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Classroom Support

Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) works within schools to help pupils who need extra support, often supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). LSAs collaborate closely with teachers to adapt lessons, provide one-to-one or small group support, and help students access the curriculum. This role requires patience, good communication skills, and a genuine interest in helping children progress. LSAs may assist with classroom management, prepare learning materials, and sometimes support students with personal care needs. The role is vital in ensuring all students have the opportunity to achieve their potential within a supportive educational environment.

Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Learning Support Assistant in the UK is between £16,000 and £22,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There are over 40,000 LSA positions in the UK, with demand especially high in primary and special schools.

Working Hours

Most LSAs work term-time only, averaging 30 to 37 hours per week.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Primary School SEN Teaching Assistant

Works closely with teachers to support primary school pupils with special educational needs, helping them access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.

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Autism Support Worker in Schools

Provides targeted support to children on the autism spectrum within a school setting, assisting with communication, social skills, and learning activities.

One-to-One Behaviour Support Assistant

Supports individual pupils who may have behavioural or emotional difficulties, working to help them manage challenges and succeed in a classroom environment.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve Basic Education Requirements

Obtain GCSEs in English and Maths, usually at grade 4 C or above.

Most schools require LSAs to have at least GCSEs, especially in English and Maths. These qualifications demonstrate essential literacy and numeracy skills needed to support pupils effectively in the classroom.

Consider Additional Courses or Training

Complete a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or a similar course.

While not always mandatory, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a relevant course, such as a CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or a Level 3 Diploma. These courses teach practical skills and knowledge for supporting pupils.

Gain Experience Working with Children

Volunteer in Schools or Youth Groups

Gain experience by volunteering in a school or with organisations that work with children.

Volunteering in a classroom or with local after-school clubs helps you gain hands-on experience and shows employers your commitment to supporting young people. It also helps you build confidence and understand school environments.

Seek Work Experience Placements

Arrange short-term placements in schools to shadow LSAs or teachers.

Work experience placements allow you to observe teaching staff, understand the role of an LSA, and develop essential skills like communication and patience. These can often be arranged through your school, college, or local authority.

Apply for LSA Positions

Prepare Your CV and References

Create a CV highlighting your qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to working with children.

Include any volunteering, work experience, and relevant courses. Good references from teachers or supervisors can support your application and provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

Apply for Jobs in Schools

Search for LSA vacancies on school websites, local council job boards, and education job sites.

Tailor your application to the specific requirements of each job, demonstrating your experience with children and your understanding of the LSA role. Some schools may also require an enhanced DBS check before you start.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Learning Support Assistant (LSA). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) primarily works to support students with special educational needs, similar to a SEN teaching assistant. Both roles involve assisting teachers and helping pupils overcome learning challenges, often requiring specialised understanding of SEN protocols and strategies.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to find a trainee position. 

Examples include:

  • supporting teaching and learning in schools
  • childcare and education - early years educator
  • T Level in Education and Early Years

You may be able to get a placement working with children with special educational needs while doing your course.

Many people get qualifications or experience working with children in mainstream schools, then move on to work with children with special educational needs.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Volunteering

You could get experience by volunteering in a local school or with a community organisation.

Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working with children and young people. It can also help when applying for jobs or training courses.

Direct Application

You can apply for special needs teaching assistant jobs if you have experience of working with disabled children or children who have learning difficulties.

You can search for schools in your area then look for job vacancies on their websites.

Each school sets its own entry requirements, though you'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.

Contracts are often term-time only and if you're employed through an agency, your pay may be based on a daily rate.

More Information

Career tips

The ability to communicate with children and young people using British Sign Language or Makaton can be helpful, though your employer may offer you training in this.

It's also helpful to understand what kind of support disabled students and those with particular conditions might need, such as assistive learning and communication technology.

Special needs teaching assistant are employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.

Advertised pay rates are often listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.

You can also search for jobs using the Teaching Vacancies service.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) for advice about working in special educational needs and for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can get more details about a career in special educational needs through:

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