In UK schools, the most common job title is Teaching Assistant (TA). You’ll also see titles like Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Classroom Assistant, or Education/ Educational Assistant in some adverts. They all describe roles that support pupils’ learning, behaviour and inclusion — with differences mainly in setting, focus and responsibility.

At a glance: Educational Assistant vs Teaching Assistant (UK)

• Educational Assistant — broader label used in some adverts and non-school settings; may include admin/support across programmes.
• Teaching Assistant — most common school role title (primary & secondary), focused on classroom and pupil support.
• Other titles — LSA, SEN TA, Classroom Assistant, Education Support Assistant; in some regions you’ll see Pupil Support Assistant.

What is an Educational Assistant?

An Educational Assistant supports learners and educators across a range of settings — schools, alternative provision, training centres or colleges. Duties can blend pupil support (e.g., small-group literacy, access arrangements) with programme support (resources, admin, pastoral).

What is a Teaching Assistant?

A Teaching Assistant (TA) works alongside the class teacher to help pupils make progress, keep routines calm and inclusive, and deliver targeted interventions (phonics/reading, maths, handwriting). See What does a TA do? for a full breakdown.

Common titles you’ll see

• TA / Teaching Assistant — general classroom and small-group support.
• LSA / Learning Support Assistant — often supports specific pupils or small groups.
• SEN TA / SEND TA — supports learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Classroom Assistant / Education Support Assistant — similar to TA; wording varies by employer.
• HLTA — Higher Level Teaching Assistant; greater responsibility and sometimes class cover.

Decode the differences here: TA Job Titles Decoded.

Which title should you use on your CV?

• Mirror the wording in the advert (helps with keyword screening/ATS).
• If your experience spans multiple titles, use the most recognised one for your region — e.g. Teaching Assistant — and list variants in brackets (e.g., “Teaching Assistant (Learning Support Assistant)”).

Qualifications that employers recognise

For school roles, employers typically look for RQF-listed, Ofqual-regulated qualifications such as NCFE CACHE Supporting Teaching & Learning at Level 2 or Level 3 (Award/Certificate/Diploma).

• Compare levels: TA Levels Explained: Level 2 vs Level 3 vs HLTA
• Do you need a placement? Do I Need a Placement?
• Recognition basics: RQF, NCFE CACHE & Ofqual — Why They Matter

Educational Assistant vs Teaching Assistant — comparison

Routes and next steps

• Pick a starting level and confirm placement needs (see links above).
• If aiming for SEND or Early Years, read What Does an SEN Teaching Assistant Do? and Early Years vs School-Age Support.
• Get application-ready with TA CV & Cover Letter examples and Interview Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Educational Assistant” the same as “Teaching Assistant” in the UK?

Often, yes — adverts sometimes use both to describe very similar roles. The safest universal term for schools is Teaching Assistant.

Which title should I use when searching for jobs?

Search broadly: “teaching assistant”, “learning support assistant”, “classroom assistant”, “education support assistant”, and “SEN teaching assistant”.

What qualifications should I take?

Choose an RQF/Ofqual-recognised TA qualification such as NCFE CACHE Supporting Teaching & Learning at Level 2 or Level 3. Start here: TA Levels Explained.

Do I need a placement?

Awards are usually knowledge-only (no placement). Certificates/Diplomas typically require in-school evidence. See Do I Need a Placement?.

Can I move into SEN or HLTA later?

Yes. Build experience with a Level 3 Certificate/Diploma, then explore SEN TA roles and progression to HLTA.