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Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid in the Holidays? Many people ask this because TA pay can look lower than other jobs. In the UK, most TA roles run only in term time, so the pay looks smaller than full-year work. Now here’s what confuses people. TAs don’t work in the holidays, but schools spread their term-time pay across 12 months. This makes the summer pay look like holiday money. In truth, you only receive the money you already earned during the school year.
With that in mind, let’s dive in and reveal the real story behind TA pay and school holidays.
How Are Teaching Assistants Paid in the UK?
Most classroom assistants follow local-authority or academy trust pay scales. Usually, a TA works about 30–32.5 hours a week for 39 weeks a year, which covers the school term. Since TAs don’t work during the holidays, schools use a method called “annualising” to spread the pay evenly across 12 months.
This means you get the same monthly salary all year, even in the summer or during school breaks. In simple terms, the money you see in holiday weeks isn’t extra pay—it’s just the school dividing your term-time earnings to make budgeting easier.
Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid in the Holidays?
Not usually. Most TAs don’t earn extra money during school holidays. Instead, schools pay you for the hours you worked during the term and spread this pay evenly over 12 months. This way, you receive a steady monthly salary, even when schools close.
However, TAs on 52-week contracts—though less common—receive pay for the holidays as part of their working time. Additionally, some schools offer extra hours for holiday clubs, training, or admin tasks. They pay these hours separately from your regular salary.
Have more questions about TA holiday pay? Read our detailed article: “Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid for Holidays?”
What’s the Difference Between Term-Time and Full-Year Contracts?
Term-Time Only Contracts
For term-time contracts, schools pay you only for the weeks you work—usually 39 weeks a year. Your pay includes holiday entitlement, but schools spread it across 12 months. As a result, you get a steady monthly salary, even during school holidays.
Full-Year (52-Week) Contracts
Full-year contracts cover all 52 weeks. You receive pay for holidays and can take leave during school breaks. These contracts are less common but give you paid holidays as part of your working time.
In comparison, term-time contracts give steady pay but no extra money during holidays. Meanwhile, full-year contracts offer paid holidays and more flexibility to take leave when schools close.
How Is Teaching Assistant Pay Calculated?
Calculating TA pay is simpler than it looks. Let’s break it down step by step:
- Start with the full-time salary for your grade. This is usually around £20,000–£24,000.
- Adjust for your hours. If you work less than full-time (for example, 30 hours instead of 37), the school reduces your pay proportionally.
- Adjust for weeks worked. Most TAs work 39 weeks a year, not 52. So, the pay is pro-rated again.
- Spread the total over 12 months. This gives you a steady monthly salary, even during school holidays.
Do Teaching Assistants Earn Pay for School Breaks and Half-Terms?
Most teaching assistants on term-time contracts don’t earn extra for school breaks like October half-term, Christmas, or Easter. Their annualised pay already includes these weeks. In fact, around 70% of TAs in the UK work term-time only.
However, TAs on 52-week contracts work all year and receive pay for holidays. Additionally, some schools offer extra hours for holiday clubs, training, or admin work, but they pay these separately from the regular salary.
How Does Annual Leave Work for Teaching Assistants?
Your holiday entitlement already counts in your pro-rata pay. This means your monthly salary includes your leave. Typically, TAs take their leave during school holidays like summer, Christmas, or Easter. Because of this, you usually cannot take random weeks off during term time. Ultimately, the system ensures your pay and leave are balanced throughout the year.
Can Teaching Assistants Work Extra Hours During Holidays?
Sometimes, yes. Teaching assistants can work extra hours during school holidays, but it depends on their contract. For term-time only contracts, most TAs don’t earn pay for holidays. However, they can earn extra by helping with holiday clubs, summer schools, or other school activities. Schools pay these hours separately from their normal term-time salary.
For permanent full-time contracts, TAs receive pay during holidays. Schools may still ask them to work extra hours, but they must pay them correctly. In any case, always check with your school before taking on extra holiday work to make sure it is allowed and paid properly.
Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid for Training Days?
Many teaching assistant contracts include INSET or training days, and schools usually count these within the 39 weeks of the school year.
If your contract requires you to attend, you should be paid for these days. However, if the training happens outside your normal hours, the school should explain whether you will be paid extra or given time off in lieu (TOIL). Training is also a chance to improve your skills, understand school policies, and support students better. Therefore, always check your contract and confirm with your school to make sure you are fairly paid.
How to Tell If Your Contract Includes Holiday Pay
Start by reading your contract carefully. Look for words like “term-time only,” “39 weeks,” or “paid over 12 months.” These indicate your pay spreads across the year and does not include extra holiday pay.
If your contract says “52 weeks” or “all-year,” it means you receive pay for holidays just like other full-time staff. Also, ask your HR department or business manager to explain your salary calculation. They will show you how your pay and holiday entitlement work so you understand exactly what you earn.
Maximising Teaching Assistant Pay and Benefits
Here are practical ways to increase your income and get the most from your role:
- Take extra hours – Work holiday clubs, training, or admin tasks for additional pay.
- Understand your pay scale – Know local-authority or academy trust grades to spot promotion opportunities.
- Consider full-year contracts – 52-week roles give paid holidays and extra benefits.
- Invest in training – Completing courses or INSET can qualify you for higher pay or specialist positions.
- Plan your budget – Term-time pay spreads over 12 months, so manage your finances carefully.
Final Thoughts
So, do teaching assistants get paid in the holidays? Now you know the answer to this question. Most UK TAs don’t earn extra money during school breaks. Instead, schools spread their term-time salary across 12 months, so you receive pay during the holiday periods.
If you want an actual paid holiday on top of your regular pay, look for 52-week contracts or higher-grade support-staff roles. Also, always read your contract carefully. Ask your school or HR for a clear pay breakdown. This helps you see exactly how much you earn and when you receive it.
So, are you searching for an affordable and flexible Teaching Assistant course that fits your schedule? Enrol in our Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus today and take the next step in your career!
FAQs
- Are TAs paid for holidays?
Only TAs on 52-week contracts receive pay during holidays. Term-time TAs receive their annualised salary within regular monthly payments.
- Do school support staff get paid for holidays?
Full-year support staff earn pay during holidays. Term-time staff don’t get extra; their pay spreads over the year.
- What do teaching assistants do in the summer?
Most TAs have the summer off. Some may work extra hours in holiday clubs, training, or admin tasks if offered.
- Do TAs get paid over the summer?
Yes, but it comes from their term-time salary spread over 12 months, not extra holiday pay.
- What is the 70:30 rule in teaching?
It’s a guideline suggesting teachers spend roughly 70% of their time on teaching and 30% on planning, marking, and other responsibilities.
- What is the 10-minute rule in teaching?
It refers to giving students short, focused learning tasks or breaks, usually around 10 minutes, to keep attention and engagement high.
