Qualifications

Qualifications for Teaching Assistant (TA) roles

The qualifications and skills required by TAs are determined by the school or local authority (LA). Many LAs advertise for TAs with a ‘level 2’ qualification. In total there are 3 grades associated with the role of TA, each with its own corresponding ‘qualification level’ pre-requisites. These are detailed below:

TA (Grade 1)

An entry-level post requiring no previous qualifications. However prospective candidates are required to:

  • take part in a 4-day TA induction programme;
  • have sufficient skills in numeracy and literacy are necessary;
  • have an interest in providing learner support.

TA (Grade 2)

  • Many employers require a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or equivalent.
  • Other TA-related certificates or diplomas may be accepted when accompanied by experience and an interest in obtaining a full NVQ.

TA (Grade 3)

  • Most employers require a Level 3 NVQ or equivalent.
  • Other TA-related certificates or diplomas may be accepted when accompanied by experience and an interest in obtaining a full NVQ.

Note that all support staff working in schools are required to undergo Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks.

Qualifications for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs)

The role of HLTA typically requires:

  • sufficient experience working as a TA;
  • a Level 3 NVQ or equivalent;
  • a Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy (such as GCSE English and maths);
  • HLTA status.

To obtain HLTA status you will need the support of your school, as well as funding to be assessed, in order to prove that you fulfill the HLTA standards. There are 33 HLTA standards and these are outlined on the TDA website.

Additional Qualifications for TAs and HLTAs

In addition to the qualifications mentioned above, TAs and HLTAs may be interested in obtaining a Specialist Teaching Assistant Certificate (STAC), which focuses on development of the TA or HLTA’s role in supporting learning in the core subjects (English, maths and science) as well as in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

This certificate is not a requirement, but TAs may find it useful if they are working towards HLTA status. A STAC may also be used as a step towards becoming a qualified teacher since STAC courses often carry Credit Accumulation Transfer (CAT) points, which can be credited towards some first degrees. A first degree (BA, BSc or BEd) is essential for gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in order to become a qualified teacher in a mainstream school in England.

STAC courses may take up to 1 year to complete. Duration and mode of STAC courses vary so it is advisable to check with individual course providers for further information.