Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status

Information on maths and English requirements for HLTA can be found within our Standard 11 Guidance Document.

Please note: if your certificates are in a different name to the one you currently use (for example, if you’ve been married and changed your surname) we’ll also need you to send us a copy of your certificate proving this.

You can either contact the examining body that you took the exam through for a replacement certificate (there is often a small fee for this).

Once you have read our Standard 11 Guidance Document, if you would like more information on the equivalency test, please contact hlta@bestpracticenet.co.uk.

You can take an equivalence entry test for the HLTA course in one or both required subjects.

Once you have read our Standard 11 Guidance Document, if you would like more information on the equivalency test, please contact hlta@bestpracticenet.co.uk.

Unfortunately, there is not currently any funding available from the government for HLTA programmes.

The cost of the HLTA preparation programme, where participants are prepared for assessment, is £290 + VAT. This cost of preparation does not include the actual assessment element which is £450 per person, no VAT applies to this assessment fee.

For the standard course, you’ll need to be away from school for the equivalent of two working days over a 5–7 week period to take part in group activities.
You’ll also need some additional time to complete tasks independently at your own pace.

When it comes to your assessment, you’ll take part in:

• a 30-minute professional discussion, and

• a 15–20 minute scenario-based interview

These can usually be scheduled at a time that works for you and your setting.

The assessment is normally between 4 and 9 weeks after the final session of your preparation programme. As part of the assessment, the assessor will:

• assess your written tasks
• scrutinise your e-portfolio of documents
• interview you, a teacher (or teachers) you work closely with, and the headteacher (or their delegate) in order to verify whether you have met all the HLTA standard.

The assessment will take place via a video conferencing facility such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype. Full details will be provided as part of the preparation programme.

Preparation typically takes place over six weeks and includes two key days where you’ll meet with your tutor and fellow participants (we call them ‘candidates’) to get ready for your HLTA assessment.

Between these two preparation days (usually six weeks apart), you’ll need to spend around 1–2 days working independently. This includes:

• Drafting your assessment tasks

• Collecting evidence for your portfolio

• Reviewing the support materials we provide

• Completing a short online support unit

The preparation sessions focus on helping you understand how to approach:

• the eight written assessment tasks

• your documentary evidence portfolio

• and the assessment interview

You’ll use the written tasks to show how you meet the HLTA standards (apart from Standard 11, which is covered by your literacy and numeracy qualifications).

Here’s a breakdown of the written tasks:

• Task 1: Working with an individual pupil

• Task 2: Working with a small group (3 or more pupils)

• Task 3: Working with a whole class

• Tasks 4–8: Five events or situations that show you meet the remaining standards or strengthen any areas not yet covered

🔔 Important: You must use real examples from your employed work with children aged 3 or above. Work completed as a volunteer cannot be used as evidence.