Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Harris Institute is pleased to announce the launch of its new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship programme. This exciting opportunity is available to experienced Teaching Assistants (TAs) across both primary and secondary academies, with training set to beginning 2026.

Specialist Teaching Assistants support provision related to special educational needs and disability (SEND), the Social and Emotional Well-being with ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), of learners, or within another area of Specialist Curriculum (Maths and English) provision.  

This 15-month programme will lead to a Level 5 academic qualification and is designed to provide Specialist Teaching Assistant apprentices with a comprehensive learning experience across five core themes:

1. Regulation and Guidance
2. Advancing Learning
3. Planning and Assessment
4. Professionalism
5. Communication

Additionally, apprentices will select one of three specialisms to focus on:

SEND specialist teaching assistants support the implementation of SEND policy, processes, and procedure. They will advance learning for those learners with SEND.

Social and Emotional Well-being Specialist Teaching Assistants with ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) supports the implementation of policy, processes, and procedure in these areas. They will focus on learners’ social and emotional well-being, to advance learning. (There will be limited spaces for this element of the programme and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis).

Curriculum Provision Specialist Teaching Assistants provide support for learners and advance learning in the specialist subject area of Maths and English. 

The programme also includes an opportunity for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) accreditation, for those not yet accredited, subject to application criteria.   

The benefits of this apprenticeship to schools are:

• It is fully funded to the amount of £12,000 by the apprenticeship levy, so schools can access high quality training for free.
• It’s an opportunity to upskill your support staff team and provide them with the knowledge and skills to take the next steps in their career.
• Some training is delivered in a combination of 8 face to face and 5 twilight sessions, but the majority has been organised so they can engage with the work they're already doing and use this as evidence.
• Specialist TAs are trained on pedagogy, assessment and curriculum which helps them engage with classroom content and support students at a higher level.
• Opportunity for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) accreditation, for those not yet accredited.
• Equivalent to a foundation degree, or a Higher National Diploma.

Funding Eligibility

This programme is funded by the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency). There are rules that govern eligibility. Please read through and answer the questions below. If you find you do not meet one or more of the eligibility questions below, please get in touch with the Apprenticeship team Apprenticeships@harrisfederation.org.uk, as there may be other development opportunities open to you.

Participation in this programme is subject to Headteacher approval.  In-person training sessions are mandatory in order to gain the qualification. 

Eligibility Criteria

1. Be employed in a school and have the support of your Principal
2. Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years and work mainly in England
3. Hold an employment contract covering the full programme (18+ months)
4. Minimum contracted hours should be 30+ hours per week 

GCSE Qualifications

If you wish to apply for HLTA status, you will be required to have GCSE grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or if you hold an international equivalent to GCSE qualifications.  We will also contact your Principal approval.

If you would like to register your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest form here: 
https://harrisapprenticeships.org.uk/expression-of-interest/

Or scan the QR code:

For more information, please contact Martha Lopez: Martha.Lopez@harrisinstitute.org.uk