Do TAs Get Sick Pay in the UK?

Laura works as a Level 2 TA in Leeds. She’s on a term-time-only contract. She earns £21,000 full-time equivalent. But since she only works 39 weeks a year, her real income is lower. Last month, Laura got the flu. She missed eight days. She worried she’d lose pay. Her headteacher said, “Check your contract.” So, she did.

The big question: Do TAs get sick pay? Yes, many do. But not all. Let’s break it down.

Do TAs Get Sick Pay?

Yes, teaching assistants in state schools get paid sick leave. Most schools follow the Green Book rules. That’s the national agreement for council-based support staff. These rules give TAs proper sick pay, not just statutory pay.

You don’t need to “earn” your full sick leave upfront. It grows with how long you’ve worked.

That’s great news if you’re long-term. You get paid even if you’re off for weeks. But you must report sickness properly. Call in. Get a fit note if you’re off more than 7 days. Keep your school updated. Your sick pay depends on clear steps.

What Happens If a TA Gets Sick During a School Holiday?

Let’s say you get sick during half-term or summer break. You think, “It’s fine. I’m not working anyway.” But if you’re on a term-time-only contract, that time is unpaid unless it’s covered by paid leave. So, what happens if you’re sick while unpaid?

Here’s the rule: If your contract says term-time only, and you get sick during unpaid leave, you don’t get sick pay. Sick pay kicks in only when you’re due to be working. That’s a major issue for TAs.

What should you do?

Report it anyway. Record the absence. If you’re off sick at the start or end of term, that matters more. If illness overlaps paid days, you may still qualify for sick pay. Always speak to HR. This is why TAs should understand which school weeks are paid and which are not. Most contracts include pro-rated holiday pay inside the weekly wage. But that doesn’t mean you’re officially “working” during holidays.

Ever wondered if TAs actually work during school holidays, or how your pay is affected? Get the full, clear picture on our blog!

What If You Work in a Private School?

Private schools set their own rules. Some follow council-style contracts. Others do not. If your contract says “SSP only,” that means you get just Statutory Sick Pay. In 2025, SSP pays £116.75 per week. That’s about £465 per month. Not enough to pay rent, bills, and food. If you work in a private school, check your contract now. Look for a sick pay clause. If it’s vague, ask in writing.

How Much is a TA Paid in the UK?

Let’s take a clear look at 2025 rates.

That’s if you work full-time, all year. Most don’t. Most TAs are on term-time contracts, around 39 weeks per year. So, real pay drops.

Finance Coach Walk-Through: What TAs Actually Take Home

Let’s say you’re a Level 3 TA. Your full-year salary is £25,000. But you work 32.5 hours per week, term-time only.

Step-by-Step Calculation:

• £25,000 ÷ 52 = £480.77 weekly full-time rate

• £480.77 × 0.87 (part-time factor) = £418.27

• £418.27 × 39 = £16,312 actual yearly pay

• Minus 12.5% Tax and NI = £14,275 net take-home

You earn £1,189 per month. That’s your real income.

What Do Teaching Assistants Earn Per Hour?

Use the net-pay slider to set your weekly hours. Here’s what the average hourly rate looks like in practice.

These figures include pro-rated holiday pay and assume no unpaid absences. If you’re sick during term and your school honours full sick pay, your income stays stable. For more in-depth information and to explore how many hours teaching assistants work, be sure to check out our blog on this topic!

Tax, NI, and Pension Notes

You don’t just lose money to tax. Here’s how your pay gets trimmed:

• Income Tax: No tax below £12,570

• National Insurance (NI): Starts at £242 a week

• Pension (LGPS): You pay 5.8% to 6.5% based on income. Employer pays over 14%

You can opt out of the pension, but don’t. The Local Government Pension Scheme is gold. It guarantees retirement income. It’s better than most private pensions.

What If You’re Off Long-Term?

If you hit your sick pay limits, you switch to Statutory Sick Pay. After 28 weeks of SSP, you may get Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Your union can help you apply. If your illness lasts beyond six months, your school may start a capability process. This is formal. It involves HR. Again, union help is key. Don’t go through it alone.

What If You’re on Probation or Agency?

Agency TAs rarely get full sick pay. You might only get SSP. You also risk losing your placement if you’re off sick. If you’re on probation with a school, check your terms. Some schools delay full sick pay until your contract is confirmed. Still, you should qualify for SSP from Day 4 of absence.

Action Checklist for Every TA

• Check your contract now. Look for sick pay, term dates, and pay scale.

• Report sickness properly. Call your school each day you’re off.

• Use your union. They know your rights.

• Track your hours. Mistakes in payroll are common.

• Understand your pension. Don’t leave free money on the table.

• Save for gaps. Keep some savings for summer if your contract is term-only.

Final Take

So, do TAs get sick pay? Yes—if your contract says so. Most state schools follow the Green Book. That means real sick pay, real protection, and peace of mind. But private schools vary. Agency work often lacks this safety net. Term-time contracts create big income swings. That’s why it’s vital to know your numbers.

Teaching assistants don’t just support teachers. They run reading groups. They lead learning. They manage behaviour. They handle care. They calm the room when no one else can. They deserve fair pay, clear contracts, and proper sick leave.

Before you get sick, know what you’re owed. After all, that’s the only way to protect your income—and your health. Ready to unlock your full potential as a TA? Enrol in our online Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus today!