What Does a Teaching Assistant Do? A Real Look at Their Day in 2025

You’ve probably asked yourself: what does a teaching assistant do—are they just there to help the teacher hand out papers? Nope. They do way more than that.

Teaching Assistants, or TAs, have become one of the most important people in the classroom. Their job goes beyond the basics. They work with students one-on-one, support teachers, and help with both learning and behaviour.

Let’s walk through their real role. This post breaks down everything TAs do and why their job matters more than ever in 2025.

Teaching Assistants Are the Backbone of the Classroom

In UK schools today, teachers don’t do it all alone. Teaching Assistants step in to support every part of the classroom. They’re like the right-hand person every teacher needs. They help with kids who need extra attention and step in when someone’s upset or struggling. They even run small group lessons. Without TAs, the classroom wouldn’t run as smoothly.

TAs are especially important for pupils with special needs. They know how to guide kids who need help focusing, reading, or staying calm. And they don’t just help students—they help teachers, too. By handling day-to-day tasks, they give teachers more time to teach.

What Is Teaching Assistant Responsibilities?

TAs wear many hats. Some days, they prep classroom materials. On other days, they work one-on-one with students. Their jobs change depending on the needs of the class.

Here’s a closer look at what they actually do:

• Help set up classrooms before lessons start
• Hand out and collect learning materials
• Support kids with reading, writing, or math
• Assist with computers and digital tools
• Handle classroom behaviour and guide students during activities
• Care for kids with medical or personal needs
• Provide emotional support for upset or anxious pupils
• Watch over students during breaks, lunch, and trips

They’re trained to adjust on the fly. If a lesson isn’t working for a student, the TA tweaks it. They don’t wait—they act fast. That kind of flexibility is a big deal in a busy classroom.

A Day in the Life of a TA

So, what does a teaching assistant do on a regular day?

A typical morning starts with setting up the classroom. They make sure books, pencils, and whiteboards are ready to go. When the bell rings, they help students settle in and get focused.

During lessons, they float around the room. They guide students who fall behind. They answer questions quietly so the teacher can keep teaching. If someone needs a break, they step in and help them reset. At lunch or break, TAs keep watch. They sort out small problems before they grow big. After school, they might tidy up or help with marking.

Their job isn’t easy. It’s hands-on and can get intense. But for most TAs, it’s also very rewarding.

What Is the Role of a Teaching Assistant in Early Years vs. Secondary School?

TAs don’t do the same job in every school. Their duties change based on age group.

• In early years and key stage 1 (that’s ages 4–7), they’re super hands-on. They help with speech, physical play, and learning to follow routines. These kids need lots of help, and TAs guide them with care.
• In primary schools, TAs work closely with pupils who need special support. This could mean reading with a child one-on-one. Or helping someone who has autism stay on track with the class.
• In secondary school, things shift. Older students may need less care but more help with subjects. TAs support them in math, science, or English. They may even supervise other support staff.

Some even work in further education colleges. There, they help students prepare for work or exams. Wherever they work, one thing stays true—TAs make learning easier for everyone.

TAs and SEND Support: Heroes Without Capes

Many TAs become experts in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). That’s not just a side job—it’s a huge responsibility.

They support kids with autism, ADHD, speech delays, or emotional needs. TAs build trust with these students and often become the one person that the child relies on each day. TAs create safe spaces. They team up with speech therapists or counsellors. Some even learn sign language to help non-verbal students.

But here’s the hard truth. While the need for SEND TAs keeps rising, funding hasn’t kept up. Schools often can’t afford as many as they need. This puts more pressure on the TAs, who are already stretched thin.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do to Prepare for the Job?

You might think you need a degree to become a TA. Actually, you don’t.

Most schools want you to have GCSEs in English and math. Beyond that, they’re looking for kindness, patience, and energy.

Still, there are many ways to get qualified:

• Level 1 Award: Prepares you to work in a school
• Level 2 or 3 Diplomas: Teaches about child development and school safety
• Apprenticeships: Earn while you train in a school
• Higher Level TA (HLTA): Lets you lead lessons or manage other TAs

Some TAs move on to become teachers. Others stay and grow their skills in SEND, literacy, or behaviour support. There’s a path for everyone.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?

Yes, and many do. The TA role is a great stepping stone into teaching.

Here are a few routes they take:

• “Train to Teach”: You study while working in a school
• Teacher Apprenticeships: Get paid as you work toward Qualified Teacher Status
• Online degrees: Some schools let TAs earn a BA in Education while on the job

TAs Don’t Do It for the Money—But They Should Be Paid More

Let’s talk pay. TA salaries vary a lot.

Here’s a rough idea of the range:

• Level 1: Around £17,800 a year
• Level 2: Up to £20,000
• Level 3: Up to £25,000
• HLTA: Up to £29,000

But many TAs don’t work year-round. They only work term-time. That brings their real income down. Some earn just £12,000 a year. The pay changes based on where you live. London pays more than Manchester or Birmingham.

Many schools wish they could offer more. But tight budgets hold them back. That’s one reason some schools are cutting TA hours or jobs.

Big Changes Coming in 2025

There’s hope. In 2025, the UK government is setting up something called the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB). It’s a mouthful, but it matters. This group will set national pay and training rules for TAs. No more guessing. No more unfair pay gaps between towns.

They’ll also build clear paths for career growth. That could mean more TAs move up, stay longer, and feel valued. But there’s a catch. If schools don’t get more funding, these changes may not stick. Without money, even great plans fall apart.

Why TAs Matter More Than Ever

If you’re still wondering what does a teaching assistant do, here’s the simple truth:

They do everything teachers can’t do alone. They support learning, handle behaviour, care for students, manage chaos before it becomes a problem and make schools better places for everyone. And yet, many TAs feel overlooked. They stay in the role because they care—not because the pay is great. But passion can’t pay rent.

So here’s what we need to do: value them. Fund them. Train them. Give them the respect they’ve earned a hundred times over.

Final Thoughts

TAs are the heartbeat of the classroom. They bring balance, warmth, and support where it’s needed most. So the next time someone asks what does a teaching assistant do, you’ll know the answer:

They do everything.

Want to become a qualified Teaching Assistant? Our certified online Teaching Assistant course at Wise Campus gives you everything you need to succeed.