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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 in schools to help students who need extra support, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). LSAs work alongside teachers to ensure every pupil can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. This can involve working one-to-one with a specific student, supporting small groups, or providing general classroom assistance. The role requires patience, empathy, and good communication skills, as well as the ability to work well with children and as part of a team. LSAs often help students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or emotional and behavioural needs, making a positive impact on their educational experience.

Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Learning Support Assistants in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £22,000 per year, depending on location and experience.

Job Openings

There are over 40,000 Learning Support Assistant positions across primary and secondary schools in England alone.

Working Hours

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

🚀 Careers in this path

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Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

Work closely with pupils who have special educational needs, providing tailored support and helping them access the curriculum.

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Behaviour Support Assistant

Support students who may have behavioural challenges, working with teachers to create a positive learning environment.

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Literacy Intervention Assistant

Assist students who need extra help with reading and writing skills, delivering targeted literacy support sessions.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain at least GCSEs in English and Maths, as most schools require these.

Most schools set a minimum requirement of grade 4 or C in GCSE English and Maths for LSAs. If you do not have these, you can take equivalent qualifications at a local college or through adult education centres. Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential for supporting students in the classroom.

Consider a Relevant College Course

Undertake a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

While not always essential, having a relevant qualification such as the Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma can improve your job prospects. These courses are available at many further education colleges and may include placements in schools for practical experience.

Gain Work Experience

Volunteer in a School

Offer your time as a volunteer in a local school to build experience working with children.

Volunteering in a primary or secondary school helps you understand the role and develop classroom skills. Contact schools directly or look for opportunities through local authorities or volunteering websites. Experience with children with special educational needs is especially valuable.

Apply for Entry-Level LSA Positions

Look for job openings as a Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant in schools.

You can find LSA jobs through school websites, local authority job boards, and recruitment agencies specialising in education. Entry-level positions may offer on-the-job training and opportunities for further development. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications in your application.

Develop Specialist Skills

Undertake Additional Training

Take courses in areas like autism awareness, speech and language support, or safeguarding.

Schools value LSAs with knowledge of specific learning difficulties or disabilities. Many organisations and local authorities offer short courses and workshops in areas such as autism, dyslexia, behaviour management, and safeguarding. Continuing professional development can help you support a wider range of pupils and progress in your career.

Pursue Career Progression

Consider further qualifications or specialisations to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or move into other educational roles.

With experience and additional training, you could progress to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role or specialise in supporting specific needs. Some LSAs go on to train as teachers or move into related fields like educational psychology or pastoral support. Career progression often depends on your interests, experience, and further study.

🎯 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

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Sample Qualifications

A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) typically works closely with students who have special educational needs, providing tailored support to facilitate their learning. Similarly, SEN teaching assistants specialise in supporting students with special educational needs, making this career most comparable in terms of qualifications and purpose.

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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