Teaching Assistant Wage per Hour UK: Rates and Updates Explained

If you’ve been wondering about the teaching assistant wage per hour UK, you’re not alone. Pay can feel like a bit of a puzzle, with differences between regions, schools, and even roles. For 2025, starting rates sit at about £12.65 outside London, with higher pay inside the capital thanks to London weighting. In this guide, we’ll break it all down in plain English, so you know exactly how TA pay works and what it means for your own paycheck.

In this blog, we’ll show you how TA hourly pay works, the impact of London weighting and pay rises and tips to check your own earnings for 2025/26.

Teaching Assistant Hourly Rate: What It Means and Why It Changes

If you’re wondering how much teaching assistants earn per hour, here’s a quick snapshot. Before April 2025, entry-level TAs outside London earned around £12.25 per hour, which went up to about £12.65 per hour after the 3.2% pay rise and National Living Wage update. Your hourly pay is based on your annual salary and hours worked. For term-time-only contracts, you’re paid for the weeks you actually work, but it’s spread over 12 months. 

Of course, this is just the starting point—your pay can also change depending on your school, any London weighting, and local government pay scales. On top of that, experience, responsibility, and extra duties—like cover lessons or lunchtime supervision—can push your rate even higher.

National Living Wage 2025 UK: What It Means for TAs

The National Living Wage 2025 UK went up to £12.21 an hour (for age 21+) from 1 April 2025. So, councils and trusts have to make sure every TA gets at least this amount.

This rise helps TAs keep up with everyday living costs. Plus, it sets a clear baseline, so even new TAs know they’re earning a fair rate.

Real Living Wage 2025 (UK & London)

First of all, the Real Living Wage is higher than the National Living Wage (£12.21/hr for age 21+) and is based on what’s needed to cover basic living costs. However, schools don’t have to pay it, but some do, which means teaching assistants can earn a bit more than the legal minimum.

Especially in London, where rent and travel costs are higher, this extra pay can make a real difference. In addition, TAs may get extra money for duties like covering lessons, lunchtime supervision, or helping students with special needs.

Overall, the Real Living Wage isn’t guaranteed, but it sets a benchmark for fair pay and shows that some schools go beyond the minimum to support their staff.

How School Funding Impacts TA Pay

The National Funding Formula (NFF) decides how much money a school gets from the government. This money pays for teachers, resources, and teaching assistants. That’s why TA pay can be different at each school.

Even if there’s a national pay rise, your school’s budget can change what you actually get. Also, the number of students, extra support for special needs, and local costs can make pay different from school to school.

So, it’s normal if two schools nearby pay TAs differently. Knowing this helps you understand why your TA’s hourly pay in the UK might be higher or lower than someone else’s—and it makes it easier to plan your finances.

London Weighting for TAs: Inner, Outer & Fringe Uplifts

If you work in London, your London weighting teaching assistant pay can make your hourly rate higher than the national average.

The extra pay depends on where you live—inner London, outer London, or fringe areas. Also, local demand, school size, and what other schools pay can affect the amount.

Inner London

TAs in inner London get the highest uplift to help cover high living costs like rent and transport.

Outer London

In outer London, the increase is smaller than in inner London, but still adds extra to your hourly pay.

Fringe Areas

Fringe areas get the lowest uplift, but it still raises pay above the national average. Local demand can also change the rate.

TA Pay 2025: What Changed This Year

Curious about what’s new for teaching assistant pay in 2025? Don’t worry—here’s a quick rundown of the key changes:

• 3.2% pay rise from 1 April 2025—finally, a little extra in your pocket, backdated so you don’t miss out.
• National Living Wage increase to £12.21/hr (age 21+)—making sure every TA earns a fair minimum.
• School budgets updated through the 2025–26 National Funding Formula (NFF)—this decides how much schools can spend on staff like you.

Teaching Assistant Pay: Before vs After April 2025

Academy Trusts vs Local Authority: Who Pays TAs More?

