Higher Level Teaching Assistant Preparation course

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Preparation course Fully online

Empowering Teaching Assistants to lead, support, and inspire

Edge Hill University (EHU) is proud to be recognised nationally for its outstanding contribution to education workforce development. Our Higher Level Teaching Assessment (HLTA) Preparation Course is designed for experienced Teaching Assistants (TAs) who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Delivered online over 3–6 months, this flexible programme supports TAs in gaining the nationally recognised HLTA status—enhancing their skills, confidence, and professional standing.

Why Teaching Assistants matter

Teaching Assistants are the backbone of inclusive education. They provide essential support to pupils—especially those with additional needs—reinforce learning, and help create a positive, well-managed classroom environment. Their role is critical in delivering individualised education, health and care plans, and in building trusted relationships that boost pupil engagement and well-being.

Despite their importance, many schools face challenges in recruiting and retaining TAs due to limited career progression. The HLTA qualification offers a solution—providing formal recognition, career development, and a pathway to further qualifications such as the Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship.

Online session dates 2026

Participants will be required to attend all sessions:

Course overview

This HLTA Preparation Course is tailored to TAs who are:

• Currently employed in a school setting
• Seeking to advance their pedagogical skills
• Seeking to apply for HLTA assessment

Throughout the course and during the assessment we use the National HLTA Standards to verify HLTA status.

Course format

• Fully online

• Duration: 3–6 months

Course benefits

• Preparation for professional recognition: prepare for HLTA assessment and gain formal acknowledgment of your expertise.

• Enhanced skills: Learn to support learning at a higher pedagogical level.

• Improved outcomes: Contribute to better pupil engagement and achievement.

• Career progression: Preparing you for HLTA assessment.

Entry requirements:

Applicants are welcomed from Teaching Assistants in all types of schools across all age phases. To be eligible for the HLTA Preparation course, you must:

• be employed as a Teaching Assistant in an educational setting
• have the endorsement of your Headteacher/ Principal
• have achieved a nationally recognised qualification at level 2 or above in English/literacy and mathematics/numeracy

If you don’t currently have Level 2 English and Maths qualifications, please contact us using the email button below and a member of the team will get in touch to talk through your options.

Apply now

1. Use the buttons below to apply (Application form link) with the endorsement (Endorsement form) please complete these forms at the same time
2. Edge Hill University assess the application
3. You will receive an email with the outcome of your application if you’re successful.
4. Once received, please use the button below to pay.

Contact us

For any pre-course enquiries please get in touch:

Other routes to becoming a qualified teacher