Teaching Assistant Course

Turn Your Care Into a Career — Start With a Teaching Assistant Course

Classrooms need more than teachers — they need you. A teaching assistant course is how you step in and make that difference. With this course, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and recognised qualification schools look for — plus clear guidance on placements and the next steps into real classroom roles.

What Is a Teaching Assistant?

A Teaching Assistant (TA) is a steady support in any busy classroom. While the teacher leads the lesson, the TA makes sure no pupil gets left behind — whether that means helping a group with reading, sitting beside a child who’s finding maths difficult, or keeping the classroom calm so everyone can focus.

You’ll come across TAs in primary schools, secondary schools, and SEND settings. Wherever they are, their role is simple but powerful: noticing what a child needs in the moment and giving the right kind of help.

For many people, Wise Campus's Teaching Assistant Course is the first step toward this role. It’s practical, people-focused, and through structured teaching assistant training, it prepares you to make a real difference in the classroom.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?

The role of a Teaching Assistant is varied, practical, and people-focused. Every day looks a little different, but the purpose is always the same: to make sure pupils can learn with confidence and teachers have the support they need.

At Wise Campus, we prepare you for tasks like:

• Setting up resources and classroom activities
• Supporting small groups and 1:1 learning (reading, phonics, maths)
• Helping with behaviour routines so lessons flow smoothly
• Offering targeted support for SEND and EAL pupils
• Tracking progress and feeding back to the teacher
• Supervising pupils during breaks, trips, and clubs

Through practical TA training online, you’ll learn to adapt confidently to different age groups and classroom needs.

Teaching Assistant Requirements

Before applying for roles, there are a few essentials that schools usually expect:

• DBS check — An Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is standard when working with children (as set out by GOV.UK).
• Literacy and numeracy — Most schools prefer at least GCSE-level skills in English and maths.
• Recognised qualification — Many roles ask for a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate gained through a structured teaching assistant course.
• Soft skills — Patience, clear communication, reliability, and the ability to build trust with children and staff.

At Wise Campus, our teaching assistant training online covers these requirements while also helping you prepare for real classroom expectations, from safeguarding awareness to behaviour management.

Teaching Assistant No Experience – Is It Possible?

Yes — plenty of great Teaching Assistants begin with no background at all. What matters most is your willingness to learn and your genuine care for children.

Here’s a simple path many new learners follow:

• Start with a Level 2 qualification (or Level 1 if you’re brand new)
• Volunteer 1–2 mornings a week at a local school to gain confidence
• Add short CPD courses on the Safeguarding Children Training Course or Autism 
• Build a clear, skills-focused CV with help from your tutor.

By enrolling in a teaching assistant course, you’ll show schools you’re serious, and with structured teaching assistants course content, you’ll gain both the knowledge and the classroom experience to land that first role.

Teaching Assistant Course Online – Study Flexibly from Home

At Wise Campus, our teaching assistants course is fully online, affordable, and designed to fit around your life. Lessons are short and practical, you’ll have 24/7 tutor support, and every course ends with a certified qualification that schools recognise and trust.

This flexible teaching assistant online course makes it easier than ever to step confidently into a career in education. And if you’d like to see what else we offer, check out our full range of Teaching & Training courses at Wise Campus.

Teaching Assistants Course – Which Level Is Right for You?

• Level 1 (Intro): A Level 1 Teaching Assistant Course is for beginners. It’s a gentle introduction to working in education.
• Level 2 (Entry): A Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course (or Teaching Assistant Level 2 Course) is ideal if you’re ready for your first role or building on volunteering.
• Level 3 (Recognised): A Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course is the qualification schools value most. It includes classroom practice and a portfolio. With an Online Teaching Assistant Course Level 3, you can study flexibly from home.
• Level 4 (HLTA): A Level 4 Teaching Assistant Course is for experienced TAs who want to lead interventions or cover lessons. Check out our Higher Level Teaching Assistant(HLTA) Course, ideal for experienced TAs who want to lead interventions or cover lessons.

At Wise Campus, every Teaching Assistant Course is flexible, tutor-supported, and certified — so you finish with a qualification schools trust.

Teaching Assistant Training Online – Benefits and Options

• Study at your own pace — no commuting, no rigid timetables
• 24/7 support whenever you need it
• Practical tasks you’ll reuse in school
• Build knowledge that prepares you for classroom practice
• Earn a UK-recognised certification

Our teaching assistant training online is flexible, supportive, and designed to give you confidence from day one.