When it comes to pay, academy trusts and local authority schools do things a little differently. Many academies follow the NJC pay award, but some set their own pay scales. Local authority schools usually stick to NJC pay. Either way, they must at least pay the National Living Wage. The big difference is that academies often have more flexibility, so experienced TAs can sometimes earn more or get pay rises faster.

So, who really pays more? Well, it depends. Academy trusts can be better if you have experience or take on extra duties, giving you a chance to earn a bit more. Local authority schools usually give steady, predictable pay, which can feel safer if you like knowing exactly what you’ll get each month. In the end, it’s about what matters most to you—faster growth or steady security.

Term-Time-Only Pay Explained

If you’re on a term-time-only contract, your hourly rate is easy to see on your contract. But your annual pay only covers the weeks you actually work—usually around 39 weeks plus holiday leave. Then, it’s spread out over 12 months.

So, don’t worry if your monthly pay looks smaller than expected. It doesn’t mean you’re earning less—it’s just how term-time pay works.

How to Read a TA Job Advert: Find the Real Hourly Rate Fast

Want to know exactly what you’ll earn as a TA? Here’s how to check quickly:

• Look for the hourly rate or spine point.
• Check how many hours per week you’ll work.
• See how many weeks you’ll be paid.
• Check for any location or London weighting.
• If only an annual salary is shown, your council or trust’s pay page usually lists the hourly equivalent.

Will TA Hourly Pay Rise Again? What to Expect Next Year

Wondering if your TA’s hourly pay in the UK will go up next year? Chances are, yes! The NJC pay is decided every year, and the National Living Wage rises every April. Both can push your pay higher.

Plus, the Real Living Wage gets reviewed yearly, so some schools might give extra too. Basically, there’s a good chance your hourly rate could rise again soon.

Payslip Not Updated? Back Pay from 1 April 2025

If your school follows the NJC pay award 2025 for support staff but your payslip hasn’t changed yet, don’t worry. Just ask HR when the new pay will start and if you’ll get back-pay from 1 April 2025.

Back pay means you receive the money you missed since April. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to appear on your payslip, but it’s important to make sure it’s included.

Also, make sure you count any extra duties or London weighting in your new pay. That way, you’re getting every penny you’re supposed to.

Check Your TA’s Hourly Rate Today

Want to know exactly what you’re earning? Check your council or trust’s 2025/26 pay table and the latest award notice.

Compare your hourly rate with the National Living Wage and, if relevant, the Real Living Wage. Also, don’t forget to include London weighting and extra duties so your full rate is clear.

TA Pay Stats 2025: Quick Snapshot

• £12.65/hr – Entry-level TA pay outside London

Typical starting pay after the 2025 rise.

• +3.2% – NJC pay rise from 1 April 2025

Boosts most TAs’ hourly pay.

• £12.21/hr – National Living Wage (age 21+)

Minimum legal rate for all TAs 21 and over.

• 39 weeks – Term-time weeks TAs are paid for

Covers only the weeks you actually work.

FAQs

1. What is a TA pay scale?
Levels showing TA pay based on experience and duties.

2. Are teaching assistants getting a pay rise in 2025?
Yes, 3.2% from April 2025.

3. Do level 3 teaching assistants get paid more?
Yes, they earn more than Level 2 TAs.

4. How to work out pro rata salary?
Adjust full-time pay for your hours and weeks worked.

5. How much does a TA get paid per hour?
Around £12.65/hr outside London, higher in London.

6. Do TAs get paid during summer holidays?
No, term-time-only pay covers only working weeks.

Conclusion

Understanding the teaching assistant wage per hour UK helps you plan your finances and know what to expect from your role. With 2025 changes like the 3.2% pay rise, the National Living Wage, and school funding updates, it’s a good time to review your pay and see where you stand.

If you’re looking to boost your skills and open more opportunities, check out the Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus. Sign up today and take the next step in your TA career!