Course Overview
This apprenticeship helps your school develop experienced teaching assistants who can take on more responsibility, support pupils in new ways, and lead projects that matter.
For teaching assistants: this is your chance to gain a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification while getting hands-on support and guidance every step of the way.
Now enrolling learners for April 2026 and September 2026 cohorts.
Coming Up – New for September 2026: Our Green Lead cohort option trains a staff member to lead on sustainability and environmental learning in your school.
Why this apprenticeship works
- Give staff the skills and confidence to take the lead
- Improve learning and support for pupils
- Keep talented staff in your school
- Let staff put learning into practice straight away
Learners feel supported and ready to succeed, not overwhelmed.
Our apprentices have brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our schools, significantly contributing to our vibrant and dynamic learning community. They have become integral members of our team, and their enthusiasm and dedication have been truly inspiring.
David / Bower Learning Partnership
Specialist Pathways
Choose a Focus Area
➡️ SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)
- Support learners with SEND through tailored strategies
- Strengthen inclusive practice
- Work closely with SENCOs and teaching teams
➡️ SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
- Support pupils’ emotional wellbeing and resilience
- Build strong relationships and engagement
- Work with pastoral teams
➡️ Curriculum/Specialist Focus
Focus on areas that matter most in your school, such as:
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- Early Reading
- Maths Interventions
- EAL support
- Green Lead
Apprentices tailor their learning to make the biggest impact for pupils.
Why Schools Choose the Level 5 STA
The Level 5 STA is practical, flexible and cost-effective. Schools use the programme to strengthen their staff teams, support progression, enhance pupil outcomes, and build long term capacity. Learning is applied directly in the classroom, so apprentices make a real impact while they train.
“I chose to complete a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant degree to deepen my expertise, strengthen my professional practice, and better support learners with diverse and complex needs.”
Jessica / Level 5 STA apprentice
Over approximately 24 months, apprentices develop specialist skills and build a portfolio of evidence for the End-Point Assessment. They receive regular support from experienced SS&L tutors, structured around their real school roles to ensure learning is meaningful and immediately relevant.
Applicants typically need a Level 3 qualification or relevant experience. Requirements for English and maths will be dependent upon age and previous qualifications. This will be discussed during the application process. Full support is given to any applicant required or desiring to work towards their maths and English qualifications.
Your training is fully funded by contributions from the government and your employer.
To receive government funding, you must currently live in England and have lived in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years.
The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is assessed through a combination of workplace evidence, practical application, and a formal End-Point Assessment (EPA). Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll build a portfolio showcasing your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in your specialist area.
Assessment includes:
- On-the-job learning – Applying new skills in real education settings.
- Portfolio of evidence – Demonstrating your specialist support in action.
- Professional discussion – Reflecting on your practice and impact.
- Workplace observations – Showcasing your ability to support learning.
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) – A final assessment to evaluate your competence, including a professional discussion and workplace project.
Your tutor and employer will support you throughout the course, ensuring you’re fully prepared to succeed.
On successful completion, you may want to consider an appropriate Level 6 qualification. This could be the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship or the Early Years Degree Apprenticeship.
Your progression options can be discussed with your tutor.
School/MAT?
Talk to us about developing your staff with the L5 STA Apprenticeship
Learner?
Contact us to find out if this is the right apprenticeship for you
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