Developing confident, skilled practitioners who lead learning, inclusion, and impact across education settings.

The Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) apprenticeship is designed for experienced teaching assistants and support staff ready to advance their professional expertise, lead practice, and make a measurable difference in pupil outcomes.

Mapped to the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship standard, this 18-month programme builds advanced knowledge, skills, and behaviours across teaching, learning, communication, and inclusion, empowering learners to move from supporting learning to shaping it.

Through interactive workshops, professional coaching, and specialist pathways, learners develop the confidence to design interventions, lead practice, and influence positive change across their settings.

Why Choose the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship?

  • Designed for Experienced Education Professionals
    Perfect for TAs, HLTAs, and learning mentors ready to grow into leadership or specialist roles.
  • Practical, School-Based Learning
    Every module connects directly to classroom practice and school improvement priorities.
  • Choose Your Specialist Pathway
    Focus on your passion and professional goals through one of three optional pathways:

    • Leading Practice for Learners with SEND
    • Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces for Learning
    • Driving Curriculum Confidence and Equity
  • Coaching and Reflective Practice
    Receive personalised 1:1 coaching to help you apply learning, reflect deeply, and evidence progress.
  • Fully Funded Through the Apprenticeship Levy
    Accessible to schools and trusts at no cost to learners or employers, with measurable impact across classrooms and teams.

Programme Structure

Programme Duration:18 months + End-Point Assessment

Delivery: Twelve core modules + three specialist pathway sessions + monthly 1:1 coaching

Outcome: Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Qualification

Each module follows the Seed Skills learning cycle:

  • Pre-Work: Short readings, videos, and reflection tasks to build context.
  • Masterclass: Interactive workshop with applied activities and peer collaboration.
  • Post-Work: Practical workplace tasks that contribute directly to your Portfolio of Evidence and Improvement Project.

Learner Journey

Month 1: Onboarding – Getting to Know You

  • Welcome session and introductions
  • Skills Radar and Individual Learning Plan
  • Meet your leadership coach and cohort

Months 2 – 17: Learning & Coaching Cycles

Across the programme, you’ll complete:

  • 12 Core Workshops – Building advanced teaching, learning, and leadership capability.
  • 3 Specialist Pathway Sessions – Deepening expertise in your chosen area (SEND, Social & Emotional Wellbeing, or Curriculum Provision).
  • Monthly 1:1 Coaching – Supporting reflection, goal setting, and practical application in your setting.

These sessions work together to help you grow as a confident specialist practitioner, blending classroom experience with leadership development.

Month 18: Gateway & End-Point Assessment

Final portfolio submission, followed by:

  • Observation with Questions: A live observation in your setting, followed by questions from your assessor to explore your approach and decision-making
  • Professional Discussion (underpinned by your Portfolio): A structured conversation reflecting on your learning, leadership, and contribution to your school.

Specialist Pathways – Deepen Your Expertise

Each learner chooses one pathway aligned to their interests and setting:

1. Leading Practice for Learners with SEND

Build expertise in early identification, adapting provision, and collaborating with SENCOs, families, and professionals.

Ideal for TAs supporting pupils with SEND or additional needs.

2. Creating Emotionally Safe Spaces for Learning

Explore wellbeing, self-regulation, and trauma-informed practice to foster emotionally literate classrooms.

Ideal for staff supporting emotional regulation and mental health.

3. Driving Curriculum Confidence and Equity

Deepen subject knowledge, adapt teaching sequences, and use data to close gaps and champion your curriculum area.

Ideal for staff leading small-group teaching, interventions, or subject-specific support (e.g. phonics, EAL, numeracy).

Each pathway includes:

  • Three self-directed learning sessions
  • Portfolio-ready tasks
  • Coach check-ins for reflection and application

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