Teaching and Learning Courses
Supporting Teaching & Learning Courses
Supporting Teaching and Learning (STL) courses, often at Levels 2 and 3, are qualifications for individuals working or volunteering as teaching assistants or learning support staff in schools and colleges. They provide essential training in safeguarding, child development, classroom management, and supporting lesson delivery. These courses, often available via local colleges or online providers, typically require a practical school placement.
As of the November 2024 school workforce census, there are approximately 288,800 full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching assistants employed in state-funded schools in England. This number represents a significant increase in support staff, with around two-thirds of these roles working within primary schools.
As of November 2024, there were 14,675 teaching assistants (50.2% of support staff) employed in local authority-maintained schools in Wales. When including higher-level teaching assistants (HLTAs) and ALN support staff, the number of classroom-focused support staff is higher, within a total of 29,250 school support staff.
Teaching assistants (TAs) in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £26,000 annually for full-time roles, with starting salaries around £19,000–£22,366. Experienced TAs or Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) can earn up to £29,000–£45,000+. However, many TAs work term-time only, often resulting in actual take-home pay between £13,000 and £15,000.
Key Aspects Of STL Courses Include:
Levels And Focus:
Level 2: Focuses on foundational knowledge for classroom support.
Level 3: Aimed at those looking to upskill, offering deeper, more technical knowledge of supporting learning, assessment, and special needs (SEND).
Core Topics:
Supporting Learning: Assisting with lesson planning, delivery, and assessment alongside teachers.
Child Development: Understanding children’s development, behaviour, and communication.
Safeguarding: Understanding policies for protecting children and young people.
Professional Development: Reflective practice, promoting equality, and fostering positive relationships.
Delivery And Requirements:
Placement: Usually requires a school placement (often one to two days per week).
Assessment: Coursework, projects, and practical assessments within the workplace.
Entry: Generally for those 19+ with relevant, albeit sometimes voluntary, experience.
These courses are nationally recognised qualifications, such as NCFE CACHE or City & Guilds, providing a pathway for career advancement in education.
Teaching Assistants (TAs)
Teaching assisants typically progress through four main levels of qualification and responsibility, ranging from general classroom support (Level 1) to higher-level, specialised roles (Level 4 or 5). These levels define the scope of support provided to teachers and students, with higher levels involving more specialised knowledge and increased responsibility, such as covering classes or leading interventions.
- Level 1: Focuses on basic classroom support, such as helping with preparation, setting up resources, and supporting general learning.
- Level 2: Involves more direct interaction, such as supporting individual students, working with specific groups, and assisting with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
- Level 3: This is often considered the standard, fully qualified level, where TAs have a deeper understanding of child development and can take on more independent responsibilities, including planning support activities.
- Level 4 / HLTA: Known as Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA), these professionals often cover classes, lead specific interventions, and have higher-level expertise.
- Level 5: Some specialised roles or advanced qualifications, such as senior SEN support or intervention coordinators, can reach this level.
Costs Of Courses
Many teaching assistants start at level 2 or 3 and progress to become HLTAs over time, with training often taking the form of apprenticeships or specific qualifications. Teaching Assistant (TA) qualification costs vary by level and provider, generally ranging from approximately £200 to over £1,400 for accredited online courses. Level 2 certificates typically cost £300–£700, while more advanced Level 3 Diplomas cost £500–£950, with many providers offering payment plans. Some introductory courses are available for as low as £19–£50.
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Costs for Teaching and Learning courses in the UK, such as Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Initial Teacher Training (ITT), typically range from £7,335 to £9,790 per year for UK applicants, with non-UK citizen fees averaging around £15,000 per year.
Shorter, specialised courses like the Level 3 Award or Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training often range from £270 to £599. Completely online. Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS). No previous experience needed. Qualifications regulated by OFQUAL. You can Enrol instantly and start today. Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS)
Key Costs By Qualification Level
Level 2 Certificate (Basic): £300 – £700, with some online options as low as £219.
Level 3 Diploma (Standard): £500 – £950. A popular option is to pay a deposit (e.g., £47.50) followed by monthly installments.
Level 4 (HLTA – Higher Level): £500 – £1,400.
Alternative Routes: Some courses are advertised as free, though these may be introductory or, in some cases, funded via government schemes.
Additional Considerations
- Duration: Courses can take up to 2 years to complete if mixed with on-the-job training.
- Provider Differences: eLearning College offers free, unaccredited courses, while The Learning College offers accredited, paid options.
- On-the-job Training: Some schools provide training, allowing for employment without upfront qualification costs.
NOTES
PTLLS stands for Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, an introductory teaching qualification in the UK that has now been replaced by the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), but the acronym is still commonly used.
It’s a foundational qualification for individuals wanting to teach adults in colleges, workplaces, or community settings, focusing on planning and delivering training without needing prior teaching experience.
