What Band Is a Teaching Assistant?

You’ve got the skills. You show up. You help students succeed. But here’s a question that matters: what band is a teaching assistant?

If you want to understand your pay, raise your profile, or move up, you need to know your band. You also need to know what sits above it—and how to get there.

Let’s break it all down.

Why Pay Bands Matter for TAs

In the UK, most school support staff use something called a pay band or grade scale. It shows how much you earn and what responsibilities come with your role.

Knowing your band gives you power. It helps you:

• Spot unfair pay
• Negotiate better terms
• Plan your next move
• Ask for the right training
• Compare roles across schools

Some TAs do the job for years without checking what band they’re on. That’s a missed chance.

What Band Is a Teaching Assistant in 2025?

In most UK schools, TAs follow Local Government pay bands. These use something called Spinal Column Points (SCPs). It’s part of the NJC pay scale—the one councils and academies use for support staff.

In 2025, here’s what most TA bands look like:

Those are full-year salaries, also called full-time equivalent (FTE). But most TAs don’t work full-year contracts. They work term-time only, usually around 39 weeks.

That means your actual pay is lower—often £12,000–£17,000 depending on hours and role.

What’s the Difference Between Bands?

Let’s break the bands down by what you actually do at each level.

Band for Level 1 TA: Starting Out

Most new TAs start on SCP 2–4, around £23,656 a year (FTE).

You help with:

• Setting up activities
• Supporting the teacher
• Working with individuals or small groups
• Watching behaviour and flagging concerns

You’re still under close guidance. You’re learning the ropes. But this is the foundation. Every TA starts here or close to it.

Band for Level 2 TA: Growing Fast

You’ll likely move to SCP 5–7, about £24,294–£25,545 (FTE).

Now you can:

• Lead small group activities
• Run reading or phonics interventions
• Support pupils with SEN
• Give feedback to the teacher

You’ve earned trust. You’ve built confidence. You need less supervision. You’ve also shown you can manage key tasks alone.

Band for Level 3 TA: Stepping Up

Here, you’re on SCP 8–12—up to nearly £29,000 (FTE).

You can:

• Plan and run learning sessions
• Give structured feedback
• Supervise other support staff
• Deal with difficult behaviour or SEN support
• Work across year groups or phases

This is a senior TA role. Schools expect you to handle complex needs, adapt fast, and take real initiative. Most TAs at this level also do formal CPD or SEN training.

Band for HLTA: Leading the Way

HLTAs start on SCP 13+, often hitting £30,000 or more in Inner London.

You can:

• Cover classes for short-term absences
• Deliver lessons from teacher plans
• Lead planning on small-group learning
• Train or coach other TAs
• Act as a behaviour lead or SEN link

To become an HLTA, you need experience and extra training. Your school must back your application. You’ll be assessed on HLTA standards. This role sits just below the teacher level.

Do All Schools Use These Bands?

Most do. Especially:

• Local authority schools
• Maintained schools
• Academies that follow national agreements

Some schools use slightly different scales, like:

• GLPC bands in London
• Scottish council pay points
• Education Authority bands in Northern Ireland

Independent schools set their own pay. Some offer more. Some offer less. It depends on size, budget, and priorities.

But across the UK, the NJC scale gives a strong benchmark. Even schools that set their own pay often use NJC as a guide.

How to Check Your Band

Here’s how to find out your pay band fast:

1. Look at your last payslip
2. Find your SCP number or job grade
3. Search for your local council’s pay scale online
4. Match the SCP to the salary listed
5. Confirm if it’s FTE or pro rata

You can also:

• Ask your school office for your contract
• Request HR to confirm your current band
• Check your job description for the expected grade

If you don’t get a clear answer, speak to your union rep. They’ll explain what’s fair and what’s not.

What Affects Your Band?

Your band depends on the following:

• Your duties (planning, leading, supervising)
• Your experience (months or years in the role)
• Your qualifications (NVQ Level 2 or 3, HLTA status)
• Your hours (full-time, part-time, or lunchtime-only)
• Your location (London TAs earn more due to weighting)

If your responsibilities grow, your band should go up, too.

Can You Ask for a Higher Band?

Yes. And you should—if the work you do is above your current band.

This happens a lot. You start small. But months later, you’re:

• Covering full classes
• Supporting children with complex SEN
• Planning detailed activities
• Mentoring new TAs

If that’s you, you’ve outgrown your pay grade.

Here’s what to do:

1. Gather proof of your current tasks
2. Compare them to job specs for higher bands
3. Request a role review with HR or your line manager
4. Use your union if needed

Some schools resist change. But many agree when they see clear evidence.

Is There a National Standard for TA Pay?

Not yet. But pressure is growing.

In 2025, union campaigns are calling for:

• A clear, national pay framework for all TAs
• Regular band reviews for long-serving staff
• Formal recognition of SEN duties and class cover
• Pay rises that reflect inflation and rising workloads

So far, councils and MATs still set most rates. But talks are underway. If you’re in a union, you’re part of that push.

What About Pay in London?

London has higher bands.

The Inner London weighting adds around £4,000–£6,000 extra (FTE). So, a Level 3 TA in Tower Hamlets might earn over £30,000. In Essex, the same band earns about £26,000.

This reflects the cost of living. But not every school pays it well. Always check job ads for the salary range.

Can Pay Bands Change Each Year?

Yes. Every April, NJC unions negotiate new rates. In 2024, all SCPs went up by a flat £1,925. This gave TAs a decent raise—especially on lower bands.

In 2025, talks are still ongoing. But unions want:

• A £3,000 increase for all support staff
• A higher minimum wage across bands
• Clearer links between duties and pay

Schools usually apply the new rates in September. Keep an eye on your payslip that month.

Proactive Steps: Moving Up the Bands

Here’s how to take charge of your progress:

1. Get qualified – Take a Level 2 or 3 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
2. Join training – Use CPD hours to learn SEN, phonics, or behaviour strategies
3. Ask for new duties – Offer to run small groups or support a subject
4. Track your impact – Note progress in pupils, behaviour, or attendance
5. Talk to leaders – Set goals with your line manager
6. Apply for HLTA – When ready, ask your school to support your application
7. Share wins – Let SLT know how you’ve made a difference

You don’t need to wait for promotion. You build your case step by step.

Final Word: Know Where You Stand—and Aim Higher

You support classrooms. You lift pupils. You make learning work.

But to keep growing, you need to know your place on the scale. You need to ask: what band is a teaching assistant—and what band should I be on now?

Don’t settle for outdated pay. Don’t do higher-level work without the band to match. Stand up for your skills. Ask smart questions. Make a plan. Because when you understand your band, you understand your value. And that’s how progress starts.

Unlock a better pay band! Explore our online Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus and boost your career.