How to Go from Teaching Assistant to Teacher

Already working as a Teaching Assistant and wondering what your next step could be?

If you love working with pupils and you’re ready to progress your career in education, becoming a qualified teacher could be easier than you think.

Apply now for the September 2027 cohort!

Can a teaching assistant become a teacher?

Yes, a teaching assistant can become a teacher, and it can be an excellent starting point for a teaching career.

Although being a TA doesn’t automatically qualify you to become a teacher, you may already have the experience of:

Supporting pupils with their learning
Working 1-2-1 and with small groups
Supporting and encouraging positive behaviour
Working alongside teachers and other educational professionals
Building relationships
Understanding routines and expectations of school life

Teacher training allows you to build on this experience, develop your knowledge and gradually take greater responsibility for teaching and learning.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher?

Being a TA is a great foundation, but you will need to meet the entry requirements for a teacher training programme before you can be enrolled.

We will require you to have a minimum of a 4/C in GCSE English, Maths and Science, as well as a degree of 2:2 or higher.

Don’t immediately rule yourself out if you’re unsure whether your qualifications meet the requirements. Equivalency options are available for certain qualifications, and it’s always worth reaching out to our team to discuss your individual circumstances.

Explore our teacher training requirements

Why your experience matters

When you work in a school every day, it’s easy to overlook just how much experience you’re gaining.

You will already understand that every pupil is different and that working in education requires patience, adaptability, organisation and strong relationships. Most importantly, you already know what it feels like to make a difference in the lives of pupils.

Becoming a teacher allows you to build on that experience and play an even greater role in their learning and development.

Teaching assistant helping child with school work

How do I go from TA to Teacher?

Moving from TA to teacher can feel like a big step, but breaking down the process makes it much more manageable.

Check your qualifications

We’ve already mentioned qualifications, but your first step should be to check that you meet the entry requirements.

Gather details of your GCSEs, degree and any other equivalent or international qualifications you hold. If there is something you’re missing, find out what options are available before assuming that you can’t apply.

Please note, we will need to see your actual certificates. If you are missing any certificates, you will need to re-order them through a Subject Access Request to the exam board.

Apply to Learn with FA1
Once you’ve gathered your qualifications, or you’ve spoken to our team about your current circumstances, it’s time to take the next step.

Your experience as a Teaching Assistant is an important part of your story, so use your application to show us why you want to become a teacher and what you’ve learned from working in the classroom.

You don’t need to have the experience of a teacher. We’re looking for your potential to become one.
Begin your school-based teacher training
Once you’re enrolled on the course, you will begin building on the classroom experience you already have.

As your knowledge, confidence and experience grow, you’ll gradually take on greater responsibility and develop the skills needed to lead learning in your own classroom.
Take your next step into teaching

Successfully completing your training and obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will prepare you to take the next step from support staff to beginning your career as a qualified teacher.

You’ll then continue to develop as an Early Career Teacher and continue to learn throughout the early stages of your teaching career and beyond.

Can I train at the school I already work in?

Yes! If you’re already working in a school, you can complete your teacher training there, so long as the school is happy to host you.

This can make the transition from TA to trainee teacher feel much more familiar since you already know the school and understand its routines.

During the programme, you’ll also gain experience in a contrasting school setting, helping you to broaden your experience and develop as a confident, adaptable teacher.

If your school is interested in supporting you through your teacher training journey, speak to us about training to teach with Forward as One.

Will I need to leave my role as a TA?

Full-time teacher training

If you choose the full-time route, you will need to step away from your existing TA role while you complete your training.

Your week will be dedicated to developing as a trainee teacher, combining classroom experience with professional studies and training.

Part-time teacher training

If you choose to train part-time, it may be possible to continue working as a TA alongside your training.

However, when completing your teacher training hours, you’ll need to be placed as a trainee teacher, rather than working in your usual TA role. This will likely mean being placed in a different class.

This arrangement will also depend on whether your school is able and happy to support you in balancing your TA role with the requirements of the training programme.

Why train with Forward as One?

At Forward as One, we recognise the valuable experience that people already working in education can bring to teacher training.

Our school-based teacher training programme allows you to build on your existing experience while developing the knowledge and confidence you need to become a teacher.

You’ll learn within real school environments and receive support from experienced education professionals as you progress through the course.

Ready to go from TA to Teacher?

If you’re ready to build on your classroom experience and take the next step in your career, teacher training could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

You already know the difference that great education can make; now it’s time to put it into practice!

Apply today!

Need some more guidance? Complete our short form below and our team will get back to you!