To see the steps you need to take to become a teaching assistant, check out our in-depth how to become a teaching assistant guide.

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

A Level 2 Teaching Assistant course is an entry-level qualification that prepares you for supporting learning in schools. It covers the basics of classroom support, such as helping the teacher deliver lessons, supervising pupils, encouraging positive behaviour, and ensuring a safe learning environment. Level 2 is ideal if you’re new to education or looking for your first role as a teaching assistant.

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant course is a more advanced qualification that builds on Level 2 knowledge and gives you greater responsibility in the classroom. It often includes supporting children with special educational needs (SEN), contributing to lesson planning, assessing pupil progress, and working more independently with groups of students. Level 3 is suited to those who already have some experience, or who want to progress to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role.

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is an experienced teaching assistant who has completed additional qualifications and training to take on more responsibility in the classroom. HLTAs can plan and deliver lessons, support whole-class teaching, and lead small groups independently. They often have specialist skills, such as working with pupils with special educational needs (SEN), and may take on mentoring or supervisory roles for other TAs. Achieving HLTA status is a common step for TAs who want to progress their career in education or move towards teaching qualifications.

This depends on your course. Some (such as NCFE CACHE qualifications) require a school placement for practical experience while others are fully theory-based but encourage you to seek voluntary experience alongside study.

A teaching assistant qualification doesn’t make you a fully qualified teacher, but many people use it as a stepping stone into teacher training. It’s a great way to gain classroom experience before pursuing a PGCE or equivalent route. When you do decide to go into a full teaching role, everything will be a lot more familiar.

With experience and further qualifications, you could progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), SEN specialist, or even train to become a qualified teacher.