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Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Apprenticeship
Take your teaching assistant career to the next level with our Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship — designed for education professionals ready to specialise, lead, and inspire. This nationally recognised qualification supports career progression for experienced TAs across primary, secondary, and early years settings.
What does a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant do?
Specialist teaching assistants work alongside teachers and education professionals to create inclusive, engaging learning environments. They support individual and group learners across all age groups, adapting their practice to meet specific educational and developmental needs.
As a Level 5 apprentice, you’ll tailor your learning by choosing a specialism that suits your setting and interests:
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SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant
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Social and Emotional Well-Being Specialist
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Curriculum Provision Specialist
This training is fully funded through the Apprenticeship levy and specifically looks to address the shortage in funding training relating to SEN and Nurture environments.
Day Courses – Specialist Teaching Assistant
To support the knowledge elements of the Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 apprenticeship, we deliver a series of 4 remote (online) day courses.
Day Course Information (Current Cohort)
| Date | Course Title |
| 15th April 2026 | Day 1 – Regulation and Guidance |
| 17th June 2026 | Day 2 – Advancing Learning |
| 23rd Sept 2026 | Day 3 – Planning and Assessment |
| 18th Nov 2026 | Day 4 – Professionalism and Communication |
Added Value – HLTA Qualification
The Level 4 HLTA qualification is ideal for experienced teaching assistants looking to step up into a more senior support role. Recognised nationally, gaining HLTA status is a proven progression route for school support staff who want to contribute more directly to student achievement and classroom delivery.
Key Benefits:
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Helps provides confidence around leading classroom sessions
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Develops skills to work closely with teachers and raise standards in schools
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Leads to recognised Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status
Day Courses – HLTA Qualification
If you are doing the HLTA qualification at the same time as the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) Apprenticeship, you will attend:
- The 4 STA training days
- HLTA training days 1, 2, and 3
If you are doing the HLTA qualification on its own, you will attend all 5 HLTA training days.
Day Course Information (Current Cohort)
| Day | Date | Title |
| 1 | 9th February 2026 | Understand the higher-level teaching assistant role |
| 2 | 16th March 2026 | Curriculum planning delivery support and assessment |
| 3 | 20th April 2026 | Awareness of Special Educational Needs |
| 4 | 11th May 2026 | Promoting positive behaviour in children and young people and building relationships |
| 5 | 15th June 2026 |
Child development and welfare |
Day Course Information (Next Cohort)
| Day | Date | Title |
| 1 | 7th September 2026 | Understand the higher-level teaching assistant role |
| 2 | 5th October 2026 | Curriculum planning delivery support and assessment |
| 3 | 2nd November 2026 | Awareness of Special Educational Needs |
| 4 | 7th December 2026 | Promoting positive behaviour in children and young people and building relationships |
| 5 | 11th January 2027 |
Child development and welfare |
Why choose us?
We’re not just trainers—we’re mentors. Our dedicated education team includes experienced Teaching Assistants and educators who understand your journey and will guide you every step of the way. With over 50 years of educational experience, we know what it takes to help you succeed.
- 100% Pass Rate with over half achieving a distinction rate – Our proven track record means you’re set up for success from day one.
- Delivered by Experts – All our education trainers have years of real-world experience working in schools. You’ll learn from true experts who understand what it takes to thrive in the school environment.
- 50+ Years of Apprenticeship Excellence – We’ve been supporting learners and employers since 1971, giving us a deep understanding of how to guide you from learner to fully qualified professional.
- Rated Highly by Apprentices and Employers – We’re proud of our glowing reviews on the official government apprenticeship site, showing consistent satisfaction from past learners.
- Backed by Ofsted Praise – “Senior leaders provide strong and inclusive leadership… They are highly visible and committed to providing good-quality education and training” – Ofsted Report.
- Support Every Step of the Way – From application to employment, our friendly team is here to help you build your skills, confidence, and career.
Testimonies
“We have found that apprenticeships are a great way to encourage staff into the Teaching Assistant role while gaining qualifications on the job. It also enables our existing Teaching Assistants to advance their careers through further qualifications and knowledge” Kelly, Caldecote Community Primary School
“The program was incredibly beneficial, particularly when transitioning into a new sector or taking on responsibilities requiring specialised knowledge” Gordon, School Business Professional Level 4 Apprentice
“Throughout I have had lots of support and frequent meetings with my educator. I have also had 1 to 1 sessions to assist my learning and aid me in reflecting on my practise. I feel like I could have approached anyone for support at any time which was amazing.” Shauna, Former Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprentice
