The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is a 15-18 month work-based program for current or aspiring teaching assistants in the UK, combining blended learning, tutor visits, and off-the-job training. It covers teaching support, wellbeing, safeguarding, and specialist pathways like SEND and Early Years. Apprentices receive personal tutoring, progress tracking, and can progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant roles. Funding options and termly starts are available via Best Practice Network.
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is a work-based programme for current or aspiring teaching assistants in schools. It develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to support teachers and improve pupil progress through blended learning, tutor visits and off-the-job training.
Who can apply
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship is suitable if you want structured training while working as a teaching assistant or preparing to enter the role. Termly starts and recruitment support are available.
To apply, you must:
- be aged 16 or over
- have lived in the UK for the last three years
- have the right to work and study in the UK
- have support from your employer or line manager
- have five General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs) at grade 4 or C and above, including English and maths, or be willing to achieve English and maths through Functional Skills during the programme
How long the apprenticeship takes
Training for the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship typically lasts 15 to 18 months. End-Point Assessment (EPA) usually takes place one to two months after training, within a maximum three-month window. The overall duration is up to 18 months.
During your enrolment meeting, Best Practice Network will confirm the most realistic apprenticeship duration based on your contracted working hours and your ability to complete the required off-the-job training.
How the programme is delivered
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship uses blended learning. Delivery includes:
- monthly half-day online taught lessons
- independent study through an online platform and electronic portfolio
- regular tutor visits
- reviews every six weeks
- live group webinars
The Bud online platform is used to track your progress, maintain your electronic portfolio and submit coursework.
What you will learn
The core content of the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship covers:
- supporting high-quality teaching and learning
- promoting wellbeing and inclusion
- using assessment and feedback to improve pupil progress
- safeguarding
- the curriculum
- the effective use of technology
Support modules include special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), behaviour, and teaching individuals or small groups.
Which specialist pathways you can choose
From month six, you must choose at least one specialist pathway for the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. The available pathways are:
- special educational needs and disabilities
- Early Years
- behaviour
- English as an additional language (EAL)
- assessment
You can add further specialist pathways with the agreement of your employer and tutor. You receive a separate certificate for each specialism you complete.
What support you will receive
You will have a personal apprenticeship tutor who provides one-to-one teaching and ongoing guidance. Support includes reviews with your employer every six weeks, on-site observations and group webinars.
Your tutor will also help you prepare for Gateway and End-Point Assessment.
What off-the-job training involves
Off-the-job training is guided learning completed during your paid working hours. It must focus on developing new knowledge and skills.
You must complete at least 300 hours of off-the-job training during the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. Your contracted working hours will be considered at enrolment so that your programme duration allows you to meet this requirement.
How your progress is tracked
Your progress is recorded in an online electronic portfolio. The platform supports progress tracking and coursework submission.
Your progress is also monitored through structured reviews every six weeks and regular tutor visits.
How funding and costs work
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship may be funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-levy employers may use government co-funding, and employers with unspent levy funds may be able to transfer them.
Small employers with fewer than 50 staff may qualify for full funding for apprentices aged 16 to 18, or apprentices aged 19 to 24 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Additional incentives may be available to settings for eligible apprentices.
Check the Best Practice Network programme page for the current training price, apprentice costs, employer contributions, levy funding, government co-funding, levy transfer limits and incentives. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current figures]
What additional benefits are available
During the programme, you can access Best Practice Network Boost wellbeing support. You may also apply for a TOTUM student discount card.
How Gateway and End-Point Assessment work
At Gateway, you, your employer and your tutor confirm that you are ready for End-Point Assessment. The assessment then includes:
- a practical observation followed by questions and answers
- a professional discussion supported by your portfolio
End-Point Assessment typically takes place one to two months after training and within a three-month window.
What you achieve and how you can progress
When you successfully complete the programme, you achieve the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship and receive a personalised Individual Learning Plan.
Successful learners are eligible to apply for fast-track Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) assessment with Best Practice Network. The apprenticeship can support progression to roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher or Teacher.
When you can start
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship has termly starts. Check the Best Practice Network programme page for current cohort dates and application deadlines. [VERIFY: add the link to the page that holds the current dates and deadlines]
How to apply
- Apply through the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme page.
- Upload evidence of your qualifications.
- Complete any short initial assessments in English and maths if required.
- Follow the next steps provided by the Best Practice Network team.
You can also read the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship programme guide.