Typical day rates for Contract Teaching Assistants range from around £75–£110 per day, with higher rates common in London and for SEN expertise; equivalent annualised pay often sits from £19,000–£25,000 depending on hours and setting. Hours usually mirror the school day (e.g., 8:30–3:30), with options for breakfast/after-school clubs adding paid time. Many TAs progress to Senior TA/HLTA, Pastoral or Behaviour Mentor, Cover Supervisor, or into teacher training (e.g., PGCE/ITT) after gaining classroom experience. Jobwise data helps highlight high-paying schools and trusts, typical rates by region, and roles that align with your progression goals.

• Classroom support: small-group work, one‑to‑one support, differentiation, and learning resources.
• Behaviour & SEND: de-escalation, autism support, social–emotional skills, phonics and literacy interventions.
• Safeguarding & compliance: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, Right to Work, references; Level 1/2 Safeguarding.
• Qualifications: Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent; HLTA status is valued; First Aid, Team Teach/Positive Handling are a plus.
• Soft skills: empathy, patience, communication with pupils/parents/staff, adaptability, teamwork and reliability.
• Transferable skills: mentoring, coaching, youth work, tutoring, care—jobwise’s AI surfaces these strengths from your CV.

Upload your CV and jobwise parses it instantly, matching your skills, phases and SEN experience to live contract vacancies. Use filters for pay, location, start date and hours, set job alerts, and save searches—so new roles come to you. Apply in minutes and track your applications in one place.

• Make a direct impact on pupils’ progress while enjoying term‑time schedules.
• Contract work adds flexibility to balance study, caring responsibilities or portfolio careers.
• High demand across UK schools, with jobwise’s AI ensuring you miss fewer opportunities that fit your profile.