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Teaching assistant courses

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Teaching materials

Our teaching assistant courses are your gateway to a fulfilling career where you can make a real difference in children's lives.

They're designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in supporting young learners in the modern classroom. Whether you're looking to start a new career or advance your existing one, our flexible distance learning options make it easy to balance your studies with your personal commitments.

Know which course you're interested in?

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and making a lasting impact in education? Looking for a role where everyday is different? Our teaching assistant courses will turn your passion for education into a fulfilling and rewarding career.

What is a teaching assistant?

A teaching assistant works alongside teachers to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. As a TA, you'll be at the heart of students' educational journeys, supporting their growth and development every step of the way.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting classroom management: Assisting teachers in maintaining a positive and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Providing individual support: Offering tailored assistance to students with special educational needs or those who require extra help.
  • Preparing learning resources: Creating engaging materials to enhance the students’ learning experience and cater to various learning styles.
  • Supervising pupils: Ensuring the safety and well-being of students during breaks and lunchtime, and fostering a nurturing environment.

Our teaching assistant courses

Whether you’re yet to step into a classroom, or looking to advance your existing career in education, we have a course for you. If you're new to education, our foundational courses will introduce you to the essentials of classroom support, providing the perfect starting point. For those ready to take their skills to the next level, our intermediate and Level 3 diploma courses are designed to deepen your expertise.

With our flexible study options, you can learn at your own pace, and choose between online materials or paper study packs. Best of all, there’s no need to attend in-person classes, saving you time and money on travel expenses.

Upon completing our courses, you’ll be fully equipped to make a meaningful difference in diverse educational settings. You'll have the knowledge to support learning in primary, or secondary school, working with children and young people aged 4 to 19.

Our expertly-designed courses are structured to provide a clear and progressive learning path. You’ll develop a deep understanding of areas including:

  • Child development theories and stages
  • Behaviour management strategies and techniques
  • Assessment and monitoring of student progress
  • Safeguarding children and young people
  • Supporting teaching and learning through play
  • Awareness of special educational needs
  • Support English and Maths skills
  • Support the use of ICT in the learning environment
  • Understand how to support bilingual learners

Key benefits of our courses

Our teaching assistant courses aren’t just about ticking boxes, they’ll arm you with the skills and confidence to make a real difference in students’ lives. Here’s how we set you up for success, and what makes our courses different:

Flexible learning: Study at your own pace and convenience. Whether you’re a busy parent or considering a change of career, our courses adapt to your schedule, not the other way around.

Expert tuition: Receive support from experienced tutors who are subject specialists in the teaching field. They’ll share real-world insights that you wouldn’t find in textbooks.

Career guidance: Access personalised resources and advice to help you advance your career. Our tutors will support you in your job search, to help you stand out and find the perfect-fitting school for your first role.

Industry-recognised courses: Achieve CACHE or TQUK certifications to make employers take notice of your application, and trust in you to take on your first TA position.


Networking opportunities: Education is all about connections and through our CACHE courses, you will have access to NCFE CACHE Alumni, a professional membership network of aspiring teaching assistants and professionals.

Certification and qualifications

We offer a range of courses to suit your career goals, from introductory certificates to advanced diplomas. Our courses are endorsed by respected bodies including CACHE and TQUK, meaning that they’ll provide a very solid foundation for a successful teaching assistant career.

CACHE qualifications: Achieve industry-recognised qualifications that demonstrate your competence in childcare and education. CACHE qualifications are amongst the most well-known and respected in the industry.


TQUK courses: TQUK is an Ofqual regulated awarding body that offers courses in first aid, health and safety, food safety, and education and training. While they are not official qualifications, they are widely recognised by industry employers and provide an excellent opportunity to boost your knowledge and support your professional development.

Support and resources

Your success is our priority. Our dedicated support team is committed to guiding you throughout your learning journey. You'll have access to a wealth of resources, including:

  • An online learning platform with interactive materials and engaging multimedia content.
  • Comprehensive study guides and practice assessments to reinforce your learning.
  • Personalised career advice and job search support to help you land your dream role.
  • Placement opportunities with qualified teachers.

Start your teaching assistant course today

Why wait to make a difference? Take the first step towards a rewarding career as a teaching assistant today. With our flexible courses, expert support, and your passion for education, you have all it takes to succeed in this role.

Frequently asked questions

No, our courses are designed to welcome everyone, from complete beginners fresh out of school, to those with prior experience and existing skills.

Each role will have its own set of specific entry requirements and these will involve the qualifications you’ll need to be eligible for the role.

The most basic qualifications you will need to have are Literacy and Numeracy (maths or English) GCSE or equivalent e.g. Functional skills. As a teaching assistant, you’ll need to be confident in maths and English to be able to support pupils in their learning. You may also be required to sit a competency test.

You will also need at least one basic qualification related to or involving childcare.

We understand that everyone’s requirements are unique, so we offer a range of course durations. Level 3 courses take longer to complete than level 2, for example.

No time at all. If you choose to study with us online you’ll get your log-ins within 24 hours. If you choose a study pack, with standard delivery your course pack will be with you within 10 working days. If you can’t wait to get started, go for express delivery and you’ll receive your pack in just 3-5 working days.

Not all of our courses offer qualifications upon completion, some are knowledge-based courses. Carefully read each course page and look for the section called ‘course outcome’; there you will find details on what you’ll receive upon completion of the course –a qualification or a certificate of achievement. If you have any doubts, please call our team of advisers for a chat.

Looking to speak to an adviser?

We are delighted that you are considering joining us to study and take pleasure in welcoming you to our family.

Open Study College is one of the UK’s leading distance-learning colleges. We provide professionally-recognised teaching courses that enable you to study at your own pace, in your own environment either online or via printed materials sent to your home.

We understand that choosing a course is a big decision. That’s why we have a team of friendly, knowledgeable education specialists who can help you choose the right teaching qualifications for you.

Over the past 17 years, we’ve enrolled over 130,000 people on courses that have improved their education and their career prospects!

Our education specialists can answer any questions you may have, talk you through our finance options and get you enrolled over the telephone.

As a family-founded college, we think of our learners as extended members of our family. We’re all here to help you achieve your goals in life, whatever they may be.

If you’d like to speak to an education specialist about our online teaching courses, simply complete the form here and you’ll get a call back at the requested time.

Our education specialists are here to assist you with anything you may need. Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch within 24 hours, Monday to Saturday.

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