Higher Level Teaching Assistant

What is HLTA?

'Higher Level Teaching Assistant' is a professional status. HLTAs work alongside teachers, providing teaching support at professional standards. They work under the guidance of a teacher within clearly defined roles and responsibilities relevant to their own educational setting.

HLTAs are normally experienced practitioners who offer specialist support for learning. For example in a primary school a HLTA might give support across the curriculum but with particular expertise to support progress in numeracy, literacy, music or art and design. In secondary schools HLTAs might be used as specialist assistants for a subject or department.

Since HLTAs are highly skilled and have a good knowledge of the curriculum they are able to undertake some whole class teaching activities under the guidance of a teacher. Teachers remain the leaders and experts in the classroom. However the particular responsibilities of an individual HLTA will be decided by the school management.

Three day preparation for assessment

The three day preparation for assessment programme is designed for students that already meet the 33 standards for HLTA standards and prepares students for assessment.

An introduction to HLTA status

Training Needs Analysis

We strongly advise that anyone considering applying for HLTA status carry out a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) with a mentor or line manager to help them make decisions about their training needs and the best route to HLTA status for them.

The Training Needs Analysis is for support staff and their school leaders, managers and mentors. It enables support staff to decide if and when to apply for HLTA status, familiarise themselves with the HLTA Standards and identify where they may require further training.