Teaching Assistant CV & Cover Letter Examples (Free Templates)
Teaching Assistant CV & Cover Letter Examples (Free Templates)
Created:Updated: 03-September-2025
Writing a strong Teaching Assistant (TA) application is simpler than it seems. Below you’ll find an ATS‑friendly CV layout, example bullets you can copy, and two complete cover‑letter examples (Primary and SEN). Everything is tailored to school roles in England and aligns with what heads and HR teams actually scan for.
What recruiters expect in a TA CV (quick checklist)
- Length: 1 page is ideal (2 pages if you have 8–10+ years).
- Personal statement (4–6 lines): who you are, key strengths, years/setting, and the impact you bring.
- Key skills: phonics groups, behaviour routines, small‑group interventions, EHCP support, safeguarding, SEND, EAL, assessment notes.
- Experience bullets with outcomes: use action + context + result (e.g., “delivered daily phonics to 6 pupils → +1.5 reading ages in 12 weeks”).
- Training & qualifications: e.g., Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning (Award/Certificate/Diploma), Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate for Early Years/children’s workforce, safeguarding refreshers, first aid, Team‑Teach (if trained).
- DBS: state “Enhanced DBS on Update Service” (no certificate numbers). DBS checks are arranged by schools/umbrella bodies; Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks.
- Clean presentation: no headshot, clear headings, consistent dates (MM/YYYY), PDF export unless advert says Word.
ATS keywords to include (if true for you)
- Safeguarding, KCSIE, CPOMS
- EYFS, phonics (RWI/Jolly Phonics), reading interventions
- EHCP, IEP, reasonable adjustments, differentiated resources
- SEND: autism (ASC), ADHD, dyslexia, speech & language, SEMH
- 1:1 support, small‑group interventions, precision teaching
- De‑escalation, behaviour scripts, restorative approaches
- EAL support, visuals/now‑next, social stories, Makaton/PECS (if trained)
Entry‑level TA CV — example (no paid experience)
Use this if you’re changing career or returning to work. Swap the examples to match your placement/volunteering.
NAME SURNAME — City, Postcode • email@address • 07xxx xxxxxx • LinkedIn (optional)
Personal Statement
Trainee Teaching Assistant with Level 3 STL Award (knowledge‑only) and recent primary school placement. Confident supporting phonics and early maths groups, following behaviour routines, and keeping clear notes for teachers and the DSL. Known for calm, friendly communication with pupils and parents.
Key Skills
Safeguarding (KCSIE) • Phonics groups (RWI) • Reading records • Visual supports (now/next) • SEND awareness • EHCP targets • Playground/lunchtime supervision • Basic first aid
School Experience
Volunteer TA, Greenfields Primary (2 days/week, Jan–Jun 2025)
• Supported Year 1 phonics for 6 pupils; average decoding score up by one phase after 10 weeks.
• Created differentiated task boards for 3 learners with EHCPs; improved on‑task time during carpet sessions.
• Logged concerns on CPOMS under class teacher guidance; followed safeguarding flowchart.
Training & Qualifications
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning (Study from Home) — 2025
Safeguarding refresher (KCSIE) — 2025 • Paediatric First Aid — 2024
Early Years/children’s workforce option: Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate
Additional
Enhanced DBS on Update Service • UK driving licence • References available on request
Experienced TA CV — example
NAME SURNAME — Teaching Assistant (KS1–KS2)
Personal Statement
TA with 4+ years’ experience in mainstream primary and targeted SEND support. Delivers evidence‑based reading and maths interventions, supports EHCP outcomes, and contributes calm, consistent behaviour practice.
Highlights
• Led daily phonics for 8 pupils → 83% met Year 1 Phonics Check (vs. 62% baseline).
• Introduced visuals/now‑next across 3 classrooms → reduced transition disruptions.
• Supported 1:1 ASC pupil using sensory breaks & social stories → improved engagement from 40% to 75%.
