Overview
What is the Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Apprenticeship?
It’s an 18-month, Level 5 apprenticeship for experienced Teaching Assistants who want to lead targeted interventions and improve pupil outcomes, with blended learning, 1:1 tutor coaching, and real classroom practice built in. You pick a specialism—SEND, Social & Emotional Wellbeing, or Curriculum Provision—and learn to plan, deliver and evaluate support that makes a measurable difference. Best Practice Network
Who is it for?
The programme is designed for TAs ready to deepen expertise and take on specialist responsibility, from supporting learners with SEND to leading catch-up in areas like early reading, maths or EAL, and building calm, well-structured routines that help pupils learn. Best Practice Network
Pathways & Curriculum
What specialist pathways can I choose?
You choose one primary pathway—SEND, Social & Emotional Wellbeing, or Curriculum Provision—and complete 16 core modules plus pathway-specific learning; you can also add up to two extra specialist areas and receive certificates for those modules. Best Practice Network
What will I learn?
You’ll learn how to lead targeted interventions, use simple assessment to spot gaps, support independence and positive routines, and collaborate effectively with teachers, families and specialists, applying strategies directly in your setting. Best Practice Network
Delivery & Support
How is the programme delivered?
Training uses a blended model: monthly half-day live online lessons, independent online study and coursework submitted to an e-portfolio, plus on-the-job practice; tutors review progress roughly every six weeks through in-school or virtual visits. Best Practice Network
How will my progress be tracked?
Your practical work and evidence are built into an online portfolio, with regular tutor reviews and feedback; Best Practice Network also references Bud progress tracking on the programme page. Best Practice Network+1
What support will I receive?
You’ll receive one-to-one support and tuition from a specialist apprenticeship tutor throughout the programme, including help to prepare for the end-point assessment. Best Practice Network
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
What do I need to apply?
Do I need GCSE English and maths?
If you don’t already have GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), you’ll have the option to complete maths and English on programme- your suitability for this should be discussed and decided between you and your employer. Regardless of whether you complete maths and English on programme, you'll need to pass an initial maths and English assessment as part of the application. Best Practice Network
Funding, Fees & Time
How much does it cost?
The training price is £12,000, 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 £600+ VAT). Additional incentives may apply for small employers or younger apprentices. Best Practice Network
How is it funded if my school doesn’t pay the levy?
Non-levy employers typically pay 5% of the training cost with the government covering 95%; levy-payers use their Apprenticeship Service Account, and unspent levy funds can be transferred to cover up to 25% for another employer. Additional 100% funding can apply for very small employers in specific circumstances. Best Practice Network
How much off-the-job training time is required?
For contracts of 30+ hours, apprentices average about 6 hours per week off-the-job; those under 30 hours allocate 20% of working time, and term-time-only staff typically exceed 6 hours weekly, with programme length adjusted as needed. Best Practice Network
Assessment & Progression
How will I be assessed at the end?
After you, your employer and tutor agree you’re ready at “Gateway,” you complete End-Point Assessment made up of a practical observation with Q&A and a professional discussion supported by your portfolio; EPA typically follows 1–2 months after training (maximum three months). Best Practice Network
What roles can this lead to?
Graduates are well placed to lead and evidence impact, mentor others, and progress to HLTA roles, inclusion or specialist responsibilities (e.g., SEND or wellbeing), or even on to a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship as a route toward QTS. Best Practice Network+1
Applying & Start Dates
When can I start and how do I apply?
There are regular start dates; apply via the programme page, we'll check your application to ensure you are eligible. We'll then contact your employer to arrange funds. Once this has been done we'll contact you to complete your enrolment and talk you through next steps. Best Practice Network
For Employers
How can employers enrol staff or hire an apprentice?
Employers can reserve places by contacting Best Practice Network, who will support with recruitment if needed and help set up the Apprenticeship Service Account and funding applications. Best Practice Network
What funding routes are available to employers?
Employers may use their levy funds, access government co-funding if non-levy, receive levy transfers from other organisations, and—in settings with fewer than 50 employees—qualify for 100% government funding for eligible younger or EHC-plan apprentices, plus possible additional employer incentives. Best Practice Network