How to Become a Teacher From Teaching Assistant

There are a lot of great things about working as a teaching helper. TAs are very important in the classroom because they help students learn new things and help teachers with lessons and behaviour issues. But for many, being a TA is just the start of their job. If you’ve been wondering how to become a teacher from teaching assistant, this guide is for you.

We’ll talk about the different ways to get there in the UK, how your previous experience can help, what credentials you’ll need, and how long it takes. We’ll also talk about steps you can take right away and answer typical questions like, “can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree” “Do teaching assistants get paid for time off while they’re training?”

Why Teaching Assistants Make Great Teachers

Teaching Assistants already see a lot of what goes on in the school. They know how classes work, how students act, and what good teaching looks like in real life. TAs are learning skills that they can use right away when they start teaching, whether they’re working individually with a student or leading a small group.

Many schools want their best TAs to become full-time teachers because teaching assistants have:

• Strong experience running a classroom
• Built connections with both students and staff
• Knowledge on how lessons are structured and what the learning goals are
• Knowledge of how to help students with a variety of learning needs, including SEN

You have an advantage because you have taught before, especially if you want to become a teacher.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Teacher?

QTS stands for “Qualified Teacher Status.” This lets you work as a trained teacher in a UK public school. In order to do this, most training paths need:

• A bachelor’s degree (any subject for elementary school, topic-specific for middle school)
• At least a grade 4 (C) in GCSE English and math
• For primary school teaching, you also need a GCSE in science.

Can a teaching assistant become a teacher without a degree?

Unfortunately, not through the normal QTS method. It’s necessary to get a degree before (or along with) your training if you don’t already have one.

How to Become a Teacher From Teaching Assistant: Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the common routes from TA to qualified teacher:

1. Earn a Degree (if you don’t have one already)

You can study:

• Full-time at university
• Part-time or online while working as a TA
• Through an apprenticeship or work-based training with a school

If you already have a degree, skip to the next step.

2. Choose a Teacher Training Route

There are several ways to train depending on your experience and education:

1. Training that takes place in schools (like School Direct and SCITT)

Learn on the job while getting your QTS. Experienced teaching assistants like these routes because they lead to jobs in nearby schools.

2. PGCE stands for “Postgraduate Certificate in Education”.

Combine studying at a university with work experience at a school. When you finish, you’ll have QTS and an academic title (PGCE), which are both respected in the UK and around the world.

3. Teaching Apprenticeship for Graduates

For TAs who already work for a school. This lets you keep working while you’re training, and the institute will pay for your tuition through the apprenticeship.

4. Route with Only Assessment

This fast-track choice lets you get QTS without any extra training if you already have a degree and a lot of classroom experience (usually two or more years).

How do I become a teaching assistant in the UK who later becomes a teacher?

Start out as a teaching assistant (TA), get experience, and get the right credentials. Then, apply for one of the above training paths.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher From TA?

Will My TA Experience Help Me Get Into Teacher Training?

Of course. A lot of places that train teachers think that having experience as a TA is a big plus. This is how your job as a TA helps you on your journey:

• Since you’ve already worked with SEN students, you know more about them.
• You know what a teaching assistant does and can later build a strong bond with one.
• You know how to run a classroom and get students to behave well.
• You know how to work under pressure.

If you’re applying for the PGCE or School Direct routes, make sure that your personal statement and interviews include details about these.

What Is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), and Can They Teach?

A higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) has extra duties, does planning and teaching lessons with the help of a teacher. It’s a great way for teaching assistants and teachers to work together.

Can a TA teach a class?
In most cases, no. But HLTAs and experienced TAs can teach or lead learning tasks when a teacher isn’t there.

How do I become a higher level teaching assistant?
You should have a Level 3 education and work experience as a TA. Some schools offer HLTA training for their own staff.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Teacher After Being a TA?

Going from being a TA to a teacher opens up new job and money opportunities.

Career Progression

As a teacher, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Lead a subject or department
• Become a mentor or SENCO
• Eventually move into school leadership (e.g. Head of Year, Deputy Head)

 Higher Salary

How much do teaching assistants earn per hour?
Typically £9–£14, while qualified teachers earn a higher hourly equivalent.

Fulfilment & Recognition

Teachers often enjoy their jobs more when they have a say in how students learn, in how the program is planned, and in how long they stay in touch with students.

Can I Train to Become a Teacher While Still Working as a TA?

Yes! Many training routes are designed to let you earn while you learn.

Look into:

• Part-time PGCE programmes
• School Direct salaried routes
• Teaching apprenticeships

Talk to your current school; many are willing to help qualified TAs by giving them flexible hours, training days, and one-on-one help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is being a TA beneficial if I want to teach?

Yes—massively. You’ll have a solid foundation and real-world understanding of what teaching entails.

Do teaching assistants get paid for holidays during teacher training?

Not typically. If you’re a salaried apprentice or on a term-time contract, your holiday pay may already be pro-rata. Check your contract or training provider.

Do teaching assistants get sick pay while training?

If you remain on the school payroll during training (e.g. apprenticeship), you may retain your sick pay rights. Otherwise, you’re usually covered by standard student support policies.

What skills do you gain from being a teaching assistant?

• Classroom management
• Differentiation and inclusion
• Patience, empathy, and communication
• Adaptability
• Team collaboration
  

These are all vital to becoming a good teacher.

What’s the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 teaching assistant roles?

• Level 2 TA: Supports teaching under close supervision.
• Level 3 TA: Can work more independently, sometimes leads small groups, may move toward HLTA status.
  

Final Thoughts: Your Journey From TA to Teacher Starts Here

Not only is it possible to become a qualified teacher from being a teaching assistant, thousands of workers in the UK do it every year. As long as you have the right plan, skills, and help, your time as a TA can be a great start to a full-time teaching job.

So, how to become a teacher from teaching assistant?
Here’s your quick-start checklist:

• Check that you still meet the requirements.
• Get more training and think about becoming an HLTA.
• Pick a way to become a teacher (PGCE, School Direct, or Apprenticeship).
• Get financial aid.
• Do it now and start your path to QTS.

You already have the passion. Now it’s time to take the next step.