What’s the next career step for a teaching assistant in the UK? For many, it’s becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA).
Teaching assistants support teachers in the classroom, this can be through the preparation of learning resources, and in many cases teach whole classes in the event of teacher absence. Their work helps create an environment where students can learn and thrive.
Being a teaching assistant is rewarding in its own right, but it can be the start of a long-term career in education too. Becoming a HLTA allows you to build on the foundation of your current teaching experience, providing an opportunity to play a more active role in teaching and learning.
What is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?
A HLTA is a nationally recognised status that acknowledges the difference in expectation between a Teaching Assistant and a Higher Level Teaching AssistantIn addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of a teaching assistant, such as getting classrooms and learning materials ready, your work involves:
- Supporting individual students with their learning.
- Teaching small groups or leading whole-class lessons.
- Covering lessons when teachers are absent.
- Tracking and assessing students’ progress.
- Supervising students during breaks, lunchtime, and school trips.
Many HLTAs work with children and young people with special educational needs (SEN). This means you will often work directly with individuals or small groups. But you can take part in whole-class activities when needed; no two days are the same, as your role changes depending on each student’s needs and level of support.
A HLTA may oversee other classroom support staff, such as teaching assistants and provide pastoral support as well, such as liaising with parents and guardians to coordinate appropriate support for individual pupils.
How to become a HLTA in the UK?
1. Getting ready for HLTA assessment
Before you can apply for HLTA assessment, there are a few things you’ll need to have in place. You’ll need to be working as a teaching assistant, have the backing of your school and headteacher, and have your assessment fees or funding arranged. You will also need a minimum of six months experience teaching whole classes without the presence of a qualified teacher, this can be across a range of ages and phases.
From there, preparation for assessment sessions, this can be by your school, local authority (where applicable), or Regional Provider of Assessment (RPA), this process helps determine whether you’re ready to take the assessment and highlights any areas where you may need further experience or development. It is important that you are prepared by a RPA that awards HLTA status, as this is nationally recognised.
2. Make sure you have the right qualifications
Strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential for HLTA assessment as well. That’s why you’ll need a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification (or higher) in both English and Mathematics before applying. Accepted qualifications include:
- GCSE English or English Literature (grades A*-C or 4-9)
- CSE English Studies (Grade 1)
- GCE O-level pass in English Language or English Literature
- CEE English (Grades I, II and III)
- Basic Skills Certificate in Adult Literacy (Level 2)
- Key Skills Communication (Level 2)
- Functional Skills English (Level 2) or another nationally recognised Level 2 English qualification accepted by your assessment provider
- GCSE Mathematics (grades A*-C or 4-9)
- CSE Mathematics/Arithmetic (Grade 1)
- GCE O-level pass in Mathematics
- CEE Mathematics (Grades I, II and III)
- Basic Skills Certificate in Adult Numeracy (Level 2)
- Key Skills Application of Number (Level 2)
- Functional Skills Mathematics (Level 2)[EM1]
If you don’t already have one of these qualifications, speak to your headteacher or assessment provider about suitable courses. Your school may also be able to advise on funding options.
3. Complete a HLTA preparation course
Once you’ve met the English and Mathematics requirements and your school supports your application, you can enrol in a preparation course through a university or another approved training provider.
By the end, you should:
- Understand how the HLTA Professional Standards apply to your day-to-day role.
- Know what to expect during the assessment process.
- Have completed the required assessment tasks.
4. HLTA assessment visit
The final stage of the process is a half-day assessment by an assessor. The visit gives you the opportunity to demonstrate how your day-to-day practice meets the HLTA Professional Standards following an electronically submitted portfolio of written tasks and accompanying documentary evidence.
During the visit, you’ll be asked to:
- Explain your role and responsibilities within the school.
- Expand on the activities you discussed in your assessment tasks.
- Present evidence to support your responses to your assessment tasks.
- Demonstrate how your work aligns with the HLTA Professional Standards.
As part of the assessment, the assessor will also speak with your headteacher and a teacher who works closely with you. These discussions help validate the evidence you’ve provided, explore your contribution to teaching and learning, and confirm your readiness for HLTA status.
Advance Your Teaching Career with the University of Northampton
The University of Northampton (UON) is one of the UK’s leading providers of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) programmes and is the sole Regional Provider of Assessment (RPA) for HLTA candidates across the East Midlands, Peterborough, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. As part of the HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP), we work with other regional RPAs to ensure the programme maintains consistent, high-quality assessment standards nationwide.
If you already meet the 33 HLTA Professional Standards, our HLTA programme will help you prepare for the next step. Over six online sessions, you will receive support to complete the written elements of the assessment, build your portfolio of evidence, and show how your day-to-day practice aligns with each of the HLTA standards.
While learning, you will receive ongoing guidance from experienced tutors and assessors while connecting with fellow candidates through the university’s online learning platform. It’s an opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and reflect on your own practice. Sessions last 2.5 hours and are held during school working hours from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Attendance at all six sessions is mandatory.
“Attending this programme has helped further my career development, as I’ve been given extra responsibilities within my current role,” shares graduate Kerry Ojari, who’s currently working as an Inclusion Support Assistant at the Children’s Hospital School in Leicester. “I now teach English once a week and continue to run the Arts Awards programme – it is nice to be recognised for what I do and having the chance to complete the HLTA assessment has given me a confidence boost, so I’m now keen to take on even more extra challenges within my role,” she adds.
FAQs
Can you be a HLTA without a qualification?
You cannot achieve official HLTA status without any qualifications. To be formally recognised, you must pass an assessment against the national HLTA Professional Standards. This requires at least a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths (such as a GCSE or equivalent) and relevant experience working as a teaching assistant.
If you haven’t met these requirements yet, you can still work as an unqualified teaching assistant. Many independent schools and academies hire staff based on their relevant classroom experience or specialist skills while they work towards HLTA status.
How long does it take to become a HLTA?
Becoming a HLTA typically takes 3 to 5 months if you already have the required classroom experience and meet the eligibility requirements. This includes completing a preparation programme, compiling a portfolio of evidence and undergoing the HLTA assessment. The final assessment usually takes place 4 to 9 weeks after the preparation programme ends.
If you are starting from scratch as a teaching assistant, expect the process to take around 1 to 3 years, as you’ll first need to gain sufficient classroom experience, meet the 33 HLTA Professional Standards, and obtain a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths (or an accepted equivalent) before applying for assessment.
The exact preparation programme varies by provider. UON’s HLTA programme is designed for candidates who already meet the HLTA Professional Standards. It includes six live online sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, along with ongoing support. Sessions are held during the school day from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, and you’ll need to attend every session.
What are the requirements for becoming a HLTA?
To become a HLTA, you must already be working as a teaching assistant and have the support of your headteacher. You can pay to take the programme yourself if your school does not cover the cost. However, because HLTA assessment requires evidence of your practice, you must have your headteacher’s support and approval to proceed.
Before applying for HLTA assessment, you’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the required eligibility criteria. These include:
- Meeting all 33 HLTA Professional Standards.
- Holding English and Maths qualifications at Level 2 or an accepted equivalent.
- Having training in relevant learning strategies, such as literacy.
- Possessing specialist skills or training in a curriculum area, such as sign language.
