How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Get Paid in 2025?

How much does a Level 2 teaching assistant get paid? That’s the big question when you’re thinking about stepping into school life. You want to help kids. You enjoy working with people. But money matters too.

In 2025, thousands of people—career starters, parents, and career changers—are picking school support roles. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s real work that feels like it matters.

So let’s dig into the facts. What does a Level 2 TA earn? What exactly is a Level 2 teaching assistant? And is this a smart move if you’re just starting out?

What Is a Level 2 Teaching Assistant?

Before we talk pay, let’s be clear on what the job is.

A Level 2 teaching assistant supports the class teacher. They help pupils understand tasks. They run small group activities. Sometimes, they support pupils with additional needs.

They’ve usually completed a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning. That’s a step above Level 1, which is more entry-level. A Level 2 TA has more responsibility and knows how to handle a busy classroom.

This role doesn’t mean you lead lessons on your own. But it does mean you know how to keep pupils focused, manage classroom routines, and follow learning plans with confidence.

So, How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Get Paid?

In 2025, a Level 2 TA earns between £18,000 and £20,000 per year, full-time.

But here’s what you need to know—most TAs don’t work full-time, all year.

They usually work term-time only. That means about 39 weeks instead of 52.

So, even if the salary says £19,000, the real take-home pay might be closer to £14,500 to £16,000 a year.

Let’s say you work 30 hours a week, across school terms. That drops the number even further—maybe £12,000 to £13,000 take-home in some cases.

Some areas pay more. Some pay less. In London, you might see salaries reach £21,000 for Level 2 roles. In the North East or Midlands, it’s often on the lower end.

But no matter where you work, this pay sits above the entry-level Level 1 rate, which usually stays around £17,000.

How Much Does a Level 2 Teaching Assistant Earn by Area?

Let’s talk real figures from schools across the UK in 2025:

• London Borough Schools: Around £21,200 (FTE), actual pay closer to £16,000
• Cardiff and South Wales: Roughly £19,000 (FTE), actual pay about £14,800
• Leeds and West Yorkshire: Often £18,500 (FTE), take-home around £13,700
• Manchester Schools: Around £18,000 (FTE), with take-home near £13,200
• Birmingham Academies: £19,000 (FTE), actual earnings about £14,500
• Rural Counties (like Norfolk or Cumbria): As low as £17,500 (FTE), around £13,000 take-home

FTE means “full-time equivalent.” You get that only if you work 37+ hours a week, all year. Most TAs don’t.

That’s why the number on paper can mislead. Make sure you ask about term-time adjustments when you apply.

What Makes Level 2 TAs Different From Others?

Let’s break it down.

Level 1 TAs: Usually new to schools. They do basic classroom help—like photocopying, setting up displays, or watching pupils during tasks.

Level 2 TAs: Know how to support learning. They work in small groups. They might help track progress. They’re trusted to handle tough moments in class.

Level 3 TAs: Often more experienced. They lead more activities. They sometimes cover whole lessons when the teacher steps out.

Level 2 is your bridge from being new to becoming trusted. It’s where schools start asking more of you—and start giving you more in return.

Why Level 2 Is a Smart Starting Point in Education

Let’s get honest. Teaching assistant pay won’t make you rich. But it opens doors.

It gives you:

• First-hand classroom experience
• Paid school hours that match family life
• A steady job with room to grow
• The start of a career with real value

Many teachers, SENDCos, and even school leaders started as TAs. The Level 2 role helps you build skills, confidence, and networks.

You also learn what kind of path you want to follow. Maybe you love one-to-one support. Maybe you lean toward special needs. Or maybe you want to teach down the line.

You’ll figure that out while getting paid to learn.

Who Should Think About a Level 2 TA Role?

If any of these sound like you, this role fits:

• You’re finishing school or college, and don’t want full uni life
• You’re coming back to work after raising a family
• You’re switching careers, but want a fresh start that means something
• You love being around kids and can stay calm when chaos hits
• You want a job with school hours, school terms, and steady purpose

This job rewards people who care. If you like seeing kids grow, and you can stick to a routine, this might just be your sweet spot.

How to Qualify as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant

You need a Level 2 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning. You can get that in different ways:

1. College or Online Course:

You study modules like child development, supporting learning, and classroom behaviour. These run part-time, online or in person. You may finish it in 8 to 12 weeks.

2. Apprenticeship Route:

You work in a school and learn on the job. You study while earning. Your employer and the government pay for the training.

3. School-Supported Training:

Some schools hire you as a trainee, then help you qualify. You might start as a classroom helper. A few months in, you begin the course while working.

Costs vary. Some courses cost a few hundred pounds. Some councils offer it for free if you’re unemployed or on a low income.

Ask your local college. Or check adult learning services run by your council.

How to Get a Level 2 TA Job Without Experience

No experience? No problem. Here’s how to get your foot in the door:

• Volunteer at your local school one morning a week
• Take a short online TA course (Level 1 or taster)
• Join a school staffing agency—some offer on-the-job learning
• Ask about trainee or entry-level roles in primary schools
• Apply for a lunchtime or exam role to get started inside the building

Schools value people who show up, care, and grow. They don’t expect perfect. They want consistent, kind, and clear communicators.

What Happens After You Get the Job?

You won’t just do one thing all day. You might:

• Work with pupils one-on-one
• Help with reading, writing, or maths groups
• Support children with special needs
• Set up activities and tidy up afterwards
• Work alongside a teacher to keep lessons running
• Sometimes deal with tricky behaviour or tricky emotions

You’ll move around. You’ll adapt. No two days will feel the same. And that’s the job’s secret bonus—it never gets boring.

How to Move Up from Level 2

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can keep growing.

• Move into Level 3 support with extra training
• Apply for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles
• Specialise in literacy, behaviour, or SEND support
• Ask about the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship if you want to become a qualified teacher

Each step adds to your pay, your power, and your place in school life.

And many schools are happy to fund staff training—especially if you’ve proved your value.

Quick Fire Q&A

Can I work part-time as a Level 2 TA?

Yes. Most jobs offer between 25–32 hours a week, over school terms.

Do I need a degree?

No. A Level 2 qualification is all you need to start.

How much does a Level 2 teaching assistant earn monthly?

After tax, term-time pay usually works out to around £1,100 to £1,300 a month for part-time hours.

Can I become a teacher from this role?

Yes. Many TAs go on to teacher training. You can train through the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, which lets you earn and learn without uni debt.

Final Thought

So—how much does a Level 2 teaching assistant get paid? Not loads. But it’s steady. It’s fair for the role. And most of all, it’s a foot in the door.

You get a school-based job that fits real life. You grow skills that last a lifetime. You help children every single day.

And in return, you gain experience, trust, and the chance to build a career in a space that needs you.

If you’re asking what is a Level 2 teaching assistant, the answer is simple:

They’re the backbone of every classroom. The quiet leaders. The steady hands. The friendly faces that make school better.

Sound like something you want to be?

Then take the first step. Invest in your future! Find out how our online Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus can lead to a great salary.