Become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant
If you’re an existing teaching assistant and wish to take the next step in your career, you can pursue the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants. (HLTA) This course is also referred to as HLTA.
This Level 4 teaching assistant course is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), England, and offers a progression route for support staff in schools. You can assist pupils more independently and work closely with the teacher to plan lessons and activities. You can also take more accountability as an HLTA, and if the teacher requires you to provide cover during certain periods, you are qualified to do so.
With a high demand for teaching assistants, this qualification can help you land your dream role. This can lead to attractive remuneration and incentives. A SEN (special educational needs) teacher may also be able to demand better pay.
The key difference between a teaching assistant and a higher-level teaching assistant is the increased responsibility in the classroom.
You can apply for an HLTA position within schools in the United Kingdom. This qualification is approved by OFSTED (see information below). The higher-level teaching assistant course can be taken online in your free time. can be completed within 6 months. This qualification can be taken online in your free time.
As part of your practical assessment, you will be required to work with students aged 5 for a few hours per week. You can also progress to a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or a foundation degree in education. While this course gives you the HLTA status, you can pursue other roles if you prefer, such as teacher or educational support specialist.
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Once you enrol with us, we offer complete learner support. We want to see you succeed. You will have access to a personal tutor who is a qualified expert with relevant experience.
Your tutor will assess your work, give you the required feedback, and help you improve throughout the course.
Our professional support team is available to answer any of your questions. You can contact us at any time; we are only a click away.
| Course Highlights |
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| Learning Outcomes |
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| Who is the Course for? | The Level 4 teaching assistant course is suitable for teaching assistants ready to take on more responsibility in the classroom.
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| Certification | Once you complete this course, you will be awarded the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants by Focus Awards and regulated by Ofqual. |
| Career Path | Your Pathway to a Rewarding Teaching Career
The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants will give you the opportunity to take your career in teaching to the next level. You will have the relevant skills and experience to excel as an HLTA and take on more responsibilities in the classroom. This qualification allows you to work more independently, supporting teachers and students. The role of HLTA often comes with higher pay and better benefits. Given below are some career prospects you can achieve with the annual salary range. (Source: UK Glassdoor)
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| Entry Requirements |
Not sure if this course is for you? Speak to an advisor today! |
| Average Completion Timeframe | The Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) requires 108 GLH. You can complete this course in just a few months or take up to a year; it’s flexible to suit your schedule. Most learners finish within 6 months, but if you have more time to study or relevant experience, you may complete it sooner. We offer full support for up to 12 months, so you can work at a pace that’s right for you. |
| Method of Assessment | To earn the Level 4 HLTA Certificate, you will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, a portfolio of evidence, and direct observation. Importantly, this course does not have an exam. This is how you will be assessed throughout the course.
Written Assignments: You will be assessed through written assignments which will be marked internally by your tutor. Your personal tutor will provide you with constructive feedback and guidance to help you improve and succeed. |
| Academic Progression | Once you complete the Level 4 teaching assistant course, you can progress to the following.
A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:
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| Regulated by | OFQUAL
Ofqual is the government body in England that regulates exams, assessments, and qualifications. This guarantees that the assessments and exams meet a high standard and can be officially recognised and trusted. OFSTED The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills is an independent, non-ministerial government department responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions, including state schools and some independent schools. It also inspects initial teacher training and regulates early years’ childcare facilities. RQF The RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to compare different qualifications. It helps learners and employers understand the level and size of the course, beginning from the basic level to the advanced level. |
The Best Future is at Hand with South London College
South London College is a trusted and leading online provider in the UK. We believe in providing our learners with transformative educational opportunities. Our key goal is to help our learners grow and develop personally and professionally through academic and vocational achievement. We equip our learners with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their chosen field. We offer the best opportunity to obtain the Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF).
Focus Awards
Focus Awards is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland, and Qualifications Wales. It is based in the UK and specialises in developing and awarding a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications across a wide spectrum. Focus Awards was established in 2011 and delivers high-quality and accessible qualifications to ensure learners receive industry-standard training and assessment.
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Great training
The content was practical and relevant, and my tutor was supportive throughout. It wasn’t always easy juggling work and study, but the convenience of the course helped me stay on top.
Ideal for aspiring HLTAs
As a SEN teacher, I found this course very helpful in taking the next step in my career.
Good course material
I had been working as a teaching assistant for years but wanted a formal qualification. This is highly recommended to anyone who wants to progress in their teaching career.