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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, often called an LSA, works closely with teachers in schools to provide additional help to pupils who may need extra support with their learning. This might include students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those who are learning English as an additional language, or pupils who need a bit more help to keep up in class. LSAs usually work with individual pupils or small groups, helping them with reading, writing, maths, and sometimes supporting their emotional wellbeing. They also help with classroom activities, prepare learning materials, and sometimes assist with personal care needs. The role is rewarding and requires patience, empathy, and good communication skills. Working hours are generally during term time and school hours, making it a popular choice for those seeking work-life balance.

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 experience and location.

Job Availability

There are approximately 180,000 teaching assistants, including LSAs, working in UK schools as of 2023.

Qualifications Required

Most LSAs have at least GCSEs in English and Maths; many positions require a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

Works closely with children who have special educational needs, providing tailored support to help them access the curriculum and reach their potential.

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Literacy Intervention Assistant

Focuses on supporting pupils who need extra help with reading and writing, often delivering small group or one-to-one sessions to boost literacy skills.

Classroom Behaviour Support Assistant

Helps manage classroom behaviour by supporting pupils who may struggle to follow school routines, encouraging positive behaviour and assisting with emotional and social development.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve Basic Education Requirements

Obtain good GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, as these are often required for LSA roles.

Most schools require candidates to have at least GCSEs in English and Maths at grades 4 or above. If you do not already have these, you can take courses at local colleges or through adult education providers. Some schools may accept equivalent qualifications.

Complete a Relevant Course or Training

Consider completing a Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant or Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification.

Although not always essential, having a formal qualification in supporting teaching and learning will make your application stronger. These courses can be studied at local colleges, online, or through apprenticeships. They cover topics such as supporting children with special educational needs, safeguarding, and classroom management.

Gain Experience Working with Children

Volunteer in a School Setting

Seek out volunteering opportunities in local schools to gain practical experience.

Contact primary or secondary schools in your area and ask if you can volunteer in a classroom. Volunteering gives you hands-on experience and helps you understand how classrooms operate. It also shows employers your commitment to working with children.

Work with Children in Other Settings

Gain experience by working with children outside school, such as in youth clubs, after-school clubs, or holiday schemes.

Any experience working with children, including babysitting, youth work, or sports coaching, can be valuable for your CV. These roles help you develop communication, patience, and leadership skills that are important for an LSA.

Apply for Learning Support Assistant Roles

Search and Apply for LSA Positions

Look for job vacancies in schools and submit your application.

Check school websites, local authority job boards, and national recruitment sites like TES and Indeed for LSA roles. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your qualifications, experience, and passion for supporting children’s learning.

Prepare for Interviews

Get ready for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios.

Interviews for LSA roles often include questions about safeguarding, supporting children with special needs, and how you would handle certain classroom situations. You may also be asked to complete a short task or observation in a classroom. Practise your answers and read up on current issues in education.

🎯 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) often works closely with children who have special educational needs, providing tailored support in the classroom to help them access the curriculum. This role is most similar to a SEN teaching assistant, as both focus on assisting individuals with specific learning requirements to ensure their educational needs are met effectively.

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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