Teaching Assistant Salary UK 2026 | Take-Home Pay Guide
Understanding your actual take-home pay as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in the UK can be confusing. Unlike standard corporate jobs, most TAs are paid on a pro-rata basis, meaning you are paid only for term-time weeks (usually 39 weeks) plus holiday entitlement, rather than the full 52 weeks of the year. This guide breaks down the 2026 pay scales for Level 1, 2, 3, and HLTA roles, and provides a calculator to estimate your actual earnings.
Teaching Assistant Pro-Rata Salary Calculator
*Note: This is gross pay before tax and NI deductions.
Teaching Assistant Pay Scales 2026
In 2026, the demand for support staff in schools remains high, but budgets are tight. Most Local Authority schools follow the NJC (National Joint Council) pay scales, while academies may set their own rates. Below is a breakdown of the typical salary ranges for different levels of responsibility.
| Role Level | Typical FTE Salary Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 TA | £18,000 - £21,000 | Unqualified or entry-level. General classroom support, preparing resources, assisting with display work. |
| Level 2 TA | £19,500 - £23,000 | Qualified (usually Level 2 certificate). Supporting small groups, 1:1 interventions, observation and record keeping. |
| Level 3 TA | £21,000 - £25,000 | Experienced/Specialist. Planning activities, assessing pupil progress, supervising classes for short periods. |
| HLTA | £23,000 - £30,000 | Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Covering PPA time, delivering lessons, line managing other support staff. |
| SEND TA | £22,000 - £27,000 | Special Educational Needs. Specialized support for complex needs, often attracting additional allowances. |
Understanding "Pro-Rata" Pay
One of the biggest shocks for new Teaching Assistants is the difference between the advertised salary and the actual bank deposit. Jobs are often advertised with the FTE (Full Time Equivalent) figure. However, because schools are closed for roughly 13 weeks a year, TAs are not required to work.
Instead of being unpaid during holidays, your pay for the weeks you work (usually 39 weeks) plus your paid holiday entitlement (typically rising from 4 to 5+ weeks with service) is added together and divided by 12. This ensures you receive a steady paycheck every month, including August, even though you aren't working.
For example, if an FTE salary is £24,000, but you work 30 hours a week (out of a standard 37) for 39 weeks a year (paid for 44.5 weeks including holiday):
- Hours adjustment: 30 / 37 = 0.81 (81%)
- Weeks adjustment: 44.5 / 52.14 = 0.85 (85%)
- Total Pro-Rata Factor: 0.81 * 0.85 = approx 0.69 (69%)
- Actual Pay: £24,000 * 0.69 = £16,560
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)
The role of an HLTA involves significantly more responsibility than a standard TA. In 2026, the salary for HLTAs has seen a modest increase to reflect the critical role they play in covering classes, often saving schools the cost of expensive supply teachers. HLTAs may be expected to plan lessons, deliver content, and assess outcomes. The salary range of £23,000 to £30,000 makes it a viable career step for experienced support staff.
Special Educational Needs (SEND) Support
Working as a SEND specialist TA is both challenging and rewarding. The financial compensation is generally higher to reflect the specialized skills required, such as Makaton, handling behavioral challenges, or medical support. SEN allowances can boost the base salary, pushing earnings towards the £27,000 mark (FTE). Many TAs find that moving into SEND is the fastest route to a salary increase without becoming a qualified teacher.
The Role of Unions: UNISON and GMB
Most Teaching Assistant pay scales are negotiated by unions like UNISON and GMB. They operate under the "Green Book" agreement for local government employees. It is highly recommended to join a union. Apart from pay negotiations, they provide essential legal protection and advice if you face issues with employment contracts, particularly regarding "term-time only" calculations which have been subject to legal challenges in recent years.
Career Progression and NQT Support
Many TAs use the role as a stepping stone to becoming a qualified teacher. Schools often support TAs in gaining QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) through routes like the Assessment Only path or SCITT. Additionally, experienced TAs are invaluable in supporting NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) or ECTs (Early Career Teachers), helping them manage classroom behavior and logistics. This mentorship role can sometimes be leveraged to negotiate a movement up the pay spine.
London Weighting and Local Variations
If you are working in London (Inner, Outer, or Fringe), your salary will be higher to account for the increased cost of living. Inner London weightings can add £3,000+ to the FTE salary. Conversely, rural local authorities may stick rigidly to the lower end of the NJC scales.
Lunch Cover Supervisors
A common point of confusion is lunch duty. Being a "Midday Supervisor" is often a separate contract from the TA contract. It is usually paid at the lowest spinal point (Minimum Wage levels). If you are a TA asked to cover lunch, ensure you are being paid your TA rate if it involves behavioral management or specific child support, rather than the generic supervisory rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for a Level 1 Teaching Assistant in 2026?
For a Level 1 Teaching Assistant, the hourly rate typically ranges between £11.44 (National Living Wage) and £12.50 depending on the local authority and experience. While the full-time equivalent salary is often quoted, most TAs are paid pro-rata based on term-time hours.
How does term-time only pay work for TAs?
Term-time only pay means you are paid for the 39 weeks you are in school plus your holiday entitlement (usually around 4-5 weeks). This total number of paid weeks (e.g., 44 weeks) is then spread equally over 12 monthly payments, meaning your monthly take-home is lower than the full-time equivalent figure.
What is the difference between TA Level 2 and Level 3 pay?
Level 2 TAs generally earn between £19,500 and £23,000 pro-rata, focusing on general classroom support. Level 3 TAs, who take on more responsibility such as planning activities and assessing pupils, earn between £21,000 and £25,000. The jump in pay reflects the requirement for a relevant Level 3 qualification and greater autonomy.
How much does a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) earn?
Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) in 2026 can earn between £23,000 and £30,000 (Full Time Equivalent). HLTAs often cover classes in a teacher's absence and have specific pedagogical responsibilities, justifying the higher salary band.
Do SEND Teaching Assistants get paid more?
Yes, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Teaching Assistants often receive a higher salary or an additional allowance (SEN allowance) due to the specialized nature of the work. Salaries typically range from £22,000 to £27,000 FTE, depending on the complexity of needs they support.
Is lunch cover included in Teaching Assistant salary?
This depends on the contract. Some TA contracts include lunch duty as part of the working hours. However, often lunch cover is a separate contract known as a Midday Supervisor role, which is paid at a different (usually lower) hourly rate. It is crucial to check if your hours include the lunch break.
How do unions like UNISON impact TA pay?
Unions like UNISON and GMB negotiate pay scales nationally for local government support staff (NJC Green Book). They campaign for fair pay rises and better working conditions. In 2026, union negotiations continue to play a vital role in ensuring TA pay keeps pace with inflation.