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National College of Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Teaching Assistant

Build the skills, knowledge and Level 3 qualification to make a positive difference in the classroom.

Quality assured by

  • Ofsted Good Provider
  • Cyber Essentials Certified
  • CMI Outstanding Training Provider of the Year
  • Training Qualifications UK
Includes Optional L2 SEND Certificate

Next cohort deadline

1 September 2026

Applications close, fixed cohort

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Explore this apprenticeship

Jump to what matters most.

OverviewCurriculumBenefitsCost & fundingEligibilityProgressionFAQs

The essentials

The apprenticeship at a glance

Level

3

Duration

13 months + EPA (up to 3 months)

Delivery

Blended learning

Assessment

Practical observation with questions

Funding

£7,000

Next cohort

1 September 2026

What will I learn?

  • Support high-quality teaching and secure pupil progress
  • Plan and deliver targeted interventions and small-group work
  • Safeguard pupils and apply safer working practice
  • Adapt support for pupils with SEND and additional needs
  • Use assessment and feedback to accelerate learning
  • Build effective relationships with pupils, staff and families
  • Reflect on your practice and use feedback to develop your skills and effectiveness

How is it delivered?

  • Flexible Spotlight Sessions and self-paced digital learning, supported by Quarterly 'Ask the Expert' podcasts and personalised coaching
  • Practical, role-focused learning through the PRIME Learning Model, connecting learning to real-world application, inclusion and impact
  • Dedicated support from a named Professional Learning Mentor and workplace mentor throughout the programme
  • A minimum of six hours per week of protected off-the-job learning, recorded in Aptem
  • Gateway review and dedicated End-Point Assessment preparation to support you through your final assessment

Who is it for?

  • Teaching Assistants new to the role or developing their practice
  • Higher-Level Teaching Assistants seeking a formal Level 3 qualification
  • Cover supervisors and learning mentors moving into Teaching Assistant roles
  • Career-changers entering the education sector
  • School staff supporting pupils with SEND, EAL or intervention groups

What do I need?

  • A suitable Teaching Assistant role where you can apply your learning and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required
  • Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent) for learners aged 16–18; Functional Skills are optional for learners aged 19+.
  • The appropriate DBS clearance for your role and setting
  • Right to work in the UK and meet the eligibility requirements for apprenticeship funding
  • Employer support to provide protected off-the-job learning time and opportunities to gather workplace evidence

The apprenticeship

What is the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship?

Every classroom benefits from the right support. Build the skills and confidence to work alongside teachers, understand individual learning needs and help children and young people make progress through effective one-to-one, small-group and classroom support.

The apprenticeship covers key areas including safeguarding, behaviour, SEND, communication and supporting learning under the direction of a teacher. You’ll build evidence from your real workplace practice, supported by a Professional Learning Mentor and workplace mentor, so you can put your learning into practice throughout the programme.

The delivery model is deliberately flexible for busy settings. Self-paced Spotlight Sessions are complemented by quarterly Ask the Expert podcasts and ongoing support from your Professional Learning Mentor throughout the apprenticeship. You can also choose an optional Level 2 SEND Certificate, adding further specialist knowledge and skills without extending the apprenticeship timeline.

Apprenticeship architecture

What will you learn?

01

Building Your Foundations (Months 1 - 4)

Learning Foundations, Introduction to Reflection & CPD, Safeguarding and Health and Safety, Well-being and Understanding Child Development

02

Supporting Teaching and Learning (Months 5 - 9)

Curriculum, Teaching, Assessment, Communication, Technology in Learning

03

Developing Professional Practice (Months 10 - 13)

Learning Support, Partnership Working, Supporting Positive Behaviour, Professional Practice and Development Review

04

Gateway and End-Point Assessment (Months 14 - 16)

Portfolio review, mock observations and structured preparation for the independent EPA.

05

Optional: Level 2 TQUK SEND Certificate

A 12-week SEND add-on accredited by TQUK, available to learners from month 6, developing knowledge of SEND, inclusive practice and relevant legal frameworks.

Grow your people. Strengthen your organisation.

Book a consultation

Why invest in the Teaching Assistant? Here's what employers get when they back their team through this programme, no extra budget needed.

Up to 100% Levy-funded. Delivered around the working day. Built for real workplace impact.

Better-prepared Teaching Assistants across every classroom

Consistent, evidence-based practice that lifts teaching and learning school-wide.

Up to 100% Levy-funded

£7,000 covered from the Apprenticeship Levy. Non-levy schools pay just the 5% co-investment (£350) under government co-investment.

Improved pupil outcomes

TAs equipped to deliver targeted interventions and small-group work with measurable impact.

Statutory safeguarding confidence

KCSIE knowledge and safer working practice embedded in every learner from the outset.

Retention of your best TAs

A recognised, funded professional pathway that keeps talent, and pipeline into HLTA and specialist roles.

SEND-ready support staff

Practical strategies for pupils with SEND, EAL and social-emotional needs, used across the curriculum.

£0

cost to employer

=

£7,000

funded via Apprenticeship Levy

Levy transfers depend on partner availability and can't be guaranteed on every enrolment. As your training provider we'll pursue every funding route available, co-investment, transfer partnerships and incentive payments, so your workforce journey is as cost-effective as possible.

Cost & funding

How much does the Teaching Assistant apprenticeship cost?

£7,000 fully funded through the school's Apprenticeship Levy, £0 to the learner for training, coaching or assessment.

Non-levy schools access the same apprenticeship through government co-investment, the government funds 95%, leaving a 5% employer contribution (£350 on the £7,000 band). Levy transfer from a larger partner employer is also available and NCE can help identify partners.

Need help understanding the Levy? Book a call

Am I in?

Am I eligible?

Not sure? Ask our team

Where it fits

How does this compare, and where does it lead?

Side-by-side against other NCE apprenticeships, plus the progression ladder from starting point to next step.

ApprenticeshipLevelDurationWho it's forQualificationFunding
Teaching AssistantThis pageLevel 313m + EPATAs new to or developing in roleTeaching Assistant (ST0454)£7,000
Specialist Teaching AssistantLevel 518m + EPAExperienced TAs specialising in SEND / interventionSpecialist Teaching Assistant£12,000
Early Years EducatorLevel 314m + EPAPractitioners working with children 0–5Early Years Educator (ST0135)£7,000
Safeguarding SupportLevel 313m + EPADSLs, safeguarding officers and pastoral staffSafeguarding Support (ST1030)£5,000

Progression ladder

Your journey through the Teaching Assistant

  1. 1

    Step 1

    During the apprenticeship

    Build a portfolio of high-quality classroom practice, take on wider intervention responsibilities and lead small-group work with confidence.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Immediately after

    Move into Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles, phase-specific lead TA positions or targeted intervention leads.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Long-term

    Progress to the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant, into initial teacher training routes, or into pastoral / SENCO support leadership.

Next steps

Specialist Teaching Assistant Safeguarding Support

Still wondering?

Frequently asked questions about the Teaching Assistant.

Learners

Ready to apply?

Register your interest and we'll be in touch with cohort dates and next steps.

Employers

Want to talk it through?

Speak to a real person, register your interest and our employer team will work through fit, funding and cohort planning with you.

0333 123 4567 hello@nationaleducation.collegeMon–Fri, 9am–5pm