From Teaching Assistant to Teacher: Making the Leap in the UK Education System

If you're a Teaching Assistant (TA) working in a school across Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, you may already know the classroom like the back of your hand. You've supported lessons, managed behaviour, calmed nerves (your own and the pupils’!), and probably wondered—"Could I take the lead?"

The good news? You absolutely can!

The journey from TA to qualified teacher is not only possible, but also increasingly common. And with the right guidance, training and confidence, you could be standing at the front of your own classroom far sooner than you think.

At Gold Education Recruitment, we’re proud to support local professionals on their path from support staff to fully qualified teachers. Here's how you can make the leap, and why this could be the academic year to do it.

Why TAs Make Great Teachers

Teaching Assistants are uniquely placed to become some of the most effective and empathetic teachers in the profession. You’ve already:

Built relationships with pupils
Understood school systems and safeguarding
Gained classroom management skills
Adapted your communication to suit diverse learners

This hands-on experience is something no textbook can replicate. It's why many schools actively encourage their talented TAs to pursue teacher training.

Teaching Assistant helping pupil with using a tablet in classroom of Essex primary school

Pathways to Become a Qualified Teacher

There’s no one-size-fits-all route, but here are some of the most popular and achievable pathways for TAs in the UK:

1. School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

Local SCITT programmes (many found in Essex and surrounding counties) offer hands-on training with real classroom time. As a TA, you may already have links to a school that hosts a SCITT which is a great place to start.

2. PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

If you already have a degree, a PGCE allows you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in one year. Many universities offer flexible, part-time options if you're still working as a TA.

3. Apprenticeship or Assessment Only Routes

If you have significant classroom experience and a degree, some schools offer the Assessment Only Route to QTS, which recognises your existing skills.

4. Undergraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

If you’re a TA without a degree, you can consider a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS which is often offered with part-time or flexible options.

Tips for Taking the Leap

If transitioning to teacher from TA is sounding more appealing, here’s our top tips to taking the next step:

Speak to your school. Let your SLT know you're interested in progressing as many schools support internal candidates through training routes.
Look for SCITT, PGCE or apprenticeship schemes in Essex, and your local areas.
Need to update your CV? We can help! At Gold Education Recruitment we can support you in creating a teaching-focused CV that reflects your strengths and classroom experience.
Applications for training often open in the Autumn so now is the perfect time to plan ahead.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Teachers change lives, and chances are, you already have as a TA. The leap to QTS can be demanding, but it also offers greater autonomy, responsibility and salary. And there’s nothing quite like leading your own class, setting the tone and seeing your vision come to life.

How Can Gold Education Recruitment Support Teaching Assistants and Teachers?

At Gold Education Recruitment, we don’t just place teachers, we help grow them. Whether you’re looking for:

· Flexible supply work while you train

· Long-term placements to build experience

· Career coaching and application support

· Connections to schools offering teacher training routes

If you're ready to transition from Teaching Assistant to Teacher, get in touch with the Gold Education Recruitment team. We're already working with schools across Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk who are eager to support passionate, experienced professionals just like you.