Definitive answer: UK teaching assistants work at four levels. Level 1 is an unqualified entry role. Level 2 is a qualified classroom assistant (TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools). Level 3 leads groups and takes on specialist or SEND responsibility (TQUK Level 3 Certificate or Diploma). Level 4 is Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), who can lead whole classes without the teacher present, prepared for by the TQUK Level 4 Certificate for HLTAs. All three TQUK qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Pay is set by the employer, often on local school support-staff scales, and many contracts are term-time only.
The four teaching assistant levels at a glance
| Level | Job title (typical) | What you do | Qualification (RQF) | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | TA, General TA, Classroom Assistant | Work under close supervision: preparing resources, supporting pupils with set tasks, playground and lunch duties | None required; Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools sometimes requested | Enhanced DBS; English and maths at GCSE grade 4/C or Functional Skills L2 often preferred |
| Level 2 | Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant | Support groups and individuals under the teacher's direction; deliver planned activities; record observations; support behaviour and SEND strategies | TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools | DBS; no prior experience; GCSE 4/C English and maths preferred |
| Level 3 | Senior TA, Specialist TA, SEN TA, Learning Mentor | Plan and lead group sessions, cover short absences, specialise in SEND, literacy, numeracy or EAL; line-manage Level 1/2 staff in some schools | TQUK Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (equivalent to A-level standard) | Level 2 or equivalent school experience; GCSE 4/C English and maths |
| Level 4 / HLTA | Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Cover Supervisor (HLTA) | Teach whole classes without the teacher present, plan and assess within the teacher's framework, lead TAs, coordinate interventions | HLTA status (assessment against the HLTA professional standards); TQUK Level 4 Certificate for HLTAs prepares for assessment | Level 3 and substantial classroom experience; GCSE 4/C English and maths mandatory for HLTA assessment |
Pay is set by the employer, often on local school support-staff scales, and many contracts are term-time only. See our teaching assistant pay scales 2026 for the typical structure.