Introducing the Schools Green Lead Cohort: A Sustainable Pathway within the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant

Education has a vital role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. Schools are increasingly looking for ways to bring environmental awareness, outdoor learning and sustainability into everyday practice.

To support this, SS&L is launching a Green Lead cohort within our Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, starting in September 2026.

This pathway is designed for schools that want to develop a champion for sustainability within their team – someone who can help embed green skills, environmental awareness and nature-based learning across the school community.

Education meets environmental action

The goal is simple: reduce the impact of climate change and help build a better world – not just for children today, but for future generations too.

The Green Lead pathway helps schools develop someone who can:

• champion sustainability across the school
• support environmental education and outdoor learning
• contribute to eco-initiatives and green projects
• help embed sustainability into everyday school culture

It’s about creating a practitioner who connects education with environmental action.

It also offers schools a practical way to respond to the DfE’s growing focus on climate and sustainability, while upskilling a valued member of their support staff team.

What is the Green Lead Cohort?

The Green Lead Cohort is a focused group of apprentices completing the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant qualification, with a pathway that explores:

• environmental literacy in education
• sustainability across the curriculum
• engaging pupils with climate awareness
• supporting wellbeing through nature-based learning

Apprentices develop advanced practice as Specialist Teaching Assistants while also building the skills and confidence to champion sustainability in their setting.

A network of schools with shared goals

One of the strengths of the Green Lead Cohort is the opportunity to learn alongside others.

By joining the cohort, your school becomes part of a network of settings working towards similar goals. Apprentices will share ideas, experiences and practical approaches, helping to create a supportive hub of schools committed to sustainability and environmental education.

This collaboration often leads to new ideas, partnerships and inspiration that benefit both staff and pupils.

Part of our wider Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant programme

The Green Lead Cohort sits within SS&L’s Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, a nationally recognised qualification designed to support advanced practice and career progression.

Alongside the Green Lead pathway, SS&L also offers specialist routes focused on:

• SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
• SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
• Curriculum specialisms

Schools can choose the pathway that best supports their priorities and workforce development plans.

Planning ahead for September 2026

The Green Lead Cohort will begin in September 2026, giving schools time to identify the right member of staff and plan ahead.

If you’re interested in developing a sustainability champion within your school, we’d be happy to talk it through.

Talk to our team to learn more about the Green Lead Cohort or explore the full range of Specialist Teaching Assistant pathways available through SS&L.