How Many Hours Do Teaching Assistants Work?

How many hours do teaching assistants work? Ask most people, and they’ll say, “Oh, easy hours. School days only. Probably 9 to 3.” Sounds chill, right? Just one small thing: it’s not true.

This blog breaks down what TA hours really look like. We’re going past the timetable. We’ll talk contract hours, unpaid extras, term-time quirks, and yes—what that all means for pay. Because if you think teaching assistants clock out when the final bell rings, it’s time for a reality check. Let’s bust the myths—and show you the full picture.

“So… You Work 9 to 3?” Not Quite

First, let’s look at the official side. Most full-time teaching assistants are contracted for about 32.5 to 37 hours per week. That usually covers 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 or 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. That includes lesson time, lunchtime supervision, and end-of-day duties. But those aren’t the only hours TAs work.

Many arrive before 8:30 to prep the room. Some stay after 4:00 to tidy up, talk with the teacher, or reset resources for tomorrow. Then there are extra meetings. Training days. Parent evenings. School fairs. Residential trips. Covering an absent colleague at the last minute. It adds up.

What the Contract Says vs. What Happens

Let’s say you’re on a standard 32.5-hour contract. On paper, that’s 6.5 hours a day. But here’s what actually fills those hours: 30 minutes before school to prep or check-in, morning lessons, often in high-demand groups, one-on-one support, sometimes skipping breaks, supervision at lunch, afternoon lessons, and tidy-up, debriefing or setup with the teacher after school.

So yes, it’s “just” school hours—but school hours are full-on. And unlike teachers, TAs rarely get full PPA time (Planning, Preparation, and Assessment). But they still often help with the prep. Or run interventions. Or photocopy materials. Or update learning records. These extra tasks may not show in the job advert—but they show up in your day.

Term-Time Only? Yes. But With a Twist

Most TAs work term-time only. That means about 39 weeks a year. It sounds simple until you realise how the pay works. You don’t get paid for the school holidays. But most schools spread your annual salary across 12 months. So, while you’re not working in summer, your monthly pay stays the same. Nice, right? Yes—until you look at your actual hourly rate.

How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn Per Hour?

This is where the maths matters. Let’s say you’re on £21,000 pro-rata, working 32.5 hours a week, term-time only. That “pro-rata” bit is key. You’re not getting the full £21,000 because you’re not working the full year. Instead, you’re paid for 39 weeks of work plus a few weeks of holiday pay.

That works out to roughly 44.6 paid weeks. So your take-home is around £18,000 actual salary. Now divide that by your actual hours—say 32.5 hours per week over 44.6 weeks. Your real hourly rate? Around £12.40. That’s better than minimum wage, yes. But it’s not huge—especially when you factor in the skill, responsibility, and emotional load that comes with the job. And that figure doesn’t include any of the extra hours you often work unpaid.

Hidden Time: The Hours No One Lists

Here’s what doesn’t show up in your contract—but shows up in your week: arriving early to set up, staying late to support a child in crisis, attending staff briefings before lessons, helping with displays and wall work, supervising clubs or sports matches, chaperoning trips with no overtime, jumping in to cover if a teacher’s off.

These moments aren’t rare. They’re the norm. TAs step up all the time. Not for extra pay. Not because they have to. But because schools need them—and they care.

Flexibility: A Win (Most of the Time)

One of the biggest reasons people choose to become TAs is the schedule. And yes, that’s a real plus. If you’re a parent, a student, or someone who needs predictable hours, TA work fits. You can pick your kids up. You can go to appointments without burning all your leaves. You get all the school holidays off.

That flexibility matters. It’s why many people stick with the job for years, even decades. But here’s the catch: flexible doesn’t mean part-time. Most full-time TAs work a full school day. Some part-time TAs still end up doing full-day tasks on a compressed schedule. And a lot of them don’t get paid for every minute they’re on-site. So yes—it’s flexible. But no—it’s not easy.

Part-Time TA Roles: Pros and Pitfalls

Part-time TA roles are common. You might work mornings only. Or two or three days a week. That sounds great, in theory. And for some people, it’s perfect. But here’s the problem: part-time work often means fewer hours, less pay, and no clear cut-off.

You might work four hours on paper—but still stay six because the job doesn’t stop at lunch. Because a pupil needs you. Because the printer broke. Again. So before you choose part-time, think about what you’ll actually be doing—and what time it will really take.

Real Example: Day in the Life of a Full-Time TA

Here’s a sample schedule for a KS2 TA working 32.5 hours a week: 8:15 a.m. – Arrive, prep classroom. 8:45 a.m. – Help pupils settle and support morning work. 9:00 to 12:00 – In-class support for maths and literacy. 12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch duty. 1:00 to 3:15 – Group interventions, guided reading, support SEN pupils. 3:15 to 3:45 – Tidy up, log progress, prep the next day.

Some days run longer. Some include after-school clubs or meetings. The contract says 6.5 hours. The body says more.

Beyond the Hours: The Emotional Load

Teaching assistants don’t just support lessons. They support children. That means emotions run high. TAs manage meltdowns. They comfort tears. They help with personal care. They notice when something feels off. And they do it while juggling 20 other tasks.

This emotional load isn’t in the job ad. But it’s there. It weighs more than the whiteboard. And it makes the job feel like 10 hours—even if the clock says six.

Breaks That Aren’t Breaks

Lunch isn’t always a break. Many TAs work lunch duty. They supervise play. Help in the dining hall. Resolve squabbles. Patch up grazed knees. Walk kids back to class. Even “breaks” are rarely quiet. You might catch a snack, sure—but you’re still in the role. Still “on.” So if someone says, “Well at least you get a lunch break,” you can smile and say, “Sort of.”

Is the Workload Worth It?

That depends on why you’re in the job. If you want fast money, it’s not ideal. If you need a quiet desk and a clock-out life, it won’t fit.

But if you care about kids, love variety, and thrive in a fast-paced team—you’ll find deep satisfaction here. Every hour may feel full. But most TAs say the days fly by. And no two hours look the same.

Final Word: How Many Hours Do Teaching Assistants Work?

Here’s the honest answer: more than it says on the contract. Officially? Most full-time TAs work 32.5 to 37 hours a week during term-time only. But the real picture includes early starts, late finishes, unpaid extras, emotional strain, and “breaks” that aren’t breaks.

And yet—TAs stay because they care. Because the job matters. Because no other role offers quite the same mix of heart, hustle, and hope.

How much do teaching assistants earn per hour? Usually around £12–£13 if you’re full-time. Less if part-time with extras. Not amazing. But not nothing.

How much a teaching assistant earns depends on the hours they actually work—not just the ones on paper.

Want to balance work and impact? Join Wise Campus’s online Teaching Assistant Course and start shaping young minds on your schedule!