Price for this programme: £7,000 £0

This course is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy Fund

 

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support teachers and improve pupil progress. Blended online learning, tutor visits and off the job training cover whole class support, safeguarding and assessment, with optional specialist pathways and progression to HLTA.

15 to 18 months Specialist pathways

What will I learn?

  • How to support high quality teaching and learning
  • Learn to promote self belief, social inclusion and wellbeing
  • Use assessment and feedback to improve progress
  • Understand how safeguarding and professional conduct plays an active role in your setting

How is it delivered?

  • Live online sessions and off the job training
  • Tutor visits and 6 weekly reviews
  • Progress tracking via Bud platform

Want to specialise your apprenticeship in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

If you want to make a real difference for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (SEND specialism) is designed for you. You’ll gain the confidence, skills and knowledge to help every pupil feel included, stay focused and achieve their goals.

Find out more

 

What our apprentices say

"The course itself works well alongside being a teaching assistant. The subjects in the webinars are very relevant. I am really enjoying the specialist modules; I chose SEND and Early Years. I like the way I can learn at my own pace."

TA Level 3 Apprentice
Follow in their footsteps

Claire Mackenzie, TA Apprentice, Pink Elephants

Funding your apprenticeship

Price for this programme: £7,000 → £0

You won’t pay anything. Your apprenticeship is fully funded through the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy scheme.

  • Free for you – the full £7,000 cost is covered.

  • Always funded – whether your school pays into the levy or not, your place is covered through government support or levy transfer.

  • Extra support for you – if you’re 16–18, or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, your school also receives an extra £1,000 to support your apprenticeship.

What this means for you: You can apply with confidence knowing cost will never be a barrier. Your training is fully funded so you can focus on building your skills and progressing in your career.

 What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship?
  • Certificated training in up to two chosen specialist areas: SEND, Early Years, Behaviour, EAL and Assessment
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  • Fantastic well-being programme BPN Boost to support learners throughout the programme
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  • Potential fast track to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status
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  • Fully Funded via the Apprenticeship Levy*, click here to download your full Apprenticeship Levy Guide
  •    
  • Safeguard and promote the health, safety and welfare of children
  •    
  • Work with teachers to understand and support assessment
  •    
  • Apply for a TOTUM Student Discount Card
  •  

 

How is the programme delivered? Powered by Bud

The Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of online study, monthly webinars and regular tutor visits, with coursework submitted to an e-portfolio. Learners receive structured teaching, six-weekly reviews and ongoing support, leading to a final End Point Assessment after 15–18 months.

17 Knowledge 16 Skills 6 Behaviours
TA L3 course structure
An overview of the Teaching Assistant Level 3 programme structure.

This includes:

Half termly tutor on site visits with observations and professional discussions in the school workplace

An extensive curriculum with 17 Knowledge, 16 Skills and 6 Behaviours

Reviews every six weeks with the Tutor and Head Teacher or Line Manager, remote or face to face

Reflective CPD online journal or blog

One to one teaching sessions with a dedicated Tutor

Group webinars and online catch ups

HLTA competencies and career development

Individual learning plans

 

 

Developing Specialist Areas

Having delivered HLTA for 21 years, we asked schools what an ideal Teaching Assistant programme should include. The clear message was for deeper specialism. Our programme lets each learner tailor their learning to the needs of their classroom.

  • Learners must select and complete one specialism while on programme.

  • You can choose more than one after discussing this with your employer and tutor so it does not affect core course requirements.

  • You will gain a certificate for every specialism successfully completed.

  • Specialisms become available six months after your apprenticeship start date.

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship specialism diagram
Choose a specialism to tailor your programme.

Explore your specialism

Special Needs and Disabilities

Build expertise across SLCN, SEMH, dyslexia and ASD to provide strong, practical support for learners with SEND.

Early Years

Apply effective nursery and reception practice so children get the best start, aligned with EYFS principles.

English as an Additional Language

Support pupils at different stages of English acquisition and from varied backgrounds with targeted strategies.

Behaviour

Build a deeper understanding of behaviour and use approaches that help learners succeed in the classroom.

Assessment

Strengthen formative assessment. Check prior knowledge, address misconceptions, monitor learning during and after lessons, and give effective feedback.

 

HLTA progression

Level 3 to HLTA

As well as ensuring full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard builds a platform for progression into roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher and Teacher.

✓ Level 3 apprenticeship achieved ✓ Individual Learning Plan ✓ Eligible to apply for HLTA fast track
  1. Complete the programme

    Gain knowledge, skills and behaviours to make impact in your school.

  2. Create your plan

    Finish with a personalised Individual Learning Plan to support career development.

  3. Apply for HLTA fast track

    Post EPA, successful learners can apply for fast track HLTA assessment with Best Practice Network.

Where can this take you?

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Lead learning, support assessment and take on increased classroom responsibility.

Assistant Teacher

Broaden your role with planning and delivery alongside class teachers.

Teacher

Progress to initial teacher training routes supported by your plan and experience.

Best Practice Network has a national footprint in HLTA status and strong teacher training connections, so you will get expert guidance to plan your next steps.

Learn More about Fast Track to HLTA

 

Apply now for the next intake!

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To apply, you must have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.

Question 1: Have you lived in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years?

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To apply, you must have have the right to work and study in the UK.

Question 2: Do you have the right to work and study in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship? If you have a visa, it must cover the entire length of the programme.

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