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Teaching Assistant — CV Example

A template for teaching assistants who support learning and help every child thrive.

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What Does a Teaching Assistant Actually Do?

Teaching assistants work alongside classroom teachers to support student learning — helping individuals or small groups, preparing resources, and assisting with behaviour management. In special educational needs (SEN) settings, you might be assigned to a specific child with an EHCP, providing one-to-one support throughout the day. Most TAs work in primary or secondary schools and report directly to the class teacher or SENCO. A typical week involves everything from running phonics groups to supervising lunch and attending planning meetings.

Emma Richards
Teaching Assistant
📍 Brighton, UK✉️ emma.richards@email.com
Summary

Dedicated Teaching Assistant with 4 years of experience supporting KS1 and KS2 pupils in mainstream primary schools. DBS enhanced checked with expertise in SEN support, phonics intervention, and classroom management.

Work Experience
Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Balfour Primary SchoolSep 2022 — Present
  • Support class teacher in Year 4 class of 30 pupils including 5 with Education Health and Care Plans
  • Deliver daily phonics and reading intervention sessions for 12 pupils achieving average 2 sub-level progress
Teaching Assistant at St Mary Magdalen PrimarySep 2020 — Aug 2022
  • Supported 28-pupil Reception class with phonics, numeracy, and social skills development
  • Prepared classroom resources and displays aligned with termly curriculum planning
Skills
SEN SupportPhonics InterventionBehaviour ManagementDBS EnhancedFirst Aid (Paediatric)Safeguarding Level 2

What Recruiters Look For

Teaching Assistant CVs must show your ability to support pupils, particularly those with SEN. Recruiters want to see the age groups and key stages you have worked with, any intervention programmes you deliver, and evidence of pupil progress.

Key Skills to Include

SEN support, phonics intervention, behaviour management, safeguarding, first aid (paediatric), differentiated learning, classroom resource preparation, and educational technology.

Common Mistakes

Not specifying the key stage or age group you work with. KS1 and KS4 require completely different skills. Be clear about your experience and any specialist training.

Formatting Tips

One page. Include your DBS status and safeguarding training prominently. Highlight any specialist qualifications like HLTA status or specific intervention programme training.

Average Salary — Teaching Assistant

United States
$28,000 – $42,000
United Kingdom
$20,000 – $28,000
Germany
$24,000 – $36,000
UAE / Dubai
$22,000 – $38,000
Canada
$30,000 – $44,000
Australia
$38,000 – $52,000

Figures in USD. Ranges reflect mid-level experience (3–7 years). Senior roles and major metro areas typically sit at the top of these bands.

Top 5 Interview Questions — Teaching Assistant

1How would you support a child who is struggling with reading in a mixed-ability class?
Describe a differentiated approach — phonics intervention, paired reading, using visual aids. Mention any specific programmes you've used like Read Write Inc or Lexia.
2Tell me about a time you worked closely with a teacher to plan or adapt a lesson.
Show collaboration, not just task completion. Talk about what you brought to the planning conversation and how the adapted lesson went.
3How do you handle a student who is being disruptive in class?
Focus on low-level, non-confrontational interventions first — proximity, redirection, non-verbal cues. Show you understand the school's behaviour policy and when to escalate to the teacher.
4What experience do you have supporting children with SEND?
Be specific about conditions you've worked with — autism, ADHD, dyslexia, EAL. Mention any training like Makaton, Team Teach, or autism awareness qualifications.
5Why do you want to work as a teaching assistant rather than become a teacher?
Be genuine. Many TAs love the direct one-to-one work without the administrative burden. That's a valid answer — own it rather than framing it as a stepping stone if it isn't.

How to Tailor Your CV

Local authority schools, academy trusts like Ark Schools and Harris Federation, and independent schools all hire TAs. Academy trusts at scale look for TAs with CACHE Level 3 or equivalent qualifications and experience with their specific curriculum approaches. SEN-specialist schools and units prioritise relevant disability-specific training above almost everything else. For independent schools, a degree or A-levels in a relevant subject can strengthen your application considerably.

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