Experience
Teaching Assistant, Oakwood Primary (Sep 2021–Present)
• Plan and deliver small‑group interventions (phonics, precision teaching).
• Maintain reading records and contribute to pupil progress notes for EHCP reviews.
• Cover break/lunch duties; uphold safeguarding and behaviour policies.
Training & Qualifications
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning — 2023 • Team‑Teach trained — 2024 • First Aid — 2024
Key Skills
Safeguarding (KCSIE) • CPOMS • EHCP/IEP targets • Phonics (RWI) • EAL strategies • De‑escalation • Autism support • Visuals/social stories • Assessment notes
Power bullets you can copy (SEN & mainstream)
- Delivered 3x weekly reading intervention for 6 pupils; average reading age +1.2 years over one term.
- Used now/next boards and sensory breaks with 1:1 ASC learner; on‑task time improved from ~40% to ~70%.
- Created differentiated maths tasks for mixed‑ability group; 5/7 pupils met term targets.
- Logged low‑level concerns accurately on CPOMS; flagged and escalated to DSL as per policy.
- Supported Year 2 SATs practice; pupils’ confidence and completion rates improved in timed tasks.
- Implemented restorative conversations after playground incidents; reduced repeat incidents across the term.
How to structure your TA cover letter
- Opening: the role you’re applying for + 1‑line value proposition linked to the advert.
- Middle paragraph(s): 2–3 proof points with outcomes (data or concrete results).
- Fit: tailor to phase (EYFS/KS1/KS2/secondary/SEN) and reference the school’s priorities.
- Close: availability for interview; thank them.
Cover letter example — Primary TA
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m applying for the Teaching Assistant position at Meadow View Primary. With two years’ experience in KS1 and recent phonics intervention results (83% of my group met the Year 1 Phonics Check), I bring calm, consistent support that helps pupils make measurable progress.
In my current role at Oakwood Primary, I plan and deliver daily small‑group phonics and reading, keep clear records, and liaise with class teachers on next steps. I also support behaviour routines and use visuals/now‑next to ease transitions. For a 1:1 learner with ASC, adding short sensory breaks and social stories increased engaged learning time from 40% to 75% across the term.
I hold the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning, an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, and regular safeguarding refreshers. I enjoy positive relationships with pupils and parents and I’m happy to support clubs and trips.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your pupils this year. Thank you for your time.
Yours faithfully,
Name Surname
Cover letter example — SEN TA
Dear SENCO and Hiring Panel,
I’m applying for the SEN Teaching Assistant role at Bridgefield School. Over the last three years I have supported pupils with ASC, ADHD and speech & language needs, using visuals, social stories and structured breaks to reduce anxiety and sustain engagement.
Working closely with the SENCO, I track progress against EHCP targets and share short weekly notes to inform provision. Last term, a pupil I supported moved from 3 to 20 minutes of sustained independent work after we introduced a simple now/next board and a 5‑minute sensory break. I’m Team‑Teach trained and confident following behaviour plans and de‑escalation scripts.
I hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service and recent safeguarding training. I would value the opportunity to contribute to your inclusive ethos and help pupils achieve their next steps.
Kind regards,
Name Surname
Useful Guides & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a TA CV be?
One page is best for most applicants; two pages is fine if you have extensive, relevant experience. Keep every bullet outcome‑focused.
Should I include DBS details?
Yes—state “Enhanced DBS on Update Service” (no certificate numbers). DBS checks are typically arranged by schools/umbrella bodies; Study from Home does not apply for DBS checks.
I have no TA experience—what do I put?
Use placements/volunteering, highlight measurable achievements from interventions, and include relevant study such as Level 3 STL (Award/Certificate/Diploma) or the Early Years option: Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 2 Certificate.
PDF or Word?
PDF is safest for layout unless the advert requests Word. Use a clear file name (e.g., “Firstname‑Surname‑TA‑CV.pdf”).
Do I need references on the CV?
Include “References available on request” or list one school/placement referee if invited to do so by the advert/application form.