Experience
You are an experienced Teaching Assistant and have led whole class learning without a teacher present.
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At a glance
Course duration
4 to 6 months
Award
HLTA Status
Delivery method
Online training
Start dates
Monthly
What is Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status?
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status is a nationally recognised status that enables Teaching Assistants to develop their careers, including opportunities to take on greater responsibility in the classroom and beyond. HLTAs work closely with teachers and other TAs to plan and prepare activities, support learning, support special and additional needs, cover planned absences and contribute to raising standards in schools.
Achieving HLTA Status demonstrates a Teaching Assistant’s ability to lead whole class learning and meet HLTA standards, which focus on expertise in supporting learning and pupil progress. The status is awarded through an HLTA assessment, which evaluates practical experience, knowledge and professional competencies.
Best Practice Network offers a structured preparation and assessment route designed to help Teaching Assistants gain HLTA Status through written tasks, a documentary evidence file and remote interviews.
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Eligibility at a glance
Headteacher support
Your headteacher supports your application and will complete the declaration form.
English and maths at Level 2
You can provide evidence of Level 2 English and maths or use one of our alternative routes if you cannot evidence this. *
* If you do not have Level 2 English and maths, or you cannot evidence your certificates, you may be able to complete BPN entry tests or use an employer exemption option. See the updated guidance in the FAQs section below.
Is HLTA a Level 4 qualification?
Although HLTA Status is not a qualification, it has historically been accepted as a status that aligns with Level 4 qualifications. Because of this, some colleges and universities have offered Level 4 credits towards relevant foundation degrees through APEL, which is Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning. Some training providers do offer HLTA as an accredited programme, so it is possible to find a course where the status is linked to accreditation.
How is HLTA Status delivered?
HLTA preparation is delivered through live online training, 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.
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
Key information
How is it delivered?
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The preparation course explains the HLTA Standards and the assessment process, including how to put together the documentary evidence file. Guidance is provided on completing written tasks and the set up of the 2 hour assessment appointment.
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Between preparation sessions, you engage in online activities to check your understanding.
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On the final session, the group returns to review progress and receive formative feedback on tasks written so far. Further guidance and support is provided for the assessment appointment.
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Your assessor will contact you to arrange the assessment appointment. The assessment is typically 4 to 9 weeks after your final session. At least 10 days before the meeting, you email your final written tasks to the assessor and upload your documentary evidence file to a secure place. Assessment is carried out remotely.
Assessment
The status is gained through an assessment of written tasks, an evidence file and interviews. You are not observed in class.
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 £290 + VAT. This does not include the assessment element which is £450 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 FAQs 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.
Download the declaration form:
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 evidence 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.
HLTA Programme Information
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:
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a 30-minute professional discussion, and
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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:
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Drafting your assessment tasks
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Collecting evidence for your portfolio
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Reviewing the support materials we provide
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Completing a short online support unit
The preparation sessions focus on helping you understand how to approach:
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the eight written assessment tasks
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your documentary evidence portfolio
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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:
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Task 1: Working with an individual pupil
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Task 2: Working with a small group (3 or more pupils)
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Task 3: Working with a whole class
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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.
Interested? View our webinar recording here.
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