How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Earn UK?

How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant earn UK-wide in 2025? That’s the question more people are asking as support staff roles gain more attention. These roles carry weight. Pupils rely on teaching assistants every day. But are the extra duties at Level 3 actually worth it in pay?

Spoiler: In most places, yes.

The Level 3 title means you’ve put in work. You’ve trained. You handle more. You’re not just helping the teacher—you’re leading where needed. So let’s talk pay. And let’s talk value. Because if you’re going to do more, the money needs to follow.

What Is a Level 3 Teaching Assistant?

Before the money talk, let’s pin down the job.

A Level 3 teaching assistant supports learning with a good degree of independence. You might run small groups, support children with extra needs, or cover lessons when teachers step out. You follow plans, but you also adapt them.

You’ve either completed a Level 3 qualification, such as the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or you’ve earned it through a Level 3 apprenticeship.

So, compared to Level 1 or 2 TAs, you do more. You hold more responsibility. Schools often count on you to hold the fort when things get busy.

How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Earn UK in 2025?

In 2025, Level 3 teaching assistants earn between £20,000 and £25,000 per year on a full-time, full-year contract.

But here’s the thing—most TAs don’t work full-year. They work term-time only. That’s around 39 weeks a year.

Once you adjust for that, the take-home salary usually sits between £15,000 and £19,000 a year.

Here’s what that might look like in different regions:

• Inner London schools: Up to £25,000 full-time. Term-time pay: around £19,500
• South East England: Around £22,000 FTE. Real pay: £17,000–£18,000
• West Midlands: Usually £20,500–£21,500. Take-home: £16,000–£17,000
• North West and North East: Often starts at £19,500–£20,000. Term-time pay closer to £15,500
• Rural or low-budget schools: Some still offer £18,000–£19,000 FTE for Level 3s

So when you ask how much does a Level 3 teaching assistant earn UK, always ask if that’s the full-time equivalent or the actual term-time figure.

How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Get Paid Weekly?

Let’s break it down even further.

A Level 3 TA on £22,000 FTE earns around £17,000 when working term-time only.

Divide that across the 12 months: about £1,420 per month after tax. That’s roughly £330 a week in your bank.

These numbers grow with added hours, overtime, or leadership of extra programmes.

Is the Pay Worth the Extra Work?

That depends on how you define “worth.”

At Level 3, you don’t just assist—you take charge. You might:

• Run phonics groups
• Support pupils with EHCPs
• Lead activities during the teacher’s absence
• Manage classroom routines during PPA time.
• Help with planning and progress tracking.

You step in when the teacher steps out. And that pressure can pile up. But many Level 3s say the pay bump matters—and so does the recognition.

You become a name, not a number. Heads trust you. Families trust you. Pupils seek you out.

So, if you’re already doing the work, Level 3 makes sure you’re not doing it for Level 2 pay.

What Does the Salary Ladder Look Like for Teaching Assistants?

Let’s stack it side by side:

That’s extra money in your pocket for skills you’re likely already using.

How Can I Become a Teaching Assistant in UK—And Get to Level 3?

If you’re starting from scratch, you’ve got three smart routes to reach Level 3.

1. Start With a Level 3 Course (Self-Funded or Subsidised)

You can take the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning at many UK colleges. Some offer evening or online classes.

You’ll need a placement in a school for the practical parts.

Course costs vary, but you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. You don’t pay upfront, and you only repay if you earn above a set amount later.

2. Start Working, Then Train on the Job

Some schools hire Level 2 TAs first, then fund Level 3 training after you’ve proved yourself.

You can learn while you work. That saves time and cuts costs.

Ask at your school or trust about “grow your own” schemes or CPD plans.

3. Take the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

This option is free. You earn a wage while you train. The school and government cover your tuition.

It usually takes 18 months. You work four days in class and study one day per week. In the end, you qualify with a Level 3 certification.

Some providers include extra SEN training, digital skills, or mental health awareness.

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Level 3 TA?

No, you don’t. You just need:

• GCSEs in English and Maths
• A DBS check
• The right training or experience

Many Level 3s do have degrees, but it’s not required. What schools want is someone who knows the work and gets results.

How Level 3 Pays Off in More Than Just Money

Yes, you earn more. But you also gain:

• A stronger voice in the classroom
• More freedom in how you support children
• More trust from teachers and school leaders
• Access to next-level roles like HLTA or pastoral lead
• Clearer paths into teacher training if that’s your goal

Some TAs step up into specialist support for autism, speech needs, or behaviour. Others lead nurture groups. A few move into safeguarding, inclusion, or even school counselling.

You don’t have to become a teacher. But Level 3 helps you level up.

What Happens After Level 3?

You’ve got options. Lots of them.

Become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

HLTAs take the lead in lessons more often. They support planning. They earn more—often £25,000 or above in full-time pay.

HLTA status takes one short course and a workplace assessment.

Join a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

Yes, you can train to become a teacher without a degree upfront. This new route lets you earn your degree and QTS while working.

Level 3 status often boosts your application.

Specialise in a Focus Area

You can get extra training in:

• Speech and Language
• Autism Support
• Mental Health
• Maths Intervention
• Literacy Catch-Up

These specialisms help children—and they help your job security.

Is Level 3 the Right Step for You?

Here’s who should think about going for it:

• You’ve worked in schools for a year or more
• You already support learning, not just admin.
• You’re leading small groups with little direction.
• You want better pay and more career options.
• You’re ready to invest time in training.

If that sounds like you, don’t wait.

Final Thought

How much does a Level 3 teaching assistant earn UK-wide? In most schools, between £20,000 and £25,000 full-time. Term-time workers take home less—but still more than Level 1 or 2.

That raise reflects your training, your trust, and your new role in the room. It’s not just about doing more. It’s about being recognised for what you already bring.

So if you’re in education—or thinking about it—and you want your next move to count, Level 3 might be the step that turns your job into a career. Ready to earn more? Explore our online Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus today!