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Teaching Assistants (TAs) are in high demand across London’s primary, secondary and SEND settings. If you’re changing career, returning to work, or keen to support children’s learning, becoming a Teaching Assistant can be a practical and rewarding move.
In this guide, we’ll cover what TAs do in schools, what you need to get started, including training, qualifications, volunteering and DBS checks, the main routes to become a Teaching Assistant in London, and your next steps.
For a full overview of the role and national entry routes, you can also visit the UK Government’s National Careers Service Teaching Assistant job profile.
Teaching Assistants work closely with teachers to support pupils’ learning and wellbeing. Your exact role will depend on the school, but typical responsibilities include:
For many people, becoming a Teaching Assistant in London is also a stepping stone to roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or even teacher training in the future.
There is no single, mandatory national TA qualification, but most schools look for a mix of:
Here’s how those pieces fit together.
Most new TAs build their skills through teaching assistant qualifications Level 2 and Level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Level 2 (Award/Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning)
Ideal if you’re just starting out or changing career. A typical Level 2 course covers:
Level 3 (Certificate/Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning)
Level 3 qualifications go deeper and are suited to people who want more responsibility or are thinking ahead to HLTA or teacher training. They usually cover:
For most Level 3 Diplomas, you will need to be working or volunteering in a school or college, as you must show competence in a real classroom environment (typically 100+ placement hours across the programme).
If you don’t yet have English or Maths at the required level, you can take Functional Skills English and Maths alongside a TA course to meet school expectations.
School experience is one of the most important parts of becoming a Teaching Assistant in London.
You can:
Volunteering is particularly helpful if you’re unsure whether the role suits you or you’re changing into education from a completely different sector.
Another route is the Teaching Assistant apprenticeship in London, usually at Level 3.
The Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship standard is a national framework where you:
This route suits people who prefer hands-on learning, want to earn while they learn, and are ready to commit to a longer-term role in a school.
Because TAs work with children, most schools ask for an Enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). This is a legal safeguarding requirement and checks your suitability to work with children.
You will usually also need:
Many schools arrange the DBS check themselves once they are ready to place you, but it’s important to understand this step early.
As you build experience, there are higher-level and specialist routes you can move into, including:
At ELATT, we currently offer the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course for eligible Londoners – a strong starting point if you’re new to the role and want to progress into these higher levels over time.
At ELATT, we’ve been supporting Londoners into new careers for more than 40 years. Our Teaching Assistant courses in London are designed for adults who want to gain skills and confidence in the classroom.
We offer a free Level 2 Teaching Assistant course for eligible Londoners. It covers core skills in:
Alongside your TA qualification, you can also access:
Our TA course is in high demand, and places fill quickly so applying early for the next intake is the best way to secure your place.
If you’re ready to become a Teaching Assistant in London, here’s what you can do now:
