How Do I Become a Teaching Assistant in England?

You don’t need a fancy degree to help children learn. Here’s what you do need—and how to get started fast.

How do I become a teaching assistant in England? You’re not the only one asking. Thousands of people want a job with purpose. They want something steady. They want to make a difference. But they also want to know how to get in the door.

This blog answers everything. No big words. No long-winded advice. Just real, simple steps. Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or returning to work, this guide will help.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Actually Do?

Let’s begin with the basics. What do teaching assistants do?

They support the class teacher. They help children understand lessons. They keep things running smoothly. A TA might:

• Work one-to-one with a pupil
• Lead a small reading group
• Support a child with special needs
• Help keep behaviour calm and safe
• Set up activities and tidy up after
• Be a listening ear when someone’s upset

Some TAs even support lessons in science, sports, or art. They become trusted adults in the room. They build bonds that change lives.

Why Choose This Role?

You might be wondering, is a teaching assistant a good job?

Many people say it’s the best job they’ve ever had. Why? Here’s what they love:

• You work school hours
• You get school holidays off
• You see kids grow day by day
• You build useful skills for any job
• You don’t take work home

This job fits family life, study plans, and career restarts. You help. You matter. And you go home knowing you made someone’s day better.

Is It Hard to Become a Teaching Assistant in the UK? Here’s the Truth

This is a fair question. Many people think you need a degree or years of training. You don’t.

Here’s the truth: It’s not hard, but it takes effort.

You need a few key things:

• Some basic qualifications
• A DBS check
• A little experience with children
• The right attitude

You can train online. You can start part-time. You can build your experience as you go. Many TAs start as volunteers. Others switch from retail, care work, or even parenthood. You don’t need a perfect CV. You just need a big heart and the will to learn.

Step-by-Step: How Do I Become a Teaching Assistant in England?

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Get the Right Qualification

You don’t need a university degree. But some schools want you to have a certificate.

Here are your top options:

• Level 2 Certificate – The most popular course for beginners. It covers the basics: helping children learn, staying safe, supporting teachers. Many people start here.
• Level 3 Diploma – A more advanced course. It suits those who already work in schools or want to become senior TAs later.
• GCSEs in English and Maths – Some schools ask for these. If you don’t have them, you can take “Functional Skills” courses instead.

Tip: Look for courses that include work placement. These help you build confidence and get real experience.

Step 2: Apply for a DBS Check

This is your background check. It proves you’re safe to work with children.

You’ll need to:

• Fill in a short form
• Show your ID (like a passport or driving licence)
• Wait a few weeks for the result

If you apply for a job, the school will help you. If you volunteer, you may need to pay a small fee.

You can’t skip this part. Every TA in the UK must pass a DBS check.

Step 3: Get Classroom Experience

You can’t know if you like the job unless you try it.

Start by:

• Volunteering one day a week at a local school
• Helping in your child’s class
• Joining after-school clubs or holiday programmes
• Working in a nursery or early years setting

Even a little time makes a big difference. It shows schools that you’re serious. It helps you understand what the job feels like.

Some courses require 50+ hours in school as part of the training. So you’ll get plenty of practice.

Step 4: Build the Right Skills

A teaching assistant needs more than a certificate. You need the right mindset.

Here are the top soft skills that schools love:

Patience – Some pupils take longer to learn. You need to give them space and time.

Kindness – Kids notice when you care. So do parents.

Listening – Often, children just want to be heard.

Teamwork – You’re not alone in this job. Teachers and TAs work together.

Energy – It’s not always calm. You’ll stay on your feet a lot.

Flexibility – Things change fast in schools. You need to adjust and go with the flow.

You can’t always learn these from books. But you can build them on the job.

Step 5: Start Applying for Jobs

Once you’ve trained, done your DBS, and spent time in schools—it’s time to apply.

Where to look:

• Local council job websites
• Your area’s schools (check their websites)
• Job boards like Indeed, Eteach, or TES
• Facebook groups for school support staff
• Teaching recruitment agencies

Look for jobs like:

• General Teaching Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• 1:1 Learning Support Assistant
• EYFS (Early Years) Support Worker

Write a short, honest cover letter. Say what training you have. Mention your time in school. And most of all—show your passion.

Can I Be a Teaching Assistant if English Is My Second Language?

Yes. Many schools value bilingual staff. You can connect with children who speak different languages. You can support EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners.

You’ll need clear spoken and written English. But you don’t have to speak perfectly. If you can explain ideas simply, you’ll do great. Many training centres offer ESOL-friendly TA courses. Ask about support before you enrol.

What Can I Do After I Become a TA?

You don’t have to stay in one role forever.

Many TAs go on to:

• Become Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)
• Specialise in SEN or behaviour support
• Train to become teachers
• Work in education offices
• Lead after-school clubs or early years settings
• Move into mental health or safeguarding roles

You can also stay in the same role and grow your skills each year. TAs learn every day. There’s no limit.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Teaching Assistant?

Let’s flip the view again. Why do schools value TAs so much?

Here’s what they bring to the classroom:

• Support for children who fall behind
• One-on-one care for kids with extra needs
• Better focus and fewer disruptions
• Help for teachers to manage large classes
• Extra encouragement for shy or anxious pupils
• Practical help like prepping materials, setting up, or calming the class

TAs make it easier for teachers to teach—and for children to learn. Schools that invest in good TAs see better results, happier classrooms, and less staff stress.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big

So—how do I become a teaching assistant in England?

You start by deciding you want to help. You take one step. Then the next. You learn. You grow. You get better every week.

You don’t need perfect grades. You don’t need to be loud. You don’t need years of experience.

You just need to care. The classroom will do the rest.

Ready to take the first step? Check out the online Teaching Assistant course at Wise Campus. It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and built to help you succeed. You can start today—even with no experience.