How to Write a Primary School Teaching Assistant CV (With Examples)
Also known as: Primary school TA, Teaching assistant, LSA (Learning Support Assistant), Classroom assistant, Key stage 1 teaching assistant, Key stage 2 teaching assistant, Primary education assistant
A primary school teaching assistant (TA) occupies a unique space in the classroom. You are the bridge between the teacher's lesson plan and the student's comprehension. By providing targeted support to children who need extra attention and managing the physical and organisational needs of the classroom, you ensure that every student has a chance to succeed. This guide focuses on creating a primary school teaching assistant CV that highlights your classroom management skills and your ability to foster an inclusive learning environment.
To move your application to the top of the pile, your primary school teaching assistant CV needs to show more than just a list of duties. It should demonstrate your impact on student development and your ability to work harmoniously within a teaching team. Whether you are assisting with literacy groups or managing behaviour during break time, your CV must reflect your commitment to primary education.
What does a Primary School Teaching Assistant do?
Primary school teaching assistants work under the guidance of a lead teacher to facilitate the daily operations of a classroom. Their primary goal is to help students navigate the curriculum, particularly those who struggle with specific subjects or have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They often lead small group activities or work one-on-one with students to reinforce reading, writing, and numeracy concepts.
Beyond academics, TAs play a major role in classroom logistics and student safety. They prepare lesson materials such as worksheets and art supplies, maintain organisation, and supervise students during non-classroom times like lunch and break. By observing student behaviour and tracking progress, they provide valuable insights that help the lead teacher adjust instructional strategies for better outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Assisting lead teachers in the delivery of lesson plans across various subjects.
- ➜ Providing one-on-one support to students with EHCPs or specific learning needs.
- ➜ Leading small literacy and numeracy intervention groups.
- ➜ Preparing and organising classroom materials, displays, and equipment.
- ➜ Monitoring and managing student behaviour in line with school policies.
- ➜ Supervising students during playground activities and school trips.
- ➜ Performing administrative tasks such as marking objective tests and taking the register.
- ➜ Communicating student progress and concerns to the lead teacher.
Drafting an Effective Teaching Assistant CV
Your CV should present a clear narrative of your educational experience and your passion for child development. Focus on tangible ways you have supported student growth and classroom efficiency.
01 CV Structure
A standard layout includes a professional header, a personal profile, a dedicated work experience section, a list of core skills, and your educational background. Given the nature of education, any specific certifications (such as First Aid or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning) should be highly visible.
02 Professional Summary
The personal profile should be a concise pitch that highlights your years of experience, your speciality (such as EYFS literacy or behavioural support), and a specific achievement that proves your value to a school.
Example Summary
Dedicated Primary School Teaching Assistant with over 8 years of experience supporting diverse learners in KS1 and KS2 settings. Proven track record in implementing literacy interventions that improved student reading scores by 25% on average. Level 3 qualified with a deep commitment to creating inclusive, high-engagement classroom environments for all pupils.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Facilitated a targeted numeracy intervention programme for 15 Year 3 students, resulting in a 30% increase in assessment scores within one academic year.
- ➜ Developed a new classroom organisation and supply-tracking system that reduced material waste by 15% and saved the lead teacher 5 hours per week in prep time.
- ➜ Managed a classroom of 30 students independently during short-term lead teacher absences, maintaining a 100% adherence rate to the scheduled curriculum.
- ➜ Implemented a positive behaviour reinforcement system that reduced classroom disruptions by 40% over six months.
Experience Guidelines
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each role, use bullet points that focus on the 'how' and the 'result.' Instead of saying you 'helped students,' explain the specific techniques you used and the progress the students made.
Education Guidelines
Include your highest qualification first. If you have a degree in Education or a Level 3 Teaching Assistant diploma, it should be prominently featured. Don't forget to list your placement or internship hours if you are early in your career.
Key Skills for a Teaching Assistant
The best TAs combine patience and empathy with strong organisational and instructional abilities.
Instructional Support
Classroom Management
Technical & Admin
Primary School Teaching Assistant CV Example
The following example showcases an experienced professional who has progressed from a general assistant to a lead instructional support role.
Notes for adapting this example:
Notice how the candidate uses data to back up their claims about student progress and classroom efficiency. Adapt these points by looking at your own performance reviews or student data trackers.
Tips for Customising Your CV
Incorporate keywords from the specific job description, such as 'SEND support' or 'EAL assistance'.
Highlight any experience with specific educational software or hardware like tablets and educational apps.
Include volunteer work if it involves children, such as coaching youth football or scouting.
Be specific about the Key Stages you have worked with (e.g., KS1 vs. KS2) as the developmental needs differ significantly.
Quantify your experience by mentioning class sizes and the number of students you supported individually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a generic personal profile that doesn't mention specific student outcomes or subject expertise.
Failing to mention experience with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Listing only administrative tasks like 'photocopying' instead of instructional contributions.
Omitting specific classroom management techniques or certifications like Safeguarding and First Aid.
Neglecting to mention collaboration skills, as TAs must work closely with teachers, parents, and specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a primary school teaching assistant in the UK?
The typical salary for this role ranges from £18,000 to £26,000 yearly, often pro-rata for term-time roles. Factors such as whether the school is in London and your level of qualification (Level 2 vs Level 3) can lead to variations. (Source: Estimated market data)
Should I include my grades on a teaching assistant CV?
If you are a recent graduate or school leaver, including your GCSEs (especially English and Maths) and A-Levels is essential. For experienced candidates, your professional qualifications like a Level 3 Diploma carry much more weight.
Is it important to list specific software like Google Classroom?
Yes, many modern primary schools rely heavily on educational technology. Listing proficiency in platforms like Google Classroom, SeeSaw, or Tapestry shows you can hit the ground running without technical training.
Vitae.
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Build my CVLast updated: 12/21/2025