A Higher Level Teaching Assistant, or HLTA, is an experienced teaching assistant who takes on additional responsibilities within a school. HLTAs support teachers in the classroom, work with small groups or individual pupils, and sometimes lead whole classes in the teacher's absence. They may also help plan lessons, assess pupils' progress, and support children with special educational needs. To become a HLTA, you need previous experience as a teaching assistant and to complete a nationally recognised HLTA programme. The role requires strong communication skills, the ability to work independently, and a passion for helping children learn and develop.
The typical salary for a HLTA in the UK ranges from £21,000 to £27,000 per year depending on experience and location.
There are approximately 30,000 people working as HLTAs across the UK, with demand particularly high in primary schools.
Most HLTAs work around 32 to 37 hours per week during term time only, which allows for school holidays off.
Supports pupils with special educational needs in mainstream or specialist schools, working closely with teachers and SENCOs to provide tailored learning support.
Focuses on helping pupils who struggle with reading and writing by delivering targeted literacy interventions and supporting classroom activities.
Works alongside pastoral teams in schools to provide emotional and social support to pupils, helping to improve their wellbeing and engagement with learning.
Obtain GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent qualifications.
Most schools require HLTAs to have good literacy and numeracy skills, so having at least a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English and maths is essential. If you do not have GCSEs, you can take equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills Level 2.
Work as a teaching assistant to build experience in a classroom setting.
Most HLTAs start by working as teaching assistants. This role gives you valuable experience working with pupils, supporting teachers, and understanding classroom dynamics. Many schools prefer candidates who have at least two years’ experience as a teaching assistant before progressing to HLTA.
Attend a recognised HLTA preparation course.
HLTA preparation courses help you meet national HLTA standards. These courses are usually organised by local authorities, teaching schools, or other accredited providers. The training covers planning lessons, leading classes, and supporting pupils with special needs.
Develop your ability to communicate effectively and lead groups of pupils.
Honing your communication and leadership skills is important, as HLTAs often take responsibility for whole classes or groups. You can do this through on-the-job experience, training courses, and by seeking feedback from teachers and mentors.
Submit evidence and undergo assessment to achieve HLTA status.
You will need to collect evidence of your skills and experience, including lesson plans, examples of pupil support, and feedback from colleagues. An assessor will usually visit your school to observe your work and review your evidence against HLTA standards.
Search and apply for HLTA roles in schools.
Once you have achieved HLTA status, you can apply for advertised HLTA jobs. Highlight your experience, training, and achievements in your application. You may also discuss your career goals and how you can support pupils and teachers in your new role.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is most similar to a Teaching Assistant because both roles involve supporting classroom teachers, aiding in lesson delivery, and assisting with the educational needs of students. The HLTA qualification indicates a higher level of responsibility and expertise within the educational support role, building on the foundational duties typical of a standard Teaching Assistant.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course to gain some of the skills and knowledge you need to do this job.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This takes up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and learning with a training provider.
You'll usually need:
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working with children and young people. This can also help when looking for jobs.
You can get experience by volunteering in a local school or with a community organisation.
You can apply directly for jobs through schools, local authorities and academy trusts. Each school sets its own entry requirements, though you'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.
You'll also need to show that you can work well with children, teachers and parents. Volunteering, or a qualification in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work, may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
Teaching assistants may specialise in the kind of extra support they give, for example with:
Teaching assistants are employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.
Advertised pay rates are often listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.
You can find more on working as a teaching assistant from Skills for Schools.
You can also search for jobs using the Teaching Vacancies service.
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