Educational support assistants Salary
Median salary £17,086 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £17,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For educational support assistants, £21,448 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -45% versus the national average. Experienced educational support assistants (top 25%) earn over £20,769.
About this role
Educational support assistants provide specialist support for pupils with special educational needs, disabilities, behavioural challenges or English as an additional language. They implement individual support plans and help pupils access the curriculum.
Key responsibilities
- Supporting pupils with SEND to access learning
- Implementing individual education plans (IEPs) and EHCP objectives
- Providing personal care support where needed
- Adapting resources and activities for accessibility
- Recording and reporting on pupil progress and behaviour
Qualifications and entry routes
Level 2/3 qualifications in supporting teaching and learning, plus specialist SEND training. First aid certification, Team Teach (behaviour management) and specific condition training may be required. DBS check mandatory.
Career outlook
Growing demand driven by increasing SEND identification and EHCP numbers. Specialist skills in autism, SEMH and complex needs are particularly valued.
Key skills
Common industries
- Special schools
- Mainstream schools (SEND support)
- Pupil referral units
- Hospital schools
- Further education SEND provision
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£8,024
0-2 years
Mid Level
£12,883
3-7 years
Senior
£20,769
8-15 years
Leadership
£25,457
15+ years
Potential career growth: ▲ +217% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 8.0%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£4,362
Educational support assistants salary: common questions
How much do educational support assistants earn in the UK?
Is £21,448 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for educational support assistants?
How much do the highest-paid educational support assistants earn?
Have educational support assistants salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for educational support assistants?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).