Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships
High-quality, fully-funded apprenticeships with clear progression routes to qualified teacher status.
Level 3 vs Level 5 Apprenticeship
Both routes offer fully-funded training with clear career progression.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant
Typically an 18-month programme for new or existing TAs to develop classroom skills and confidence. Fully funded with 20% off-the-job learning, open to external applicants.
Level 5 Specialist TA
Typically a 2-year programme with specialist pathways in SEND, Wellbeing, or Curriculum. Includes whole class teaching capability and routes to qualified teacher status.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Typically an 18-month programme designed for employed support staff to develop classroom practice and gain a nationally recognised qualification.
- Typically around 18 months
- Aimed at those with GCSE grade 4 and above in English and maths, or working towards this throughout the course
- Aimed at those who are currently employed in a support staff role within any school or educational setting
- Training is funded through the employer's apprenticeship levy and so there is no cost to the trainee
- Laptop provided for the length of the course
- Earn while you learn in your current school or educational establishment
What is involved?
- 18 month programme with 6 hours 'off-the-job training' (20%) per week
- The teaching format is a combination of face-to-face and online tutorials, as well as school based contextualisation
- Research and practical experience
- The assessment consists of an observation with questions and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Employer's obligation
To ensure that the learner has 6 hours per week timetabled for 'off the job' hours (or 20% for part time employees) and that the learner has a mentor to support them for the duration of the course.
Course Content
What is involved?
- 18 month programme with 6 hours 'off-the-job training' (20%) per week
- The teaching format is a combination of face-to-face and online tutorials, as well as school based contextualisation
- Research and practical experience
- The assessment consists of an observation with questions and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Employer's obligation
To ensure that the learner has 6 hours per week timetabled for 'off the job' hours (or 20% for part time employees) and that the learner has a mentor to support them for the duration of the course.
Mentorship & Support
Managing your apprenticeship / support offered
- Weekly online feedback relating to your 'off the job' activities.
- Online and in-school support helps you navigate the programme and the assessment aspects.
- Quarterly progress reviews with your employer.
- Easily accessible support through your course facilitator or manager.
How to Apply & Funding
How to apply
Register your interest by completing our online form.
Funding
Funded through the apprenticeship levy. Learn more about apprenticeship funding.
Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Typically a 24-month programme with EPA, offering foundation degree credits and three specialist pathways to choose from.
- Typically around 24 months, with a 3 month EPA (End Point Assessment) accredited by Marjon University
- Foundation degree credits awarded, so you will be able to move to a degree program and onto teacher training in the future if you wish to
- 6 hours 'off-the-job training' (20%) per week
- Three specialist pathways to choose from — SEND, Emotional Wellbeing or Curriculum
- Aimed at those with a Level 3 qualification or equivalent, with GCSE grade 4 and above in English and maths on entry, and who have previous experience working with children
- Aimed at those currently employed in a support staff role within a school or education setting with significant responsibility or experience
- No cost to the trainee as training is funded through the employer's apprenticeship levy
- Laptop provided for the length of the course
- Earn while you learn in your current school or educational establishment
What is involved?
The teaching format is a combination of face-to-face and online tutorials, as well as academy based contextualisation.
You will learn:
- Module 1: Reflection in practice
- Module 2: Learning and teaching
- Module 3: Planning and assessment
- Module 4: Communication in context
- Module 5: Safeguarding children and young people
- Module 6: Child development
- Module 7: Unlocking creativity
- Module 8: Diversity in learning
- Module 9: Specialism
- Module 10: Research in practice
- Mini module: Values in practice
The assessment consists of an observation with questions and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. Although this is currently subject to government review, this could change for future cohorts.
Employer's obligation
To ensure that the learner has 6 hours per week timetabled for 'off the job' hours (or 20% for part time employees) and that the learner has a mentor to support them for the duration of the course.
Course Content
What is involved?
The teaching format is a combination of face-to-face and online tutorials, as well as academy based contextualisation.
You will learn:
- Module 1: Reflection in practice
- Module 2: Learning and teaching
- Module 3: Planning and assessment
- Module 4: Communication in context
- Module 5: Safeguarding children and young people
- Module 6: Child development
- Module 7: Unlocking creativity
- Module 8: Diversity in learning
- Module 9: Specialism
- Module 10: Research in practice
- Mini module: Values in practice
The assessment consists of an observation with questions and a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. Although this is currently subject to government review, this could change for future cohorts.
Employer's obligation
To ensure that the learner has 6 hours per week timetabled for 'off the job' hours (or 20% for part time employees) and that the learner has a mentor to support them for the duration of the course.
Mentorship & Support
Managing your apprenticeship / support offered
- Online and in-school support helps you navigate the programme and the assessment aspects.
- Quarterly progress reviews with your employer.
How to Apply & Funding
Funded through the apprenticeship levy — no cost to the trainee. Learn more about apprenticeship funding.
Register your interest by completing our online form.
Ofsted Recognition
Apprentices have access to a broad range of progression opportunities because leaders collaborate effectively with universities. Leaders design the level 5 specialist teaching assistant curriculum to enable apprentices to continue their education and achieve a teaching qualification.
Benefits for Your School
Enrolling teaching assistants in our apprenticeship programmes delivers significant benefits for your school and students.
Enhanced School Performance — Skilled, confident TAs directly impact student outcomes.
Recruitment & Retention — Professional development opportunities help attract and keep great staff.
Clear Career Pathways — Support staff progression from TA to qualified teacher within your school.
External Schools Welcome — We now accept applications from schools outside Aspirations Academies Trust.
