From 1 April 2026 · 3.3% rise
Teaching assistant pay scales 2026/27
Every pay point (SCP) for teaching assistants and HLTAs — the hourly rate, the full-time salary, and what you actually take home. Tap a pay point for more detail.
NJC pay spine for TAs and HLTAs
| Pay point | Hourly rate | Full-time salary |
|---|---|---|
| SCP 3 | £13.28 | £25,614 |
| SCP 4 | £13.48 | £26,016 |
| SCP 5 | £13.70 | £26,427 |
| SCP 6 | £13.92 | £26,847 |
| SCP 7 | £14.14 | £27,274 |
| SCP 8 | £14.36 | £27,709 |
| SCP 9 | £14.59 | £28,153 |
| SCP 10 | £14.83 | £28,608 |
| SCP 11 | £15.07 | £29,071 |
| SCP 12 | £15.31 | £29,542 |
| SCP 13 | £15.56 | £30,023 |
| SCP 14 | £15.82 | £30,515 |
| SCP 15 | £16.08 | £31,015 |
| SCP 16 | £16.34 | £31,525 |
| SCP 17 | £16.61 | £32,046 |
| SCP 18 | £16.89 | £32,578 |
| SCP 19 | £17.17 | £33,119 |
SCP 3–14 are typical for teaching assistants, SCP 15–19 for HLTAs. Councils and academy trusts group these into their own grades.
What a typical TA actually takes home
Term time only, 32.5 hours a week, LGPS pension, tax code 1257L:
| Pay point | Pay a year | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| SCP 3 | £18,942 | £1,357 |
| SCP 4 | £19,239 | £1,373 |
| SCP 5 | £19,543 | £1,390 |
| SCP 6 | £19,854 | £1,408 |
| SCP 7 | £20,170 | £1,425 |
| SCP 8 | £20,491 | £1,444 |
| SCP 9 | £20,820 | £1,462 |
| SCP 10 | £21,156 | £1,481 |
| SCP 11 | £21,499 | £1,500 |
| SCP 12 | £21,847 | £1,520 |
| SCP 13 | £22,203 | £1,540 |
| SCP 14 | £22,566 | £1,560 |
Why your pay is less than the salary
The salary for each point is for working full time (37 hours), all year. Most TAs work fewer hours and only in term time — 39 weeks — but are also paid for their share of holidays, so they're paid for about 43.9 weeks a year (44.8after five years' service). That total is split into 12 equal payments, so you're paid in the holidays too.
Pay a year = full-time salary × (your hours ÷ 37) × (paid weeks ÷ 52.143)
Example — SCP 9, 32.5 hours a week, term time:
| A year | |
|---|---|
| Full-time salary | £28,153 |
| For 32.5 hours (÷ 37) | £24,729 |
| For 43.9 paid weeks | £20,820 |
| LGPS pension (5.8%) | −£1,208 |
| Income tax | −£1,408 |
| National Insurance | −£660 |
| Take-home | £17,544 (£1,462 a month) |
Your pension (LGPS)
TAs are in the Local Government Pension Scheme. Your rate depends on your actual pay, not the full-time salary, and it's taken from overtime too. It comes off before income tax, and your employer adds around 20% on top.
| Your pay a year | You pay |
|---|---|
| Up to £18,400 | 5.5% |
| £18,401 – £29,000 | 5.8% |
| £29,001 – £47,300 | 6.5% |
| £47,301 – £59,800 | 6.8% |
| £59,801 – £84,000 | 8.5% |
Overtime, ELSA and finding your SCP
Extra hours are usually paid at your normal hourly rate, and at time and a half only beyond 37 hours a week. There's no national rate for ELSAs — some schools pay an allowance, others use a higher SCP.
Your SCP is on your contract or payslip. Not sure what your payslip means? Read our payslip guide, or track your overtime as you go.
How much did it go up?
Every point rose by 3.3% from 1 April 2026. For example SCP 7 went from £13.69 to £14.14 an hour. See how much back pay you could get.
TA pay scale questions
What is an SCP?
SCP stands for spinal column point — your pay point on the national NJC pay spine used by councils and most schools for support staff. Each point has a set yearly salary for full-time, all-year work, and an hourly rate. It’s usually on your contract or payslip.
How is the hourly rate worked out?
The NJC hourly rate is the full-time salary divided by 52.143 weeks and then by 37 hours.
Why is my yearly pay lower than the salary for my SCP?
The salary is for full time (37 hours) all year round. Most TAs work fewer hours and only in term time, so they’re paid for about 43.9 weeks a year (term time plus holiday pay), spread over 12 months.
When did the 2026 pay rise start?
The 3.3% rise applies from 1 April 2026. It was agreed in August 2026, so most schools are paying it late with back pay from April.