Standards Covered
33 HLTA Standards
At a glance
Course duration
3 to 5 months
Award
HLTA Status
Delivery method
Online preparation
Start dates
Monthly
What is the HLTA Status Assessment Only route?
A quicker, more efficient pathway to HLTA assessment for those who've already built the foundations through a BPN apprenticeship.
If you have completed the Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Apprenticeship, you may be eligible to apply for our HLTA Status assessment-only route.
This streamlined pathway recognises the knowledge, skills and evidence you have already developed through your apprenticeship. Rather than completing the full HLTA preparation programme, you can move directly towards assessment with focused guidance to help you prepare. The route is designed to make gaining nationally recognised Higher Level Teaching Assistant Status more straightforward, with fewer written preparation tasks and a reduced overall cost.
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Assessment Method
Tasks + interview
Study Format
Online + VLE
Recognition
National HLTA Status
The 33 HLTA Standards made easier to understand
33 standards • 3 core areasTo achieve HLTA Status, you need to demonstrate the 33 HLTA Standards through your day to day practice in school. These standards are grouped into three core areas: Professional Attributes, Professional Knowledge and Understanding and Professional Skills.
Standards 1 to 7
Professional Attributes
This section focuses on how you work with pupils, colleagues, parents and carers.
- High expectations for children and young people
- Positive, respectful and supportive relationships
- Strong communication, teamwork and reflective practice
Standards 8 to 16
Professional Knowledge and Understanding
This section focuses on what you need to know to support learning effectively.
- Learning, progress and personalised provision
- Curriculum, SEND and wider pupil wellbeing
- English, maths and ICT expectations
Standards 17 to 33
Professional Skills
This section focuses on what you do in practice to support, lead and advance learning.
- Planning and preparation
- Monitoring, assessment and feedback
- Working with individuals, groups and whole classes
How the Professional Skills section breaks down
The final 17 standards are the most practical. They are usually grouped into three areas so you can see what strong HLTA practice looks like day to day.
Planning and Expectations
Using your knowledge and experience to help plan learning, prepare activities, support inclusion and choose suitable resources.
Monitoring and Assessment
Tracking learners’ responses and progress, adapting support and contributing to assessment and record keeping.
Teaching and Learning Activities
Promoting positive behaviour, advancing learning with individuals, groups and whole classes and helping keep learners safe.
Is our HLTA Status a Level 4 qualification?
The HLTA we deliver is not a Level 4 qualification however, it has historically been accepted as a status that aligns with Level 4 qualifications. This recognition reflects the advanced skills, responsibilities, and professional knowledge demonstrated by HLTAs, making the status a valuable and respected progression route for experienced teaching assistants.
See what becoming an HLTA can look like
Watch the storyWatch our short video to explore the legacy of HLTA Status, hear real case study experiences and see how becoming an HLTA can support your confidence, career progression and impact in school.
What you’ll see
- How HLTA Status supports progression for experienced Teaching Assistants
- Animated explanations of the role and its impact in school
- Case studies from people who have completed their HLTA journey
- How HLTA can build confidence, responsibility and next step opportunities
Why watch?
This is a great place to start if you are still deciding whether HLTA is right for you. It brings together the practical value of the status with real stories from school support staff who have taken that next step.
How is HLTA Status delivered?
HLTA preparation is delivered through live tutor facilitated sessions, ongoing support, independent study and a structured assessment process. We offer monthly start dates to help you join when it suits your school calendar.
Standard course structure
- Two day facilitated training delivered online, covering HLTA Standards and the assessment process
- Independent study and documentary evidence file written tasks and evidence compilation
- Final HLTA assessment a 2 hour remote assessment, including interviews with the candidate, a teacher and a senior leader
The full process typically takes 3 to 5 months.
We also offer
- Specialist SEND cohorts
Tailored for those working in special schools or specialist units within mainstream settings. You work towards the same HLTA standards and status, with preparation shaped around specialist provision and delivered and assessed by experts in SEND. - Twilight preparation sessions
Designed for those who find it difficult to attend during the school day. A limited number of twilight courses are available each term.
Meet the team
Your HLTA team includes programme leads, facilitators, assessors and our support staff.
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Why choose HLTA Status with Best Practice Network?
Best Practice Network is a leading provider of HLTA Status, with over 20 years of experience delivering high quality preparation and assessment that meets rigorous national standards.
Why BPN?
- Experienced facilitators and assessors expert tutors guide participants through preparation, with an independent assessor for the assessment appointment
- High quality virtual learning environment to support independent study and review
- Proven success 98% of our HLTA graduates would recommend BPN (May 2025 survey)
- Monthly start dates choose a cohort that fits your school calendar
FAQ's
Your preparation includes:
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A 2-hour online group session with an expert HLTA tutor
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Independent study resources, including step-by-step task videos
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Full access to our HLTA Virtual Learning Environment
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Ongoing support from your tutor and our dedicated HLTA admin team
Assessment
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One written task showing how you lead learning with a whole class
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3 small written tasks to focus on key standards
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A streamlined evidence file (you can re‑use apprenticeship evidence!)
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A professional discussion with an assessor and selected colleagues
Locations
School networks or alliances with several support staff wishing to complete HLTA should contact us about bespoke training that can be arranged at a local level and delivered within their schools.
The cost of the HLTA preparation programme is £125 +VAT. This does not include the assessment element which is £225 per person. No VAT applies to the assessment fee.
To be accepted onto HLTA, prospective candidates must secure support from their headteacher to:
- Confirm they consider you suitable to undertake HLTA Status
- Confirm you have undertaken whole class teaching with no teacher present on at least 2 occasions
- Confirm they have seen evidence that you hold a Level 2 qualification in English or literacy
- Confirm they have seen evidence that you hold a Level 2 qualification in maths or numeracy
* If you do not hold Level 2 English and maths, or you cannot evidence your certificates, there are alternative options available. See the Requirement guidance section for entry tests and employer exemption.
Only applicants with a completed headteacher declaration form will be accepted and offered a place in a delivery group.
Do I need Level 2 English and maths?
HLTA Standard 11 requires candidates to have achieved a nationally recognised qualification at Level 2 or above in English or literacy and maths or numeracy. You normally upload copies of certificates, or an acceptable awarding body statement of results, with your application.
If I cannot provide evidence for my Level 2 English and/or maths, what are my options?
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Option 1: BPN Level 2 entry tests for HLTA
If passed successfully, this is treated as equivalent to meeting Standard 11 for HLTA. Please note the entry tests are not full qualifications that can be used as proof for other programmes. -
Option 2: Employer exemption
Your employer can complete an exemption form confirming they do not require you to provide proof of Level 2 English and or maths. Important note: If you use this option, your HLTA certificate will state that Standard 11 for the relevant subject was not assessed as part of the award of the status.
For full details, use these documents or contact our CPD Admin team on hlta@bestpracticenet.co.uk.
Interested? Try before you apply with our Taster Session recording here.
How to apply
A signed headteacher declaration form must be uploaded as part of your online application.
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