With a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification in the UK, individuals can significantly enhance their career opportunities within the educational setting. The HLTA is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by OFQUAL and approved by OFSTED, making it widely accepted across the UK education sector.
What is the HLTA?
HLTA stands for Higher Level Teaching Assistant, a role aimed at teaching assistants who want to advance their careers and take on additional responsibilities in educational settings. To qualify for this role, individuals can pursue the Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistance, which provides the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance classroom management and support pupil learning effectively.
This qualification allows you to take on greater responsibilities, such as leading lessons, assisting with curriculum planning, and supporting pupils with special educational needs (SEN). By bridging the gap between a teaching assistant and a qualified teacher, HLTA status empowers you to make a more significant impact in schools.
What does the HLTA allow you to do?
As an HLTA, you take on exciting responsibilities that allow you to make a bigger impact in the classroom.
The key responsibilities of HLTA are as follows;
- Leading Lessons: One of your main tasks of HLTAs is leading lessons. You will either follow plans created by the teacher or design your own based on the curriculum.
- Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN): As an HLTA you will work closely with teachers and parents to support students with SEN. Whether implementing an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or working with parents and teachers to adapt activities.
- Supervising the Classroom in a Teacher’s Absence: You are required to step in as an HLTA to manage the class independently when the teacher is unavailable. This means keeping the class on track, managing behaviour, and ensuring lessons run smoothly.
- Assisting with Curriculum Planning: You will be assisting in planning curriculum and lessons that make learning exciting and effective for all students. Collaborating with the teacher, you’ll come up with ideas that fit the curriculum and cater to the different abilities in the classroom.
- Mentoring and Supporting Junior Staff: As an HLTA, you’re also a role model for junior teaching assistants. Share experience, offer guidance, and help them develop their skills.
- Monitoring and Assessing Pupil Progress: Keeping track of students’ performance and evaluation is a key responsibility. By observing their participation or reviewing their work, you will help identify where they are excelling and where they might need extra support.
- Managing Resources and Classroom Organization: HLTAs ensure everything’s ready for lessons setting up activities, preparing materials, and organising resources. By keeping things running smoothly, an environment is created where both teachers and students can focus on learning and be efficient.
Learn more about the Roles and Responsibilities of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Key Differences between HLTA and Teaching Assistant Role
While both roles may seem similar at first glance, HLTAs take on tasks requiring more expertise and leadership. For example, HLTAs might lead entire lessons or develop strategies for classroom management that standard teaching assistants may not be responsible for.
Some key differences between HLTAs and Teaching Assistants:
| Aspect | Teaching Assistant | HLTA |
|---|---|---|
|
Responsibilities |
Supports teacher instructions, assists with classroom management, and works with small groups |
Plans and delivers lessons, assesses student progress, and provides feedback to teachers and parents |
|
Autonomy |
Works under teacher guidance - primarily assisting |
Can lead classes independently – including planning time, taking on more significant teaching responsibilities |
|
Pay Scale |
Entry-level pay scale - Average salary ranges from £21,000 to £25,000 for standard teaching assistants |
Higher pay scale - typically starting around £25,000 and can go up to £30,000 or more depending on experience and responsibilities |
In essence, HLTAs take on tasks that require more expertise and leadership, making their role pivotal in ensuring classrooms run smoothly.
How do I become a HLTA?
To earn HLTA status you are required to follow the process given below;
- Meet the Entry Criteria:
- Obtain minimum of GCSEs/Level 2 qualifications (or above) in English and Maths.
- Be in TA role with significant experience working in a school setting, with minimum twelve months being in current position
- Get an endorsement or confirmation letter from headteacher confirming their support for your application and your ability to take on whole classes
- Undergo Training:
- Enrol in Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) course offered by accredited providers.
- Complete course which can take typically takes 4 to 12 months, depending on your availability.
- Demonstrate Competence:
- After training, showcase proficiency in the 33 HLTA professional standards during the assessment process
- Provide portfolio of evidence of your skills consisting of written tasks, records and resources, reflective accounts along with a witness from headteacher.
Can the HLTA Qualification Be Completed Online?
Yes! At Britannia School of Academics, HLTA qualification is delivered 100% online, making it easier to fit the qualification around work and life commitments. All seven mandatory units in the course will be assessed through written assignments, along with witness testimonies or work products where required submitted to course tutors to fulfil the assessment criteria.
This online learning offers flexibility and accessibility, especially for busy teaching assistants, seeking professional growth without compromising their current roles.
Why Should You Become an HLTA?
Here’s why earning HLTA status could be a game-changer:
- Career Advancement: HLTAs often assume leadership responsibilities that provide valuable experience for future roles.
- Higher Salary: The additional responsibilities typically come with increased pay.
- Professional Recognition: HLTA status signifies professional achievement respected by schools and colleagues.
- Personal Fulfilment: Leading lessons allows you to make a meaningful impact on pupils’ lives.
Career Boost with HLTA Status
According to research by the NFER (2007, 2019) and the Department for Education (DfE, 2010), approximately 80% of Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) report improved job security and career prospects after obtaining their qualifications. On average, HLTAs earn £2,000 to £5,000 more per year than standard teaching assistants.
In the UK, the average HLTA salary is £24,700 per year (£12.67 per hour), with entry-level positions starting at £22,560 and experienced workers earning up to £29,424 annually. As of 2024, the average salary for HLTAs stands at £22,415.
Additionally, 90% of HLTAs surveyed reported feeling more confident in their roles compared to their time as standard teaching assistants.
Conclusion
Becoming an HLTA offers unique blend of responsibilities and rewards to take on significant responsibilities that impact the learners’ lives, whether you are assisting teachers, helping SEN students with tasks or monitoring colleagues. It is an exciting profession that enables you to develop professionally while having a direct impact on young people. The HLTA qualification can be your next big step if you’re prepared to grow professionally, take on new challenges, and accept more responsibility. Start your journey today and make a lasting impact on the next generation!
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