How much does a Higher level teaching assistants earn in the UK?

A Higher level teaching assistants earns a median salary of £22,050 per year in the UK (2025 ONS ASHE data). The middle 50% earn between £18,367 and £26,215 per year.

What is the average salary for a Higher level teaching assistants?

The median annual salary for a Higher level teaching assistants in the UK is £22,050 according to the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ONS ASHE 2025).

SOC 3231 Health and social care associate professionals

Higher level teaching assistants Salary

Median salary £22,050 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) provide advanced teaching support in schools, planning and delivering lessons, assessing pupil work and covering classes under the direction of qualified teachers.

Key responsibilities

Planning and delivering lessons and learning activities
Assessing and recording pupil progress
Covering classes in the absence of the teacher
Supporting pupils with special educational needs
Contributing to curriculum planning and development

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires HLTA status, assessed against national standards. Typically builds on Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications with additional training. Many HLTAs hold degrees or foundation degrees in education.

Career outlook

Schools rely increasingly on HLTAs for cost-effective teaching support. The role can provide a pathway to qualified teacher status (QTS) for those wishing to progress.