Classroom assistant in Northern Ireland

Classroom assistant is the usual title in Northern Ireland for the support staff who work alongside teachers, which England calls teaching assistants. Most are employed by the Education Authority (EA), except in voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools, where the Board of Governors is the employer. Entry requirements are set post by post, so the person specification in each advert is what counts.

Who employs classroom assistants

The Department of Education says most non-teaching staff are employed by the EA, with the exception of staff in voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools, who are employed by the individual school’s Board of Governors. In practice that means you apply to the EA for most posts, and directly to the school for those two types. See Education Authority jobs and how to apply.

What the job involves

The role supports the class teacher and the pupils in the class. The detail depends on the school and the pupils: some posts support a whole class, and special needs classroom assistant posts support children with additional needs, which can include personal care. The principal sets the precise duties of a post, so the job description is the document to read closely. For the English equivalent, see how to become a teaching assistant.

Qualifications and experience

Each advert sets out what the post asks for. Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria, which can combine relevant qualifications with experience of working with children, so read them literally. If you have no school experience, volunteering in a school is one way to build some. Check the criteria for the closing date, since posts generally expect them to be met by then.

If you want to move up later, the route into teaching is covered in how to become a teacher in Northern Ireland.

How to get a post

Posts are advertised by the EA or, for the two exceptions, by the school. Application forms are scored against the essential criteria, so evidence each one with a specific example and dates. Do not rely on a general statement of enthusiasm.

Roles with children and vulnerable adults normally need an enhanced AccessNI check. See AccessNI checks for public sector jobs for the cost and timings.

Pay

There is no confirmed current Northern Ireland classroom assistant salary to quote here, so check the advert. The arrangements are clear enough. Pay and conditions for EA non-teaching staff are negotiated through the EA’s Joint Negotiating Council of management and unions. The agreements generally keep staff on the same terms as National Joint Council staff in Great Britain, and the Department says over 95 per cent of support staff have a contractual entitlement to NJC national pay awards. GMB, NIPSA, Unite and UNISON accepted a separate Pay and Grading Review Agreement on 13 September 2024.

The advert states the grade, hourly rate or annual salary, and the number of hours and weeks. Because the English scales do not apply, use the advert and the EA’s published pay documents instead of teaching assistant pay for your actual rate.