How much do Teaching Assistants get paid in private schools?
Last Updated: 9th September 2025
As a Teaching Assistant in a public school, you may be wondering how much Teaching Assistants get paid in private schools in the UK. Salaries for Teaching Assistants can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of school, its location, the individual’s qualifications and the nature of their contract.
In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the key considerations that will affect your earning potential as a Teaching Assistant in a private school setting.
By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about what salary to expect when pursuing work in this field.
What is the difference between a public and a private school?
Public schools are typically funded and managed by local governments, while private schools are privately owned and operated. Private schools are free to set their own tuition fees and have control over the curriculum they offer, as well as the types of activities and experiences offered to their students.
How does this affect salary levels in private schools?
Because private schools generally have more control over their budgets than public schools, they can often offer competitive salaries for Teaching Assistants. The level of responsibility associated with a role will also influence the amount of money you can expect to earn.
While independent schools possess the financial autonomy to offer salaries that may exceed those of their state-funded counterparts, the frequent use of vague terms like “competitive” or “undisclosed” compensation requires prospective applicants to approach the job market with an informed and strategic mindset.
Additionally, private schools may also offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings plans that can increase employee compensation levels.
The average salary for Teaching Assistants in the UK is £22,000.
Teaching Assistants are a vital part of the school environment, providing instructional and social support to students. In the UK, the average salary is £22,000 of Teaching Assistants annually; however, this can vary depending on experience and professional qualifications.
To be a Teaching Assistant, you would typically require a minimum of five GCSEs as well as additional qualifications in childcare or education, like NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent. With further study, you could go on to become a qualified teacher. That said, a Teaching Assistant is one of the few roles that offer entry-level positions.
As a Teaching Assistant is responsible for taking care of children and young people, it’s important that they receive an adequate salary to help with the responsibility that comes with the job.
Understanding the “Pro-Rata” reality
The single most confusing part of a Teaching Assistant’s pay isn’t the number on the job ad; it’s the gap between that number and what you actually take home.
That attractive salary you see in a job listing, say £25,000, is almost always a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE). This is the salary you’d get if you worked 52 weeks a year. The catch? Most Teaching Assistants are on “term-time-only” contracts, meaning you’re only paid for the 38 weeks school is in session.
This is a huge difference, and it means your actual annual salary will be much lower. In fact, while some full-time roles can reach up to £30,000, research shows the average Teaching Assistant’s take-home pay is closer to £12,081, with other sources suggesting the range is as high as £15,000 annually. It’s a crucial detail that can significantly impact your finances.
Teaching Assistants in private schools can expect to earn between £17,842 and £30,00
Teaching Assistants have a unique role in helping to ensure that the educational needs of students of all abilities attending private schools are met, as well as supporting the Teacher. As such, they can expect to be well-rewarded for their hard work and dedication, often earning within a range that is stratified by qualification and responsibility.
This salary range is a reflection of the Teaching Assistant’s importance in the classroom and the degree of responsibility placed on them for assisting with regular teacher duties such as lesson planning and establishing positive behaviour management strategies.
It is also worth noting that specific locations or qualifications may offer an additional pay bump or incentives beyond this baseline range.
The work is challenging, but the pay is good
Working hard can be a daunting task, but the reward of a generous paycheck at the end of the month makes it worthwhile. Despite being mentally and physically challenging, working long hours comes with great benefits that are sometimes overlooked.
The most obvious advantage is a higher salary, allowing for overall financial stability. Additionally, it gives one’s career an excellent sense of direction and purpose – allowing for more satisfaction in their day-to-day life. In addition to this, the holiday periods tend to be longer in independent schools.
Teaching Assistants in private schools have a lot of responsibility and must be highly organised
Teaching Assistants in private schools carry a certain degree of responsibility. They must be incredibly organised, attentive, and able to think on their feet to keep up with the ever-changing environment of a classroom.
They have to not only support the students academically but also provide emotional guidance, inspiring them to be their best selves day in and day out.
It is no small feat to juggle regular administrative tasks alongside teaching and providing extra help–but Teaching Assistants do it all without breaking a sweat! The level of skill and dedication of the teaching team is an integral part of why private school education is prioritised by parents.
Private schools are looking for Teaching Assistants who are passionate about education and have a strong work ethic
Teaching Assistants at private schools should be dedicated to their profession and eager to make a positive impact on student learning.
Private school Teaching Assistants provide invaluable support to students and classrooms by assisting the teacher with the day-to-day administrative tasks involved in running a successful learning environment.
From lesson planning, bookkeeping, monitoring student progress, grading papers, and providing feedback, a Teaching Assistant’s role is critical for maintaining the high standard of education that private schools are renowned for.
Private school administrators are looking for applicants who possess more than just educational qualifications – they seek out passionate educators who hold themselves to a personal code of excellence and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their craft.
If you believe you can meet these standards, then apply today and help make a difference in your community!
Finding your new Teaching Assistant job at a private school
If you are passionate about education and have a strong work ethic, you may be able to find a Teaching Assistant position in a private school that pays well.
The average take-home pay for a Teaching Assistant in the UK is between £12,000 and £15,000. While private school jobs often advertise higher full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries from £17,842 to £30,000, your actual paycheck will be lower because of term-time-only contracts.
Despite the responsibilities and long hours, private school TA pay can be competitive.
If you are interested in finding a Teaching Assistant position in a private school, use The BIG Jobsite to search for open positions. If you need help with your CV, use our CV Review tool. It’s a free and confidential, in-depth look at your CV by a trusted expert.