What Is a Teaching Assistant Level 3?

Imagine this—you’ve just finished your first year as a Level 2 Teaching Assistant. You’ve built trust with the kids. You’ve earned a smile from the toughest teacher. You’ve even stayed behind to help a Year 4 pupil finally get their head around fractions. You feel it: you’re growing.

But what comes next?

If you’ve ever asked yourself what is a Teaching Assistant Level 3, you’re not alone. It’s the next big leap. It’s the part of the journey where you stop feeling like an extra pair of hands and start feeling like a co-pilot.

Let’s walk through it together.

You’ve Nailed the Basics—Now It’s Time to Level Up

As a Level 2 TA, you learn the ropes. You guide small groups. You prep materials. You quietly calm down a student on the verge of a meltdown. You’re essential—but you work under the teacher’s direction every step of the way.

Now, picture this: the teacher hands you a plan for a literacy intervention. They say, “Can you run this with group three?” You say yes—and you don’t just follow instructions. You own it. That’s the Level 3 mindset.

Moving to Level 3 doesn’t just mean more work. It means deeper trust, more independence, and greater impact. You don’t lose the classroom buzz—you gain more ways to shape it.

So, What Is a Teaching Assistant Level 3?

It’s more than a title. A Level 3 Teaching Assistant has advanced training and wider responsibilities. You still work with teachers, but now you help shape the lessons. You guide students more independently. You might even run short sessions solo.

Here’s what Level 3 looks like in real life:

• Leading small groups without close supervision
• Supporting lesson planning with the teacher
• Working with students who have complex needs
• Using specialist strategies, like those for autism or dyslexia
• Giving feedback that shapes future lessons
• Communicating with parents (sometimes even joining meetings)

You’re not replacing the teacher. But you’re no longer just following the plan. You’re helping write it.

What You Need to Make the Move

No need to start from scratch. If you’ve done Level 2—or have strong classroom experience—you’re in a great spot to begin.

To become Level 3, most people take the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning. It’s more detailed than Level 2 and digs into areas like:

• Child development
• Planning and assessment
• Safeguarding and Inclusion
• Learning strategies for SEN

It usually takes 6 to 12 months. You can do it part-time while working. You’ll also need a placement—real classroom experience is essential. Some schools offer support or fund the training themselves.

How Much Does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Get Paid?

Let’s talk pay. You’ve earned it.

So—how much does a Level 3 Teaching Assistant get paid?

It depends on your school, your hours, and your region. But here’s a guide:

Full-time Level 3 TA salary (2025):

• Starting: around £20,500 to £22,500
• With experience: up to £25,000 or more
• London or high-cost areas: up to £27,000

Many TAs work part-time or term-time only. So, the actual pay might be lower than the headline salary. But schools often bump Level 3s to higher pay bands or offer longer hours.

“I started on £19K as Level 2,” says Leon. “When I moved to Level 3, it went up to £23K. It made a big difference.”

Also worth noting: Level 3 TAs often get access to more CPD (continuing professional development), extra training days, and chances to lead. That’s value beyond the payslip.

From Group Helper to Group Leader

Let’s paint a picture. You’ve just walked into a Year 6 class. The teacher is prepping SAT materials. They ask you to take a group of five and go over inference questions. You don’t panic. You’ve done this before.

You pull the group aside. You run through the key points. You spot who’s struggling and tweak the task to help them. Later, the teacher checks in and asks, “How did they do?” You’ve got answers. You’ve got insights.

This is where Level 3 shines. You’re not waiting to be told what to do. You’re doing it—smartly, confidently, and with care.

And the students notice. One might even ask, “Miss, are you a teacher?” That’s when you know—you’re doing something right.

The SEN Route: A Special Kind of Progress

Many Level 3 TAs move into SEN (Special Educational Needs) support. Why? Because the training gives you tools for deeper challenges.

SEN roles involve:

• Supporting students with autism, ADHD, or learning difficulties
• Using tailored resources
• Working closely with parents and specialists
• Helping write or follow Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

You’ll often work one-on-one. You might be that student’s main support person. For many, this becomes the most rewarding part of the job.

If you’ve got patience, empathy, and a calm approach, SEN work could be your next stop.

Communication Becomes a Bigger Deal

At Level 2, you mostly speak with teachers and kids. At Level 3, your voice carries further.

You might:

• Join parent-teacher meetings
• Write notes for pupil reports
• Share ideas in planning sessions
• Speak with outside professionals

You become a bridge. Between student and teacher. Between family and school. Between what’s happening now and what needs to happen next. It’s not about having fancy words. It’s about clarity, care, and connection.

The HLTA Path: Going Even Further

Level 3 isn’t the end of the road. It’s a strong place to stand—but you can climb higher.

One option is becoming an HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant). That means:

• Covering classes when the teacher is away
• Leading full lessons (with plans in place)
• Taking on subject or phase leadership
• Mentoring other TAs

To apply, you need:

• A Level 3 qualification
• Good experience in school
• English and Maths at Level 2
• A school willing to support your assessment

Some schools offer HLTA training in-house. Others use external providers. The process includes a formal assessment, usually over a few weeks.

How to Know If You’re Ready

Ask yourself:

• Do I want more responsibility?
• Do I enjoy leading small groups?
• Do I stay calm when things go off-script?
• Do I care about improving my skills?
• Do I want to feel even more part of the team?

If you said yes to most, Level 3 might be calling.

But remember, this is your journey. There’s no rule that says you must climb fast. Some TAs stay at Level 2 and thrive. Others jump into Level 3 within a year. It’s about timing, not pressure.

Training Routes: Pick What Works for You

Here are your options to get that Level 3 badge:

• College-based Level 3 Diploma (part-time or evening)
• Online courses with in-school placements
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships
• In-school progression schemes (some Multi-Academy Trusts run their own)

Make sure your course is accredited—look for NCFE CACHE or City & Guilds. And always check if it includes practical work. Real classroom hours are a must.

Your Role, Your Voice, Your Growth

The best part of Level 3? You start feeling like an expert. You trust your voice. You suggest a new reading strategy—and the teacher listens. You step into a lesson and know just what the class needs.

You still work as part of a team. But now, your role carries more weight.

Students count on you. Teachers rely on you. Families respect you.

A Final Word from the TAs

“Level 3 changed how I saw myself,” says Leon. “I stopped feeling like a helper. I started feeling like an educator.”

“It’s not just a qualification,” says Yasmin. “It’s confidence. It’s knowing you belong in that room.”

So, if you’re standing at the Level 2 cliff edge, wondering if you should jump—maybe this is your sign.

Take the next step. The classroom needs you. And you’re ready. Step up, stand out! Join Wise Campus and turn your passion into progress with our fully online, career-boosting Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course.