How Much Does a Part Time Teaching Assistant Earn? (UK 2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA), you’re probably wondering: how much does a part time teaching assistant earn? Great question. Money matters, especially when you’re picking a job that takes your time and energy. Let’s break it down in a simple, real way. You’ll see what part-time TAs actually make, what affects their pay, and what to expect in 2025.

What Does a Part-Time TA Actually Do?

Let’s clear up the picture. As a part-time TA, you’re in school a few days a week, often between 16 and 36 hours. You’re not just sitting in the back of the classroom. You help students stay on track, guide small groups, and support kids who need extra help. You might work one-on-one, prep materials, or even lead short activities. It’s a hands-on job, and yes, you’re making a real difference.

Many part-time TAs work under term-time only (TTO) contracts. That means you’re paid for school weeks and a bit of holiday, but not the full year. Your income is spread across 12 months, which helps with budgeting, but the total amount is lower.

How Much Does a Part Time Teaching Assistant Earn in 2025?

Let’s get to the numbers. If a TA worked full-time all year, they’d make around £24,457. But you’re working part-time so that changes things. For example, if you work 20 hours a week, expect to make about £10,839 a year. That comes out to about £12.54 an hour.

Now, remember—this can vary. Your town, your school, your contract, and your experience all play a part.

Pay by Level: Climb Up, Get Paid More

TAs don’t all get the same rate. Your level matters.

• Level 1: £8–£10 per hour (starting out)
• Level 2: £10–£12 per hour (some experience)
• Level 3: £12–£15 per hour (more skilled)
• Level 4 (HLTA): £15–£20+ per hour (highly skilled)

As you move up, you might plan lessons, run sessions, or support students with special needs. More skills = better pay.

Your Location Affects Your Pay

Where you work in the UK really makes a difference. Here’s what part-time TAs earn per hour in different places:

Where you work in the UK really makes a difference. Here’s what part-time TAs earn per hour in different places:

The cost of living affects your pay. Schools in London, for example, usually pay more.

Term-Time Contracts: What You Need to Know

If you’re part-time and on a term-time contract, you’re working about 39 weeks a year, plus holiday pay. But your salary is calculated over 44.1 paid weeks and split across 12 months.

Here’s an example:

• Full-time salary: £23,660
• Hours per week: 20
• Paid weeks: 44.1
• Hourly rate: £12.29

Total: 20 hours × £12.29 × 44.1 weeks = £10,839 a year

It looks okay hourly, but that yearly total feels a bit tight.

What Can Push Your Pay Up?

1. SEN Skills: Working with kids with special needs? You might earn more—up to £29,000 full-time.
2. Private Schools: These might pay more, depending on their budget.
3. Extra Skills: Know Makaton or BSL? That’s a big plus.
4. Contract Type: Some schools use zero-hour contracts. That means no guaranteed hours.

Do You Get Benefits as a Part-Time TA?

Yes. Most part-time TAs join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)—a solid pension. You also get 5.6 weeks of paid holiday. Even if you don’t work all year, your pay gets split across 12 months.

A Real-Life Example: Meet Sarah

Sarah works 20 hours a week at a school in Manchester. She helps Year 2 pupils with reading. She earns £12.13 per hour. That’s £242.60 a week.

Multiply that by 44.1 paid weeks: Sarah earns about £10,698 a year.

She says, “The pay’s not massive, but the job is. I help kids learn and grow. That’s worth a lot to me.”

She’s aiming for HLTA status, which could bump her hourly rate over £15.

What’s Coming in 2025?

Big changes might be on the way. Unions are asking for a £3,000 raise for all support staff. They also want a £15 hourly minimum wage and to end term-time-only contracts.

If they succeed, TAs could earn more and get paid for all 52 weeks. That would be a huge win for part-time staff.

Should You Become a Part-Time TA?

If you want flexible work, love kids, and don’t mind a lower income, this job could be great. You get school holidays off, grow new skills, and help kids every single day.

The job might not make you rich, but it could make you feel proud.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a part time teaching assistant earn? In 2025, about £10,800–£12,000 a year if you work 20 hours a week. It depends on your skills, your location, and your school. If union talks work out, you might earn even more.

TAs are the backbone of classrooms. They matter. And if you’re thinking about jumping in—go for it.

Ready to Get Started?

Want to become a TA? We’ve got courses to help you get there. Check out our TA course and enrol today!