When people think about working in a school, they often assume you need a degree for teaching assistant, a formal university qualification typically required for classroom teaching roles. But here’s the truth: teaching assistant isn’t a graduate role—it’s a hands-on job where experience, patience, and practical skills matter more than a piece of paper.
Most schools in the UK hire teaching assistants based on their ability to support children, not their academic credentials. You’ll find plenty of assistants who started with no qualifications at all and built their careers through on-the-job training. What matters most is whether you can help a child understand a math problem, calm a nervous student, or follow a teacher’s lesson plan. That’s why NVQ, a work-based qualification that proves you can do the job, not just talk about it is the real gateway. NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning is what employers actually look for. It’s not about exams—it’s about showing you can do the work, day after day.
Some people worry they’re too old, too inexperienced, or not academic enough. But teaching assistant roles are filled by people from all walks of life—parents returning to work, career changers, retirees, and young adults looking for meaningful work. You don’t need to be a genius. You just need to care, show up, and learn as you go. Many training providers offer part-time, flexible NVQ courses you can complete while working in a school. And if you’re unsure where to start, look for roles advertised as "teaching assistant trainee"—those are designed for people with no background.
What you won’t find in job ads is a demand for a bachelor’s degree. What you will find is a need for people who can manage behavior, assist with reading, help with special needs, and work as part of a team. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to get an NVQ without quitting your job, to what real teaching assistants actually do all day, and why so many people choose this path without ever stepping into a university lecture hall. You don’t need a degree. You need the right training—and the right mindset.
7 Dec 2025
You don't need a degree to be a teaching assistant in New York - just pass the state exam or have 60 college credits. Learn the real requirements, how to prepare, and how to grow your career from assistant to teacher.