Online Teaching Assistant Course – Why Choose Digital Learning?

An online teaching assistant course​ is kinder on both your time and your budget. You can pause, rewatch, and revisit topics whenever you like — especially handy before placement days or interviews.

Teaching Assistant Training – What You Need to Know

Before you get started, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Requirements: You don’t need prior qualifications to begin — just a good command of English, enthusiasm to learn, basic computer skills, and to be at least 16 years old.
• Assessments: At Level 1, you’ll complete short quizzes after each module. Higher levels also include written tasks and reflections to check your understanding.
• Placement: Many schools are open to volunteers and trainees. We provide email templates and a placement pack to help you approach schools with confidence.
• DBS Check: When working with children, you’ll need a DBS check. For school roles, the Enhanced level is normally required (GOV.UK).
• Certification: Once you complete your assessments, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion to prove your professional development. A free digital version is included, and a printed copy is available on request.

Teaching Assistant Salary in the UK

The National Careers Service says most TAs earn between £19,000 – £26,000 (FTE). They often work 16–37 hours/week on term-time contracts, so actual pay is usually pro-rated. 

In jobs with extra responsibility (like SEND support, intervention work) or for Higher Level Teaching Assistants, salaries can move into the upper £20,000s/low £30,000s, depending on region and workload. 

With the right qualification—especially completing a teaching assistant course level 3—you’re more likely to land higher-band roles.

TA Training and Career Growth

The best way to grow as a Teaching Assistant is to keep building your skills through CPD. Even a short stack of courses in Safeguarding, Behaviour, EAL, Autism/ADHD, and Speech & Language can make your CV stand out to schools.

Many learners follow a natural progression: Level 2 → Level 3 → HLTA. With each step, you’ll be trusted with more responsibility — from running small group interventions to mentoring pupils one-to-one.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?

Yes. Many teachers start their journey as TAs. A common route looks like this:

Level 3 TA → HLTA (or strong school experience) → Initial Teacher Training (PGCE or school-based) → QTS.

In England, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required in many schools, and even where it isn’t mandatory, having QTS makes finding a teaching role far easier.

Is Being a Teaching Assistant a Good Job?

If you like helping people, staying busy, and being part of a kind, practical team, then yes — it’s a great fit. You’ll see the difference you make every day, whether it’s helping a child finally understand a lesson or supporting a whole class to learn smoothly. There are also clear growth paths, from HLTA roles to SEND specialisms, and even teacher training later on.

It’s worth knowing that the work is active and usually term-time. Many families like this rhythm, even though it affects monthly pay (National Careers Service).

Your Classroom Career Begins Here

Your path into education begins the moment you enrol. By choosing the right level and starting your Teaching Assistant Course with Wise Campus, you’ll gain the confidence, skills, and support schools are looking for. We’ll help you set a study rhythm that works around your life, and guide you every step until you feel at home in the classroom.

The opportunity is here now — don’t put it off. Classrooms don’t just need teachers, they need people like you. Enrol today and take your first step into a career that changes lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree?

• No. To gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK, you need a degree plus teacher training, though TA experience helps your application.

2. What qualifications do I need to be a teaching assistant?

• Most schools ask for GCSEs in English and maths. A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course makes you more competitive.

3. Can you be a TA with no experience?

• Yes. Many start with no experience, often through volunteering or a Level 2 course to gain practical skills and confidence.

4. Can you do a teaching assistant course online?

• Yes. Many providers, including Wise Campus, offer flexible online teaching assistant courses you can complete at home with tutor support.

5. How much is a Level 3 teaching assistant course?

• Costs vary, but most Level 3 Teaching Assistant Courses range between £400–£800 online, with payment plans available.

6. Can you go straight to Level 3 teaching assistant?

• Yes, if you have good English and maths skills. However, some prefer to start at Level 2 for confidence.

7. How much does a TA get paid in the UK?

• The National Careers Service lists £19,000–£26,000 (FTE). Pay is often pro-rated for term-time or part-time roles.

8. Is being a TA a good job?

• Yes, if you enjoy helping children and teamwork. It’s rewarding, busy, and has clear progression routes like HLTA or teacher training.

9. Do teaching assistants get paid for school holidays?

• Usually no. TA pay is based on term-time only, so annual salary is spread across 12 months, but holidays aren’t additionally paid.

10. What skills do teaching assistants need?

• Patience, communication, reliability, and empathy are essential. Schools also value teamwork, flexibility, and confidence in English and maths.