Teaching Assistant Pay Rise Explained: New Salary Rates for 2025

The teaching assistant pay rise is finally here! Starting 1 April 2025, most TAs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will see their salaries jump by 3.2%. This means that their starting full-time pay rises to £24,413. Even if you work term-time, your total pay stays the same, just spread across the months.

Meanwhile, Scotland has its own plan, with a 4% rise in 2025/26 and 3.5% in 2026/27. Plus, this boost, along with any local allowances, shows that your hard work is being properly recognised.

What’s This “Pay Rise” About?

Good news for Teaching Assistants (TAs)! From April 2025, pay goes up by 3.2% across the national TA pay scale.

You will see the extra money in your paycheck.

Who Gets It—and Who Doesn’t?

Most council-run schools and plenty of academies will get the teaching assistant pay rise. Scotland has its own deal, though. If you’re not sure about your school, just check with HR—they’ll let you know if you’re getting the 3.2% rise.

This rise is a nice way to reward all your hard work. Even a small boost can make a real difference over the year!

Teaching Assistant Pay Rise 2025

The new full-time salary for TAs under the NJC (National Joint Council) pay scale is £24,413 a year. You’ll also see it shown as hourly or monthly pay.

If you work term-time only, your monthly pay may appear lower, but it’s still correct for the full year.

Some areas, like London, add extra allowances for higher living costs. These also rise with the 3.2% increase. So, depending on where you work, your total pay could be higher than the base rate.

Why Does Your Payslip Look Different?

Ever checked your monthly pay and thought, “Hmm, why is it less than I expected?” Don’t worry—you’re not imagining it. Here’s why your pay can look different depending on how you work.

Full-Time Pay

Full-time TAs start at £24,413 a year, which you’ll also see as hourly or monthly pay. This is the base rate, and any extra allowances or local boosts come on top. It’s a solid starting point if you’re aiming to grow your career in schools.

Term-Time Pay

If you work term-time, your monthly pay might look smaller, but don’t worry—it’s correct for the whole year. Basically, you’re paid only for the weeks you actually work. Schools spread it across all 12 months, so your income stays steady.

London & Local Add-Ons Made Simple

If you work in places like London, you will get a bit extra to help with higher living costs. These extra payments go up by 3.2% just like your main salary, so it all grows together. To see exactly how much you’ll get, have a quick look at your pay schedule or ask HR. It’s always good to know what’s coming!

Scotland Pay Rise at a Glance

Scotland has its own pay rise, separate from the rest of the UK. Your pay goes up by 4% in 2025/26 and 3.5% in 2026/27. Pretty good, right? If you want the full picture, your council HR can give you all the details.

When Will Revisions Show Up?

The teaching assistant pay rise starts from 1 April 2025. However, if your pay doesn’t update straight away, don’t worry—you’ll get any missing money later.

So, you won’t lose out, even if there’s a small delay.

Checklist: Did You Get the Rise?

Quickly check your pay to make sure everything is correct:

• Is your hourly or monthly pay updated?
• Has your pay band gone up by 3.2%?
• Have any allowances gone up, too?
• Does your payslip show back pay if it was delayed?
• Do your hours and weeks still match your contract?

How to Confirm the New Rates Yourself

You can check your new pay by visiting your council’s pay scale page. Look for the 2025 updates and the starter band showing £24,413.

The LGA (Local Government Association) also publishes the official agreement.

It’s useful if you want to see the full pay scale and percentages for each band.

Tips for Earning More (Without Stress)

Want to boost your pay without overdoing it? Here are some simple ways to earn a little extra.

• Ask if you can take on extra hours or paid weeks, but only if it’s safe for you.
• Think about applying for HLTA or other roles with more responsibility.
• Check if your school pays for extra duties like SEN support or running clubs.

Perks That Matter (Beyond the Rise)

It’s not just about the pay—teaching assistants get plenty of extras that really count. You’ll have a pension through LGPS, paid leave, and sick pay. Many schools also offer wellbeing support, CPD or training opportunities, and sometimes even help with travel or childcare costs. These perks add real value to your package and can make a big difference to your day-to-day life, helping you feel supported and appreciated at work.

Want to Talk to HR? Here’s What to Say

You could just pop over a quick message like:

“Hello, could you please confirm my updated TA pay for 2025, including any allowances and back pay? Thank you.”

Nice and simple—straight to the point, but friendly too.

Need to Budget for the New Pay?

First, check your tax code and student loan deductions so everything is correct. Then, update any direct debits or regular payments to match your new salary. Also, try to keep a small emergency fund for term breaks or unexpected bills.

TAs vs Teachers Pay Compares

Even with the 3.2% pay rise, TAs still earn far less than teachers. To put it in numbers, new TAs start at £24,413, while teachers begin near £33,000 in 2025-26. Local allowances give a small boost, but the gap is still obvious. So, while this rise is a step forward, TAs really deserve more for all the energy and care they give every single day. Also, many TAs do extra duties like SEN support or clubs, yet pay still lags behind. Hopefully, future increases will better reflect all the hard work TAs do every day.

The Pay Rise Debate

Not everyone is happy with the 3.2% pay rise. For example, Unite didn’t accept the deal because its members were fed up after years of frozen pay and cuts to council budgets. They’ve said they will support any workplace that wants to fight for better pay.

Also, even GMB agreed reluctantly, just to avoid delays that could affect members relying on benefits like Universal Credit. Unison called the rise disappointing too and warned that more is needed to stop local government salaries falling further behind.

So, while the pay rise is happening, many unions are still pushing for fairer pay and better conditions for support staff.

Source: Schools Week.

FAQs

• Will teaching assistants get the new pay rise?
  Yes, most TAs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will get the 3.2% rise.

• What is a TA hourly rate?
  It depends on your pay band and term-time hours, but you can check your council’s pay scale.

• Who is getting a 5.5% pay rise?
  Some other school staff or local agreements may offer higher increases, but most TAs get 3.2%.

• What is a 3.2% increase in pay?
  This means your current pay will go up by 3.2% starting April 2025.

• What is the pay increase for TA in 2025?
  The starter full-time pay rises to £24,413 (before local allowances).

• Is a 3% raise reasonable?
  Yes, it’s the standard national increase for TAs under the NJC scale.

Conclusion

Overall, the teaching assistant pay rise is a nice boost for all your hard work, giving you higher pay and better allowances. Plus, knowing your new pay and perks helps you plan and make the most of it.

If you want to boost your skills and get ahead, check out the Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus. It’s a great way to learn more, earn a CPD-certified qualification, grow your career, and open up new opportunities. With the right training, you can take on more responsibilities, earn more, and feel confident in your role.