Across England, schools are facing a growing challenge: recruiting enough capable teaching assistants (TAs) and ensuring that those already in post can work independently in the classroom. As pressures on budgets continue and pupil needs become more complex, the demand for confident, skilled support staff has never been higher.
Teaching assistants are the backbone of many classrooms. They help deliver lessons, support pupils with additional needs and maintain continuity when teachers are stretched. But when TAs lack training or confidence, their reliance on teacher input increases, having a direct impact on lesson quality and staff workload. At a time when schools are expected to do more with less, this is a difficult balance to strike.
The scale of the challenge
Recent reports highlight how widespread TA shortages have become. According to Schools Week, three in four headteachers say they are struggling to recruit TAs, with secondary and special schools most affected. Research from RISE Education Magazine found that one in five TA roles in local authority-maintained schools remain unfilled.
This growing gap is forcing many schools to rely on short-term solutions, including agency staff or internal cover. While these measures plug immediate gaps, they often come at a higher financial cost and reduce consistency for students. In some cases, TAs are being asked to cover lessons outright, something that 81% of TAs report has a negative impact on support for pupils with additional learning needs.
When this happens, teachers often take on extra responsibilities to manage workload across their team. Planning, assessment and classroom management become more complex when teaching assistants are unable to operate independently. Ultimately, this affects lesson quality and, over time, school performance.
The financial problem
School leaders are well aware of the link between staff quality, teaching outcomes and reputation. High-quality support staff free teachers to focus on planning and teaching, leading to better pupil progress and more consistent provision. Yet investment in staff development is often the first casualty of squeezed budgets.
A 2024 survey by the National Education Union found that 71% of schools had made cuts to training and professional development budgets in the previous year. Many leaders recognise the need to upskill their TAs, but struggle to identify funding that doesn’t impact other priorities.
At the same time, evidence continues to show that schools with higher-qualified support staff see measurable benefits. The Guardian reported in 2024 that schools with more qualified TAs achieve improved pupil outcomes, better lesson coverage and higher Ofsted ratings. These improvements also strengthen a school’s reputation, which, in turn, influences pupil numbers and future funding.
Apprenticeships: a practical, cost-effective solution
Apprenticeships provide a powerful way to resolve this challenge. They offer schools a structured, cost-effective training route for new and existing TAs, one that builds competence, confidence and independence in the classroom.
Through a TA apprenticeship, staff gain a deeper understanding of how to support students effectively, manage classroom dynamics and apply learning strategies tailored to different needs. The result is a workforce capable of contributing more independently to the classroom environment.
Key benefits of apprenticeships include:
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Practical, relevant training: Apprenticeships combine theory with on-the-job learning, ensuring that training directly reflects the realities of your school environment.
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Independent, confident TAs: Trained staff understand how to support pupils without constant teacher oversight, freeing up valuable teaching time.
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Improved consistency: Apprenticeship programmes embed best practice, so support is consistent across year groups and key stages.
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Career progression and retention: Offering training demonstrates that your school values professional development, which helps attract and retain great people.
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Funding support: For most schools, the cost of apprenticeship training can be fully funded through apprenticeship levy contributions. For smaller and independent schools (depending on their wage bill), apprentices aged from 16- 21 are fully funded by the government; for older learners, up to 95% of training costs can be covered through government funding.
Total People’s employer survey in the childcare and education sector found that 92% of employers said that the content their apprentices learnt was up-to-date, while 91% noted that the training objectives and content meet their business’ needs. These figures illustrate that investment in apprenticeships delivers tangible improvements in staff capability.
Total People also offer both ‘Level 3 Teaching Assistant’ and Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeships, providing qualifications for those who are new to their craft as well as those with experience who wish to hone their skills.
Beyond cost savings — the wider return on investment
While funding is a crucial factor, the true return on investment comes from the impact on teaching quality and school reputation. Better-trained TAs help to reduce teacher workload, improve student outcomes and create a more stable classroom environment.
Consider the chain reaction:
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Higher-quality teaching support improves lesson delivery and pupil progress.
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Improved learning outcomes enhance the school’s reputation with parents and inspectors.
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A stronger reputation boosts pupil numbers and funding stability.
In this way, the benefits of apprenticeships extend far beyond the immediate budget. They form part of a long-term staffing strategy that builds resilience, strengthens provision and supports whole-school improvement.
Building for the future
With approximately 288,800 full-time equivalent TAs working in schools across England, their role is vital in maintaining quality education. Yet as pupil needs evolve, particularly around SEND and one-to-one support, the expectations of what TAs can deliver are increasing. Schools must therefore ensure their support staff are present and prepared.
Apprenticeships provide that preparation. They transform capable but unqualified staff into confident, skilled professionals who can take ownership of classroom responsibilities. And by using government-backed funding, schools can achieve this development without significant financial strain.
Apprenticeships are more than a recruitment tool: they are a sustainable solution to one of education’s most persistent challenges. By investing in structured, funded training, schools can strengthen teaching support, reduce teacher workload and improve outcomes for students, all while protecting their budgets.
For headteachers, school business managers and senior leaders facing constant staffing and financial pressures, apprenticeships offer a rare win-win: higher standards, stronger teams and better value for money.
Why choose Total People?
Total People has extensive experience working with schools and multi-academy trusts to deliver apprenticeship programmes that meet the unique needs of education settings. Our team understands the balance between maintaining classroom support and delivering high-quality training, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum impact.
With flexible delivery options and a focus on practical outcomes, our apprenticeship programmes are designed to help schools achieve outstanding teaching standards through confident, qualified support staff.
Total People can also help finding new talent. Our Recruit Connect service provides tailored support from start to finish: analysing skills gaps, recommending funding and training options, helping with recruitment and guiding schools through onboarding and ongoing development.
If you’re considering how apprenticeships could support your school’s teaching assistant workforce, get in touch with Total People to discuss your options.
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