How You Can Become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Teaching assistants are finding themselves in increasing demand in England’s classrooms. As the profile of the job rises, more and more teaching assistants are viewing their work as a longer-term calling that they want to progress within.
Not all educational support staff are aware of the opportunities they have to take on more responsibilities and earn more. For most TAs, the next rung on the ladder will be a job as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA).
What does a Higher Level Teaching Assistant do?
Technically speaking, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant is a TA who has been certified as meeting the official HLTA Standards – a set of expectations and expected capabilities for TAs working at this grade.
An HLTA performs much the same functions as any other teaching assistant – working alongside a class teacher to help learners progress. The difference lies in the increased degree of responsibility HLTAs are given.
People with HLTA status are allowed to cover planned absences and teach classes individually. They are expected to understand the curriculum at a more strategic level than a regular TA, including its objectives and how it contributes to key learning outcomes of the age and ability ranges of their pupils.
They will be expected to have a more advanced understanding of pertinent frameworks like the SEND code of practice. Higher Level Teaching Assistants will also be given more of a role in assessing learners and evaluating their progress.
An HLTA will also have a particular area of specialisation and expertise in supporting teaching and learning. This could be in SEND, literacy or numeracy skills, or any other area that you feel best suits your skillset.
How to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
An HLTA needs to have been working as a Teaching Assistant for a period of time. They will also need to have gained the support of their headteacher.
You are not explicitly required to have any particular qualifications other than passing grades in GCSE-level English and Maths. However, taking a formal qualification to prepare you for HLTA status will hugely increase your chances of success. You could ask your headteacher if they will fund your enrolment.
Our sister company, Best Practice Network, offers a complete HLTA training programme, covering preparation and assessment.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will officially have HLTA status. This will mean you’ll be able to apply for jobs as an HLTA.
How much do Higher Level Teaching Assistants earn?
HLTAs are given a higher pay package than regular teaching assistants.
Salaries will range from around £20,000 per annum for a new HLTA, while more experienced HLTAs can command up to £30,000.
The average Higher Level Teaching Assistant earns an annual salary of around £23,000.
Higher Level Teaching Assistants play a vital role in the classroom, helping all pupils get the most out of their education. If you’d like to move forward in your career as a TA. then check out your options for HLTA preparation training courses today.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Computer Science Teacher for secondary school in PortsmouthAbout the School: This forward-thinking secondary academy in Portsmouth is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and student dev
Reference
compsci
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£85 - 105 per day
Location free text
Clapham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater London
Description
Exciting Opportunity: Secondary Teaching Assistant with English Specialism Location: Clapham, Greater London Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: £85 - £105 per dayAre you passionate ab
Reference
TAENG00
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Hampshire
Description
Maths Maternity Cover for secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This highly regarded Catholic secondary school in Waterlooville has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and st
Reference
MathsMaternity
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Food Tech
Location
Hampshire
Description
Teacher of Food Technology required for Secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This vibrant secondary school in Waterlooville prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive environm
Reference
Food tech
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Christchurch
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Secondary
Location
Dorset
Description
About Us:At TP tutors, we are dedicated to making a difference in students' lives by providing top-notch educational support. We partner with local schools and authorities to offer tailored tutoring s
Reference
LV2210
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Manchester
Description
Teaching Personnel are specialists in providing 1-1 tuition for young people who are not in education. We have an urgent need for tutors.These pupils have a range of needs including: SEND needs - suc
Reference
10SFManMath22/10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£83.85 - 90.00 per day
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Primary Teaching Assistant – Radcliffe (M26)A multi-academy trust currently needs Teaching Assistants to provide ad-hoc cover across their three primary schools located across the Radcliffe and Bury a
Reference
ADHOCTASBRY
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North PrimaryAuthor
Manchester North PrimarySalary
£30k - 50k per year
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Business
Location
Essex
Description
A Secondary school in Rayleigh are looking to appoint a full-time Business Teacher, to cover and support the Department from January 2025. The position is suitable for an ECT or Experienced Teachers.
Reference
JCBTS12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
West Thurrock
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Thurrock LEA
Description
Mathematics Teacher (Full-Time) – ThurrockWe are supporting an excellent school in Thurrock in the recruitment of a highly motivated and qualified Mathematics Teacher. This role offers the opportunity
Reference
JCMT5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Essex
Description
Religious Studies Teacher (Full-Time) – Start Date: November 4th 2024Location: Rayleigh, EssexTeaching Personnel is pleased to be supporting a well-regarded school in their search for a committed and
Reference
JC03RE
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
At the end of October, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining ac
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job