Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher Without a Degree

Can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree? That used to be a hard no. In 2025, it’s now a loud yes. And here’s the twist—you don’t even need to pay for the training yourself.

Across the UK, schools are investing in their teaching assistants. Many are fully funding the path to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and some even support you in earning a full university degree along the way. You work, train, and earn—while steadily progressing toward becoming a qualified teacher.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. Let’s show you how it works.

From TA to Teacher—What’s Changed?

In the past, if you didn’t have a degree, you couldn’t become a teacher. Full stop. That rule locked out thousands of brilliant teaching assistants who already had the skills—but not the paperwork.

Now, things look different.

In 2024, the UK government launched the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship. This new route allows you to earn while you train. You don’t need a degree first. The course gives you one. You finish with both a university degree and Qualified Teacher Status.

And guess what? Your school pays for it. Not you.

What’s the Catch?

There isn’t much of one. You still need to meet a few key conditions:

• You must have GCSEs in English and Maths (and Science if you want to teach primary)
• You must be 18 or older
• You need to work in a school that supports your application

That’s it. You don’t need A-levels, though some providers prefer them. You don’t need past teacher training. If you’ve worked as a TA and want to move up, this is your chance.

So yes—a teaching assistant can become a teacher without a degree. And schools are lining up to support it.

But Wait—Can I Be a Teaching Assistant With a Degree?

Yes, 100%.

In fact, many teaching assistants do have degrees. Some have ones in education. Others come from science, psychology, or the arts. Schools welcome grads. They bring subject strength, maturity, and often real-life work experience.

You don’t need a special degree to be a TA. Any degree counts.

So if you’re asking, “can I be a teaching assistant with a degree?”—the answer is not just yes, but you might even have an edge.

You’ll still need to show you know how to work with children. But you won’t need to study again to start as a TA.

First Step: Get Your School On Board

Your first move? Talk to your headteacher or the school’s business manager.

Say this:

“I want to become a teacher. I’ve seen the new Teacher Degree Apprenticeship route. Would our school consider supporting me?”

If you’re already working in the school, you’ve got an advantage. They know your work. They trust you with pupils. And they won’t want to lose you.

Many schools struggle to find new teachers. So they’re more than happy to train people they already know.

What Exactly Does the School Pay For?

The school gets government funding to pay for your training. They don’t take it from their normal school budget.

Here’s what it covers:

• Your university degree (usually a BA or BEd)
• Your teacher training (leading to QTS)
• Your assessment and support
• No tuition fees for you

And you get paid while you do all this. Your pay will usually start around £18,000 to £22,000, depending on your school and region. Some academies offer more.

What Do You Need to Do?

You work in school four days a week. On the fifth day, you train. That training could be online, at a university, or a mix of both.

You develop a portfolio, reflect on your lessons, and study the theory—then put it into practice the very next day.

It’s hard work. But you’re not paying out of pocket. And you’re building up experience from day one.

After about three years, you come out with a full teaching degree and QTS.

You’re now a qualified teacher. With no student loan. And three years of experience under your belt.

What If I Don’t Work in a School Yet?

You can still start this route.

Look for teaching assistant jobs that say “supportive of apprenticeships” or “development route to teaching.” These are often in academy trusts or schools with strong HR teams.

Once you’re in the door, tell your line manager you’re aiming to train as a teacher. Most schools will help you map a path.

You’ll need a year or so of solid work first. Then you can apply to the apprenticeship route. You’ll already be known to the staff. That gives you a real boost.

Requirements to Be a Teaching Assistant (No Degree Needed)

You don’t need a degree to become a TA. Here’s what you do need:

• Good GCSEs in English and Maths
• Confidence with children
• The ability to support learning
• Clear DBS check
• Basic classroom awareness (volunteering helps)

Some schools ask for a Level 2 or 3 TA qualification. But others will train you on the job. You don’t need teaching experience. You just need to show you’re keen, caring, and ready to learn.

So, if you’re wondering how to become a teaching assistant without experience—start with volunteering. Or apply for entry-level TA jobs with a cover letter that shows your heart and mindset.

Extra Step: Pitch Your Progress Plan

When you approach your school, show them a plan. Heads love plans.

Try this pitch:

“I want to keep growing in education. I’m ready to move from supporting lessons to leading them. The new apprenticeship route lets me do that while staying in this school. We get extra funding, and I bring back stronger skills each week.”

That pitch works. It tells your school you’re committed and won’t disappear after training.

Where to Find Training Providers

Many online training providers now offer accessible routes to gaining new skills. Some are: 

• Training Tale 
• Wise Campus 
• Knowledge Dock 

These platforms often provide really affordable courses leading to UK-recognised certificates. You don’t need to live nearby. Their online teaching model means you can study from anywhere. The best starting point? Search for specific courses on these platforms or explore similar online learning providers for UK-recognised qualifications.

Can I Do It Part-Time?

In some cases, yes.

If you have caring duties or a part-time contract, you can ask about a part-time apprenticeship. You’ll still get paid. You’ll just take longer to qualify—maybe four years instead of three.

Each provider has different rules. So check with the training course before you apply.

How Do I Know I’m Ready?

You’re ready if you:

• Feel confident leading small groups
• Want to plan lessons, not just deliver them
• Understand what makes learning stick
• Stay calm when things go wrong
• Want more responsibility—and recognition

You don’t need to feel like a teacher already. But you do need that spark. That belief that you can do more. That sense that you’re made for this.

One Last Thing—Funding Links and Support

You can find official information here:

• https://www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk
• https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
• Your local council or Multi-Academy Trust job board
• Training provider websites (search “teacher apprenticeship” + your city)

You can also ask local schools directly. Some are recruiting apprentices now. Many more will start in September.

Final Word: You’ve Got This

So—can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree? In 2025, yes. Not just yes. Absolutely yes.

There’s no need to leave your job, take on debt, or wait years to qualify. You can train on the job, earning while you learn—and in many cases, your school can cover the cost of your training.

If you already have a degree, you can still jump into teaching quicker. But if you don’t? You still have every chance.

And if you haven’t even started yet, but feel drawn to the classroom—start small. Volunteer. Apply. Learn. Build trust. And then go all in.

Your future doesn’t have to wait. Your degree doesn’t have to come first. And your dream of teaching doesn’t have to stay a maybe.

It starts with one conversation. Don’t wait! Kickstart your teaching career today. Check out our online Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus!