Overview & Eligibility
What is the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship?
It’s a work-based programme that develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support teachers and improve pupil progress, delivered through blended learning with tutor visits and off-the-job training, and aligned to progression routes such as HLTA. Best Practice Network
Who is it for?
The programme is ideal for current or aspiring Teaching Assistants in schools who want structured training while working, with termly starts and recruitment support available. Best Practice Network
What are the entry requirements?
You must be 16+, have UK residency for the last three years, the right to work and study in the UK, support from your employer/line manager, and either 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C+ (including English and maths) or be willing to achieve English and maths during the programme via Functional Skills. Best Practice Network+1
Programme & Delivery
How long does it take?
Training typically runs 15–18 months, with End-Point Assessment usually 1–2 months after training (maximum 3 months), giving an overall duration of up to 18 months. Best Practice Network+1
How is the programme delivered?
Learning blends monthly, half-day online taught lessons, independent study via an online platform and e-portfolio, regular tutor visits with six-weekly reviews, and live webinars—supported and “powered by Bud” for progress tracking. Best Practice Network+1
What will I learn?
Core content covers supporting high-quality teaching and learning, promoting wellbeing and inclusion, using assessment and feedback to improve progress, safeguarding, curriculum and effective use of technology, plus support modules such as SEND, behaviour, and small-group/1-to-1 teaching. Best Practice Network+1
What specialist pathways can I choose?
Learners select at least one specialism—SEND, Early Years, Behaviour, EAL or Assessment—with the option to add more (with employer/tutor agreement); each completed specialism earns a separate certificate and becomes available from month six. Best Practice Network
What support will I receive?
You’ll be assigned a personal apprenticeship tutor who provides one-to-one teaching, six-weekly reviews (with your employer), on-site observations, group webinars, and ongoing guidance to prepare you for Gateway and EPA. Best Practice Network+1
What is off-the-job training and how much time is required?
Off-the-job training refers to guided learning that takes place during paid working hours and focuses on developing new knowledge and skills. For the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, this must total a minimum of 300 hours over the course of the programme. During your enrolment meeting, we’ll confirm the most realistic duration for your apprenticeship, based on your contracted working hours, to ensure you can successfully meet this requirement. Best Practice Network
How is progress tracked?
Progress is recorded in an online e-portfolio with structured reviews every six weeks and regular tutor visits; the platform provides tracking and submission of coursework. Best Practice Network
Funding & Costs
How much does it cost and who pays?
The training price is £7,000, but apprentices pay £0. The apprenticeship can be up to 100% funded via the Apprenticeship Levy. For non-levy employers, government co-funding usually means the employer pays 5% of the training cost (for Level 3, the maximum employer fee is £350 +VAT). Additional incentives may apply for small employers or younger apprentices. Best Practice Network
Are there additional employer incentives or funding routes?
Non-levy employers typically pay 5% with government funding the remaining 95%; employers with unspent levy can transfer up to 25%; small employers (<50 staff) get 100% funding for eligible 16–18 apprentices or 19–24 with an EHCP; an additional £1,000 may be paid to settings for eligible apprentices. Best Practice Network+1
Do apprentices get any extras?
Learners can access BPN Boost wellbeing support and may apply for a TOTUM student discount card during the programme. Best Practice Network
Assessment & Progression
What happens at Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA)?
At Gateway, you, your employer and tutor confirm readiness; EPA then includes a practical observation with Q&A and a professional discussion underpinned by your portfolio, typically occurring 1–2 months after training (within a 3-month window). Best Practice Network
What are the outcomes and progression routes?
On completion you achieve the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship and a personalised Individual Learning Plan; successful learners are eligible to apply for fast-track HLTA assessment with Best Practice Network, supporting progression to roles such as HLTA, Assistant Teacher or Teacher. Best Practice Network+1
Applications & Dates
When can I start?
The programme runs with termly starts, and the page currently highlights “Secure your place by 26 September” for an upcoming cohort. Best Practice Network
How do I apply?
Apply via the programme page; you’ll upload qualification evidence and may complete short initial assessments in English and maths—BPN’s team then guides you through the next steps. Best Practice Network