Career guides / Careers in education

88 employers, including local authorities and central government, have education vacancies in the UK.

Types of education roles in the UK

Education jobs are broad and varied. Staff are required from many professions to manage the day-to-day running of schools and educational institutions. Common job titles advertised on Jobs Go Public include:

• Teaching Assistant (TA)/Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
• Subject Teacher
• Headteacher
• Head of Department/Subject Lead
• SEND/Inclusion Management and Coordination
• Exam Invigilator
• Cover Supervisor
• Administration/Office Support
• Educational Psychologist
• Pastoral Support
• School Business Manager
• Midday Supervisor
• Education Welfare Officer
• Careers Advisor

Salary overview for education jobs in the UK

Salaries vary depending on the role, experience level, employer, and location.

Typical average salary ranges in 2026:

• Entry level: £21,442 - £23,102 per year
• Mid-level: £30,630 - £33,275 per year
• Senior roles: £61,534 - £67,898 per year

FAQs about careers in education

How do I get a job in education?

Entry routes vary by role. Teaching positions require Qualified Teacher Status through PGCE or School Direct. You can visit Get Into Teaching for guidance. Teaching assistant positions typically need Level 2-3 qualifications, obtainable through college courses or training providers.

School operations and administrative roles value transferable skills from business administration, facilities management, finance, or HR backgrounds. Cover supervisors and exam invigilators offer alternative entry points.
All roles require enhanced DBS checks. When applying, emphasise any experience with children or young people and demonstrate safeguarding awareness.

What qualifications do I need to work in education?

Qualifications in education vary significantly by role. Teachers generally require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via university-led or school-based training. Teaching Assistants (TAs) typically look for Level 2/3 qualifications, whereas HLTAs require Level 4. Many support, operational, and administrative roles prioritise professional experience over formal education credentials.

Crucially, all school staff must complete a DBS check. Depending on the position, you may also need safeguarding or first-aid certification. Always review specific job listings, as requirements depend heavily on the school and the nature of the role.

What are the highest-paying education jobs?

The highest salaries go to senior leadership and specialist roles. Headteachers typically earn £65,000-£74,000 on average, with executive headteachers in large secondary schools or multi-academy trusts reaching £100,000-£138,000.

Beyond school leadership, directors of education services command £87,000-£99,000. Educational psychologists average £47,000-£58,000, with senior roles reaching £77,000. School business managers earn £37,000-£40,000, whilst SENCOs average £35,000-£47,000.

Salaries vary by location, with London weighting adding substantial premiums. Most senior roles require extensive experience. Teaching leadership needs QTS plus classroom years, whilst business management requires relevant professional qualifications.

Are there non-teaching jobs in education?

Yes, education offers diverse careers beyond teaching. Teaching assistants support classroom learning without requiring qualified teacher status, whilst learning support assistants specialise in SEND provision. Operational roles include school business managers overseeing finances and facilities, operations managers, and premises staff.
Administrative positions range from admissions officers to finance assistants and HR coordinators. Schools also employ educational psychologists, SENCOs, safeguarding leads, and attendance officers. Many roles offer term-time working and part-time flexibility, making them attractive for career changers seeking work-life balance.

What is the most in-demand skill in education?

Communication skills rank as the most valuable competency across education roles—whether supporting pupils as a teaching assistant, managing staff as a school business manager, or liaising with parents as an administrator. This encompasses clear verbal and written communication plus active listening.

Safeguarding awareness is mandatory across all positions, demonstrating commitment to pupil welfare. Behaviour management skills are highly valued for classroom roles, whilst adaptability and patience prove crucial when working with diverse pupil needs. Digital literacy is increasingly important across all education positions.

What is the best job to have in education?

The "best" education job depends on your priorities. For work-life balance, teaching assistant roles offer term-time contracts with school holiday breaks, typically 38-39 weeks annually. For earning potential, headteachers and educational psychologists command salaries from £60,000-£138,000. Entry-level seekers find exam invigilators or lunchtime supervisors accessible starting points.

School business managers combine competitive salaries (£37,000-£50,000) with strategic responsibilities without classroom pressures. Those seeking purpose-driven work value SENCO positions, directly impacting vulnerable pupils' educational experiences.

Consider what matters most—flexibility, income, responsibility level, or mission—then explore roles matching those priorities.

What jobs can you get with an education degree?

An education degree opens diverse paths within and beyond classroom teaching. With Qualified Teacher Status, you can pursue primary, secondary, or further education teaching. Without QTS, work as a teaching assistant, cover supervisor, or learning mentor whilst gaining experience.

Beyond schools, education graduates find roles in education policy development, training and development, educational technology, and instructional design. Some transition into educational psychology (requiring doctoral study), school business management, or consultancy.

Many graduates initially work as teaching assistants to gain schools experience before deciding their longer-term career direction.

What is SEND in education?

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, referring to pupils requiring additional learning support. This encompasses specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia), autism spectrum conditions, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and social-emotional needs.

Every school employs a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), coordinating support and liaising with specialists. Teaching assistants often specialise in SEND support, implementing tailored learning strategies.

Understanding SEND is valuable across all education roles—teachers differentiate lessons whilst operations staff ensure accessibility. The SEND sector offers rewarding careers for those passionate about inclusive education.