The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is an 18-month Level 5 program for experienced teaching assistants to specialize in SEND, wellbeing, or curriculum provision. It combines blended learning, tutor coaching, and practical work. Apprentices learn to lead interventions, assess needs, and support pupils effectively. The program includes monthly online lessons, progress tracking, and one-to-one tutor support, culminating in an end-point assessment. Applicants must be employed in a specialist role, have employer support, and meet English and maths requirements.
The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is an 18-month, Level 5 programme for experienced teaching assistants who want to lead targeted interventions and improve pupil outcomes. You choose a specialism and combine blended learning, one-to-one tutor coaching and practical work in your setting.
Who the apprenticeship is for
The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is for teaching assistants who are ready to deepen their expertise and take on specialist responsibility.
This could include:
- supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- leading catch-up support in areas such as early reading, maths or English as an additional language (EAL)
- building calm, well-structured routines that help pupils learn.
Which specialist pathways you can choose
You choose one primary specialist pathway:
- SEND
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing
- Curriculum Provision.
You complete 16 core modules alongside learning for your chosen pathway. You can also add up to two extra specialist areas and receive certificates for those modules.
You can find further pathway information in the programme brochure.
What you will learn
The Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship teaches you how to plan, deliver and evaluate support that makes a measurable difference. You will learn how to:
- lead targeted interventions
- use simple assessment to identify gaps
- support pupils' independence and positive routines
- work effectively with teachers, families and specialists
- apply strategies directly in your setting.
How the programme is delivered
The programme uses a blended learning model. It includes monthly half-day live online lessons, independent online study, coursework submitted to an electronic portfolio and on-the-job practice.
A specialist apprenticeship tutor reviews your progress approximately every six weeks through visits in your school or virtual meetings.
How your progress is tracked
Your practical work and supporting evidence are added to an online portfolio. You receive regular reviews and feedback from your tutor.
The programme page also refers to Bud as a progress-tracking system.
What support you receive
You receive one-to-one support and tuition from a specialist apprenticeship tutor throughout the programme. This includes support to prepare for your end-point assessment.
Who can apply
To apply for the Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, you must:
- be aged 16 or over
- be employed as a teaching assistant in a specialist role that requires knowledge of SEND, curriculum provision or wellbeing
- have your employer's support
- have time available for off-the-job learning
- have the right to work and study in the UK now and have had this right for the previous three years
- meet the programme's English and maths requirements.
What the English and maths requirements are
If you do not already have General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) English and maths at grade 4 or C or above, or an equivalent qualification, you will have the option to complete maths and English during the programme. You and your employer must discuss and decide whether this is suitable for you.
Whether or not you complete maths and English during the programme, you must pass an initial maths and English assessment as part of your application.
How much the apprenticeship costs
Check the Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme page for current training prices, apprentice costs, employer contributions and available incentives. [VERIFY: confirm that this link holds all current cost and funding figures]
How apprenticeship funding works
Employers that pay the Apprenticeship Levy can use funds from their Apprenticeship Service Account. Unspent levy funds may also be transferred to help fund an apprenticeship with another employer.
Employers that do not pay the levy may be able to use government co-funding. Very small employers may qualify for additional government funding in specific circumstances, including for eligible younger apprentices or apprentices with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
Additional employer incentives may also be available. Check the programme page for current funding percentages, contribution figures, eligibility conditions and incentives.
How much off-the-job training is required
If you work 30 hours or more each week, off-the-job training averages approximately six hours per week. Requirements differ if you work fewer than 30 hours or have a term-time-only contract, and the programme length may be adjusted where needed.
Check the Best Practice Network website for the current off-the-job training allocation that applies to your working hours and contract.
How the end-point assessment works
When you, your employer and your tutor agree that you are ready, you pass through the stage known as Gateway and complete the end-point assessment (EPA).
The end-point assessment consists of:
- a practical observation with questions and answers
- a professional discussion supported by your portfolio.
The end-point assessment typically takes place one to two months after training and no later than three months afterwards.
What you can progress to
After completing the apprenticeship, you will be well placed to lead work, demonstrate its impact and mentor others. You may progress to:
- a higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA) role
- inclusion responsibilities
- specialist responsibilities in areas such as SEND or wellbeing
- a Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship as a route towards qualified teacher status (QTS).
How to apply
Start dates vary. Check the programme page for current start dates and apply through that page.
Best Practice Network will check your application to confirm that you are eligible. It will then contact your employer to arrange funding.
Once funding has been arranged, Best Practice Network will contact you to complete your enrolment and explain the next steps.
How employers can enrol staff or hire an apprentice
Employers can contact Best Practice Network to reserve places. Best Practice Network can provide recruitment support where needed and help employers set up an Apprenticeship Service Account and complete funding applications.