Will TAs Get a Pay Rise in 2025? Here’s What We Know So Far

Will TAs get a pay rise in 2025? The answer is yes—a 3.2% increase has been confirmed for teaching assistants and other support staff from April 2025. But for thousands of TAs across the UK, it’s still a fair question whether that rise is enough. The cost of living keeps climbing. Rent, groceries, fuel—everything’s up. And for many TAs, the payslip still doesn’t stretch far. Not in a meaningful way. And when you look at what TAs actually do, the gap feels even bigger. They help kids read, support pupils with complex needs and handle behaviour issues. They fill in when teachers are out. They’re in it, every day. Yet they earn some of the lowest wages in the school system.

So let’s break it all down. What’s the current pay? Has there been any change lately? And what does 2025 really mean for TA pay?

How Much Did TAs Get Paid Before?

The question always was—how much does a teaching assistant earn?

In most parts of England and Wales, TAs get paid using the local government pay scale. Most TAs fall between Spine Point 2 and 21, which means a full-time salary of around £23,000 to £32,000.In Outer London, a TA might start on £27,000. In Inner London, it’s higher again.

But there’s a catch—most TAs don’t work full-time contracts.

Schools often hire TAs on term-time only deals. That means you’re only paid for the 38 weeks when school’s open. So even if your annual pay sounds decent, your monthly take-home can feel much lower.

Here’s what affects the number:

• Experience and training. Entry-level TAs get less than those with a Level 3 or HLTA qualification.
• Duties. If you’re doing SEN support, lunchtime cover or working across multiple classes, you often get more.
• Location. London always pays more. So do some councils in the South East.
• Academies. They can set their own pay scales. Some are better. Some are not.

So, how much do teaching assistants earn now? The honest answer is: it depends. But it’s often less than they should for the work they do. And while a flat £1,290 rise was added in 2024, the current 2025 offer on the table is only 3.2%—something unions argue still falls short of real living costs. 

Have TAs Had a Pay Rise Recently?

Sort of.

In April 2024, all support staff—including TAs—got a raise. The national deal added a flat £1,290 to every spine point. It helped, sure. But many saw that money eaten up fast by rent hikes, higher food bills, and energy costs.

Now in 2025, a new offer of 3.2% is on the table. Unions argue it’s still too low compared to inflation, and many TAs feel it won’t make a real difference.

So, has there been a rise recently? Yes. Has it been enough? That depends who you ask—but many say no.

What’s Being Said About 2025?

Let’s get to the real reason you’re here: Will TAs get a pay rise in 2025?

It’s no longer ‘maybe’—the 3.2% pay award has been formally offered.

In May 2025, national employers made a “final offer” of 3.2% for all local government staff. That includes teaching assistants. Unions like UNISON and GMB have called the offer too low. They wanted £3,000 or 10%, whichever’s more. They say the offer doesn’t match inflation or the rise in living costs.

Ballots are open. Some unions are asking members to reject it. Others say it’s better than nothing. The government hasn’t confirmed anything official yet. The Department for Education says it’s watching the talks. But so far, no deal has been signed.

Campaigns like “School Support Staff Deserve More” are pushing for better. They say support staff are the backbone of schools. And that includes TAs.

So yes—talks are happening. But right now, there’s no guarantee of a meaningful pay rise in 2025.

What Could Affect a Pay Rise?

Several things could change the outcome.

• First, government budgets. If the Treasury tightens the purse strings, there won’t be much extra for schools.
• Second, school funding. Even if a national deal is reached, schools have to actually afford it. And many are already stretched.
• Third, union action. If enough staff vote for strikes or protests, it puts pressure on the employers.
• And finally, public support. When parents and voters back support staff, politicians take notice.

But let’s be real—none of these things move fast. That’s why a 3.2% offer is still on the table.

What Can TAs Do to Push for Better Pay?

You’re not powerless. TAs can take steps to push for change.

Join a union.

Unions like UNISON, GMB, NEU, and Unite fight for support staff. When more members get involved, the voice gets louder.

Vote in ballots.

When your union asks how to respond to pay offers, make sure you vote. Silence sends the wrong signal.

Take on training.

Extra qualifications can help you get better roles. Many HLTAs earn more and take on leadership in class.

Speak up.

Talk to your headteacher or HR. Ask how your school supports TA development. Push for clear pay scales and progression.

Support campaigns.

Back national efforts to raise awareness. Share stories. Post online. Show the public what TAs really do.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. But every step adds up.

Can You Earn More by Moving Up?

Let’s say the 3.2% raise isn’t enough. Is there another way to bump up your pay? Yes—but you’ll need to move up the ladder.

Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) get more money and more responsibility. They often lead whole classes, run interventions, or support teachers with planning. In many councils, HLTAs earn around £28,500 to £33,000 full-time in 2025. That’s a decent step up from entry-level TA roles.

To get there, you’ll usually need:

• A Level 4 qualification (like HLTA status or a foundation degree)
• Solid experience in school (usually 2+ years)
• Support from your school to take on more duties

Some schools also offer cover supervisor roles. These pay more than standard TA jobs and involve stepping in when teachers are off.

And if you’re looking even further ahead, teacher training is an option. Some TAs go on to complete PGCE courses or teaching apprenticeships. These open up the higher pay bands—but come with bigger workloads.

So, if you’re asking, how much does a teaching assistant earn?—know this:

You don’t have to stay stuck. If you want more money, more growth, and more challenge, progression is possible. You just have to know the path—and go for it.

Final Thoughts

Will TAs get a pay rise in 2025? Yes—a 3.2% increase has now been confirmed, though many feel it still doesn’t go far enough. UNISON and GMB have accepted the deal, while others continue to push for more.

Many schools want to do right by their support staff—but their hands are tied by tight budgets. The good news? TAs are speaking up more than ever. Unions are louder. Campaigns are growing. If you’re a TA, stay involved. Join a union. Vote. Take training. Push your school to value you.

Because no one knows better than you: schools don’t run without teaching assistants. And it’s about time the payslip showed it.

TL;DR

• How much do teaching assistants earn? Around £23,000 to £32,000 full-time. Often less on term-time contracts.
• Teaching assistant salary in 2024? It went up by £1,290.
• Will TAs get a pay rise in 2025? Yes—a 3.2% rise is confirmed, though not universally approved by all unions.
• What can TAs do? Join a union. Take part in ballots. Push for recognition.

The fight isn’t over. But the spotlight’s on—and that’s a start. Start our Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus—no classroom, no fluff, just real skills you’ll actually use.