your school, council, role and pay scale. Some TAs may get a small increase, while others may earn more with extra skills and duties.

Your working hours can also affect your yearly pay. This matters if you work only during school terms. Therefore, check your payslip and contract to see how the pay rise affects you. If you want to earn more, you can gain new skills or move to a higher TA or HLTA role.

FAQs

1. Will teaching assistants get a pay rise in 2026?

  • Yes. Many TAs can get a pay rise. However, the amount depends on their school, council and pay scale.

2. How much is a TA paid per hour?

  • A TA can earn around £12.50 to £16.50 per hour. Experienced TAs and HLTAs can earn more.

3. Have TAs got a pay rise?

  • Yes. Many TAs covered by the NJC pay deal can get a 3.3% pay rise from 1 April 2026.

4. What is the expected pay increase for 2026?

  • The NJC pay offer gives eligible staff a 3.3% increase. Not every TA follows this pay system.

5. How much pay rise will teaching assistants get?

  • Eligible TAs can get a 3.3% increase. Your exact amount depends on your current pay and pay scale.

6. What is the average pay for a teaching assistant in the UK?

  • A full-time entry-level TA can earn around £24,413 a year before term-time pro-rata pay.