Thinking about a career in education? You're not alone! Working in schools offers a unique chance to inspire and empower young lives, but teaching isn’t the only option available. From Teaching Assistants to Cover Supervisors, there are numerous roles within schools, each catering to different skills and interests. The real challenge? Finding the perfect fit for you.

This guide will walk you through various school job roles in the UK, helping you match your strengths, career goals, and passion with the role that suits you best. Whether you’re starting fresh, changing careers, or exploring opportunities for growth, there’s a role out there waiting for you.

Teacher

What They Do

Teachers are the backbone of any school. They plan and deliver lessons, assess student progress, and nurture individual potential. Most teachers focus on a particular subject, such as Maths, English, or Science (secondary schools), or teach a broad curriculum to younger students (primary schools). Alongside teaching, they often take on pastoral duties, helping to guide students’ personal development.

Key Skills

• Strong subject knowledge

• Communication and presentation skills

• Patience and empathy

• Organisational abilities

• Leadership and classroom management

Qualifications

To become a teacher in the UK, you typically need:

• A degree in education or a subject-specific field

• Completion of teacher training programs like a PGCE

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Best for You If…

You’re deeply passionate about teaching, have a knack for explaining concepts, and thrive on helping students reach their full potential. It's also a great fit if you're up for the challenge of leading a class and building strong connections with students.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

What They Do

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are essential in supporting teachers and students. They assist with lesson preparation, help students with learning activities, and provide one-on-one support—especially for students who need extra help. Their role can vary from preparing materials to supervising groups during activities, making them an invaluable part of the classroom.

Key Skills

• Excellent communication

• Patience and empathy

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Flexibility and adaptability

Qualifications

While no formal qualifications are required, many employers prefer candidates with relevant training, such as:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications

Best for You If…

You enjoy working closely with students and teachers, prefer a supportive role, and don’t want the full responsibility of leading a classroom. TAs are often people who love lending a helping hand and making a meaningful difference in students’ day-to-day experiences.

Cover Supervisor

What They Do

Cover Supervisors step in when teachers are absent. While they don’t deliver lessons in the traditional sense, they ensure students remain on task, manage behavior, and act as the authority figure in the classroom. This role mainly requires supervising pre-prepared work and maintaining order.

Key Skills

• Classroom management

• Clear communication

• Confidence in handling groups of students

• Organisational skills

Qualifications

For this role, you’ll generally need:

• A degree or equivalent qualification

• School-based experience, which can be highly valued

Best for You If…

You’re comfortable managing groups on your own and enjoy a leadership role without committing to full classroom teaching. This job could be a great stepping-stone if you’re exploring whether teaching is right for you.

SEN Teaching Assistant

What They Do

SEN Teaching Assistants focus on students with special educational needs (SEN), tailoring their support to help them thrive in a classroom environment. This might involve working one-on-one with students who have specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or other needs, ensuring they can fully access and engage with the curriculum.

Key Skills

• Empathy and patience

• Strong understanding of SEN needs

• Clear communication

• Ability to adapt teaching methods to individual needs

Qualifications

While a general TA qualification can help, training in SEN is often preferred.

Best for You If…

You have a passion for supporting students who need extra attention and thrive on creating an inclusive environment. Patience, adaptability, and a caring approach are must-haves for success in this role.

Reflecting on Your Path

Now that you’ve explored some of the most popular roles in UK schools, it’s time to reflect on your interests, skills, and goals. Are you someone who wants to lead the classroom as a teacher? Or perhaps you prefer a supporting role as a Teaching Assistant, or a specialised one working with SEN students?

Whichever role you choose, you’ll play an important part in schools. Education is an incredibly fulfilling field, offering something for everyone—even those transitioning from entirely different careers.

And the best part? Each role contributes immensely to the success and development of the students and the school community.

Take the Next Step in Your Education Career

If you’re ready to start your career—or take it to the next level—Zen Educate is here to help. Our recruiting platform connects passionate individuals with exciting and well-paid opportunities in schools across the UK. Whether you’re pursuing a career as a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Cover Supervisor, or SEN Teaching Assistant, we ensure you find the perfect match for your skills and aspirations.

With Zen Educate, you’ll also enjoy:

• Better Pay Rates: Earn more with competitive pay across all roles.

• Free CPD (Continuing Professional Development): Access courses and resources to help you grow.

• Personalised Career Guidance: Our team is here to support your career development.

Take the leap today and explore your future in education with Zen Educate. Sign up today for free.