How to Become a Teaching Assistant in London

London is the hub of the UK and home to plenty of thriving businesses and job opportunities. Part of the country’s infrastructure is education, and London boasts approximately 3250 schools, which presents a wealth of prospects for aspiring Teachers and Teaching Assistants. If you are keen to break into the education sector by becoming a Teaching Assistant in London, then we can help you discover how! 

If you have the passion and drive to secure a classroom assistant role in either a London primary or secondary school, then there are Teacher Assistant courses that can lead you towards various Teaching Assistant jobs. London is a competitive city, but there are opportunities for you to grab, and we’re here to help you get them. Continue reading to learn the ins and outs of becoming a Teaching Assistant London-based. 

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?

Firstly, you need to get a firm grip of your role and what it entails before you start studying Teacher Assistant courses. Essentially, as a Teaching Assistant, London residents, you will be responsible for providing support to pupils, helping them develop educationally, emotionally, and socially.

The roles and responsibilities of Teaching Assistant jobs, London applicants, will differ depending on whether you are supporting primary school pupils or secondary school pupils. However, the general approach is to support a pupil’s development while also supporting the Teacher by assisting with various tasks and activities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a London Classroom Assistant

The structure of your working day will differ, but generally, you will be conducting and repeating a series of activities on a daily basis as a Teaching Assistant. London-based professionals will likely be tasked with the following:

• Help the pupils become independent learners by encouraging them to engage and stay focused on their assigned task
• Report any issues that affect the social and emotional development of pupils
• Listen to pupils read, either in a one-to-one or group setting
• Monitor pupils’ progress and provide this feedback to Teachers
• Support the Teacher in the promotion of positive behaviour and dealing with challenging pupils
• Take care of administrative tasks, including preparing and clearing the classroom
• Assist with extracurricular activities and trips

If you move into the role of a higher-level Teaching Assistant, London-based professionals will need to add the following to their list of responsibilities:

• Lead activities with the class if directed by the Teacher
• Assist with lesson planning
• Run tailored teaching activities either with a group of pupils or individual pupils
• Supervise other support staff

Can You Be a Teaching Assistant with No Qualifications?

While there is no prerequisite to have a degree to become a Teaching Assistant, London-based hopefuls will require basic literacy and numeracy skills. Given that the market in almost every industry is highly competitive in London, it is in your best interest to have a decent level of qualifications.

How to Become a Teaching Assistant in London

As mentioned, a degree is not necessary to obtain a role, but what do you need to be a Teaching Assistant in London? Well, as mentioned, basic literacy and numeracy skills are required, which means that having GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in Maths and English is favourable. Functional Skills are Level 2 qualifications that many employers accept as alternatives to GCSEs.

While a degree is not essential, it will help you stand out in a congested candidate pool. To study an education-related degree at university, you will need to meet the establishment’s entry requirements, which will likely include A Levels or Level 3 equivalent qualifications.

If you need help with this, then consider Stonebridge Associated Colleges. With us, you can study A Levels online or opt for a Level 3 alternative in the form of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education), which is the equivalent of 3 A Levels and is widely accepted by universities.

This course, which offers a blend of teaching-related academic topics and study skills, boasts the following features:

• 100% online – You can complete your Access to HE Diploma from the comfort of your own home. No classrooms, no term times, no restrictions! All you need is a laptop, computer, or tablet and a stable internet connection
• Study at your own pace – You have a full year to complete the course, but on average, our learners achieve their diploma in 9-12 months, so you could be university ready within one year
• No exams – Unlike many other qualifications, you can achieve this nationally recognised diploma without having to do a single exam. Instead, you will be tasked with a series of online written assignments based on the topics covered during your studies

Non-Degree Options

If university does not feel like the right path for you, then we can offer an alternative route to Teaching Assistant jobs. London-based hopefuls can study our NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF). This is one of various Teacher Assistant courses that gets you prepared for a role in this field.

You will explore the education system and how to help pupils develop the skills they need to navigate through the world. Our Level 3 Teaching Assistant course is broken down into the following units:

• Schools and Colleges as Organisations
• Understand how Children and Young People Develop
• Support Health and Safety in a Learning Environment
• Understand how to Safeguard Children and Young People

While some Teacher Assistant courses require you to complete a placement to gain the qualification, our course is delivered solely online, so you don’t have to neglect your existing commitments to achieve this Level 3 award. With this qualification, you will be in a better position to secure a London Teaching Assistant role.

What Else Will Help You Get a Teaching Assistant London-Based Job?

Completing a Level 3 Teaching Assistant course will certainly boost your chances of securing Teaching Assistant jobs London-based. However, you will also need a set of personality traits to succeed in this role. They include:

• Creativity
• Patience
• Flexibility
• Positivity
• Professionalism
• Adaptability
• Teamworking skills

Work experience is also a factor that you may want to consider when pursuing Teaching Assistant jobs, London residents. Through volunteer work, you can shadow professionals and gain experience in one of the following settings:

• Schools
• Childcare
• Nurseries
• Youth work
• Summer camps and more

How Much Do Teaching Assistants Earn in London?

Annual salaries are generally higher in London due to the cost of living in the country’s capital city. With regards to a Teaching Assistant salary, London residents can expect to earn an average of £20,577, with the minimum being £18,200 and the maximum £23,627.

When comparing to the rest of England, Teaching Assistant London jobs come out on top in terms of pay scale. An average Teaching Assistant salary in England is £19,342, with the starting salary at around £16,250, rising to £22,734.

Do Teaching Assistants Get Paid Over the Summer?

Whether or not you get paid during summer school holidays depends on the contract you have. For example, if you are a permanent full-time Teaching Assistant, London-based professionals will be paid leave during school holidays. However, if you are employed at a London school on a term-time basis, then you will not get paid during the school summer holidays.

Are there Part-Time Teaching Assistant Jobs London-Based?

Of course! In fact, many Teaching Assistant jobs, London residents, are contracted on a part-time, term-time, or casual basis. This offers a level of flexibility, but if you want a permanent contract, then you may need to hunt around for your desired Teaching Assistant role in London.

Can I Join Agencies for Teaching Assistants in London?

Yes, there are many agencies who specifically recruit for Teaching Assistant jobs. London-based hopefuls can choose between agencies that specifically recruit for London roles or ones that provide opportunities across the UK.

Get On Your Way to Becoming a Teaching Assistant, London Residents

A combination of suitable personality traits, qualifications, and training will get you prepared for Teaching Assistant jobs. London is one of the most desirable cities to work and live in, with many schools crying out for Teaching Assistants.

If you are at the stage of your career journey where you need a helping hand to reach your ambition of becoming a Teaching Assistant, London residents should enrol on our accredited Level 3 Teaching Assistant course. To find out more information, speak to one of our Course Executives by calling 0121 392 8288 or contact us online to get started!