Short answer: yes. Many Teaching Assistants (TAs) start with little or no school experience. The most direct route is to enrol on the Level 3 Certificate (or Diploma) in Supporting Teaching & Learning and secure a short, regular placement. If a placement isn’t possible right now (e.g., full-time work), you can begin with the Level 3 Award (knowledge-only) and upgrade later once you’re in post.

The best path from “no experience” to classroom-ready

1. Default: Enrol on the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma (Supporting Teaching & Learning). This route fully qualifies you because it includes in-school competence evidence.
2. Fallback (no placement yet): Start the Level 3 Award (knowledge-only). It proves commitment, gives you the right language for applications and lets you upgrade to the Certificate once you’re in a school role.
3. Build evidence (observations, witness statements, work products) once placed. See Portfolio & Evidence for TA Qualifications.

Upgrading pathways (Award → Certificate → Diploma)

You can usually transfer credit from completed Award units into the Certificate, and from Certificate into the Diploma (subject to awarding-organisation rules and provider policy). Confirm your unit mapping before you start, so you know exactly what remains when you upgrade.

What counts as “experience” when you’re new?

• Volunteering in primary/secondary or SEN settings (ideal when possible).
• Reading groups, phonics support, lunchtime clubs, after-school activities.
• Transferable roles: youth groups, childcare, coaching, mentoring, care work.

Keep a simple evidence log from day one — interventions supported, resources adapted, feedback from teachers. Template ideas: Portfolio & Evidence guide.

Make your CV work without school experience

• Lead with your current study (e.g., “NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in STL — completed / in progress” or “Level 3 Certificate — in progress”).
• Bullet transferable skills with examples: behaviour support, teamwork, communication, safeguarding awareness, SEN empathy.
• Include your DBS status and any micro-experience (reading with pupils, clubs, community work).

Grab templates: TA CV & Cover Letter Examples.

How to apply if you’re full-time elsewhere (no placement yet)

Many schools will consider applicants who have the Level 3 Award (or are studying it), a current/enhanced DBS, and a clear plan to upgrade to the Certificate in post. You can include a line like:

“I’ve completed the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning and am ready to upgrade to the Level 3 Certificate immediately upon appointment, completing the remaining units and in-school evidence alongside the role.”

DBS & essentials to sort early

• Enhanced DBS is often required to volunteer or start work. See DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants.
• Many schools prefer GCSE/Level 2 English & Maths (or Functional Skills). Details: What Qualifications Do I Need?.

90-day starter plan (Certificate/Diploma first)

Track A — You can arrange a placement (recommended)

• Weeks 1–2: Enrol on the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma; request/confirm enhanced DBS; agree ~4–5 hrs/week with a school; read safeguarding/behaviour policies.
• Weeks 3–6: Begin weekly placement; support reading/phonics/maths groups; start your evidence log (observations, witness statements, work products).
• Weeks 7–12: Lead short interventions; gather targeted evidence against standards (safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, learning support); meet your assessor to review progress.

Track B — Full-time elsewhere (no placement yet)

• Weeks 1–4: Enrol on the Level 3 Award (knowledge-only); complete core units; obtain/refresh your DBS; prepare CV & cover letter.
• Weeks 5–8: Apply for TA roles (and suitable school-based support roles); clearly state your plan to upgrade to the Level 3 Certificate upon appointment.
• Weeks 9–12: Continue Award (if not yet complete); attend interviews; once appointed, upgrade to the Certificate and start collecting in-school competence evidence.

Why this order? The Certificate/Diploma fully qualifies you via in-school evidence. The Award is a temporary fallback to build momentum and credibility when a placement isn’t yet possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a TA job with no experience at all?

It’s possible — especially if you’re studying or have completed the Level 3 Award and have a current DBS. Many schools will shortlist if you clearly plan to upgrade to the Level 3 Certificate in post.

Which route should I choose first?

If you can arrange a placement, go straight to the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma. If you can’t (full-time elsewhere), start with the Level 3 Award and upgrade once appointed.

How do I upgrade from Award to Certificate (and to Diploma)?

Usually via credit transfer of completed units, then you finish the additional units + in-school evidence. Confirm unit mapping with your provider before you begin.

Do I need GCSE English & Maths?

Many schools prefer them (or Level 2 Functional Skills) because TAs support literacy and numeracy daily. See What Qualifications Do I Need?.

Will I need a DBS to volunteer or start work?

Usually an enhanced DBS is required. See DBS Checks for Teaching Assistants.