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Level 3 Teaching Assistant Standard
Turn Your Classroom Passion Into a Career Supporting Learners
Become a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in 18-Months
You may already support pupils through classroom activities, small group learning, or behaviour support. This apprenticeship develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a confident Teaching Assistant who helps learners succeed.
Through real classroom experience and expert guidance, you will learn how to support teaching, promote positive behaviour, and help pupils overcome barriers to learning.
Classroom Ready Skills
Inclusive Learning Support
Make a Real Difference
Why Teaching Assistants Matter
Growing learner needs require classroom support
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| SEND Demand | 1.7M+ pupils need additional support |
| EHCP Plans | 482,640 pupils have formal plans |
| SEN Support | 1.28M pupils receive school support |
Phoebe. S
“Before starting my apprenticeship, I worked in a nursery where I discovered my passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This experience helped me build patience, empathy and strong communication skills while learning to adapt to each child’s individual needs.
My apprenticeship with Train Together has allowed me to develop these skills further in a real working environment, building my confidence and gaining valuable hands-on experience with great support from both my workplace and the Train Together team.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain practical skills, recognised qualifications and make a real difference in education. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding and supports both personal and professional growth.”
Register your interest
Tell us a little about your organisation and we’ll be in touch within one working day. No automated pipelines — just a real person who knows your sector.
Thank you — you’re registered
We’ve received your details. A member of the team will be in touch within one working day to talk through what fits your organisation.
In the meantime, you might find these useful:
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Check Your Eligibility
See if you qualify for a government-funded apprenticeship
8 quick questions. Two minutes. No commitment, no sign-up.
Which programme are you interested in?
Pick the closest fit. We'll confirm the exact standard on the assessment call.
How old are you?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone 16 or over. There's no upper age limit.
Are you currently in employment in a relevant role?
UK apprenticeships are work-based — you need to be employed in a role that relates to the apprenticeship standard.
How many hours do you (or will you) work per week?
ESFA funding rules require a minimum of 30 hours for most apprenticeships; 16 hours is possible for part-time provision with an extended duration.
Have you lived in the UK, EEA, or Switzerland (with status) for the last 3 years?
ESFA residency rule — applies to where you've lived for the three years before the programme starts. There are exceptions for certain visa types.
Do you have the right to work in the UK?
Apprenticeships require an employment contract, so you need the right to work in the UK throughout the programme.
Do you already hold a qualification at the same level (or higher) in this subject area?
Apprenticeship funding rules state you can't be funded for a qualification at the same or lower level in substantively the same subject as one you already hold.
Where shall we send your eligibility report?
We'll email a copy with next steps, plus offer a 15-minute call if you want to talk it through. We won't add you to any mailing lists.
You're eligible.
Here's what we found and what happens next.
Your eligibility breakdown
How we worked this out
- Age: apprenticeships open to anyone 16+. No upper limit.
- Employment: ESFA rules require an employment contract relevant to the apprenticeship standard.
- Hours: minimum 30 hours/week for standard delivery; 16+ hours possible with extended programme duration.
- Residency: UK / EEA / Switzerland for the previous 3 years — exceptions for various settled statuses and visas.
- Right to work: required for the duration of the apprenticeship contract.
- Prior qualifications: you cannot be funded for an apprenticeship at the same or lower level in substantively the same subject as a qualification you already hold (with some exceptions).
This widget gives an indicative result. The final eligibility decision sits with the ESFA and is confirmed during the free assessment call.
What You'll Be Able to Do
From month one, you begin building practical skills that help pupils succeed in the classroom.
BY MONTH 6
Strong Classroom Support Foundations
✔ Understand safeguarding and inclusive practice
✔ Support pupils during lessons and activities
✔ Build positive relationships with learners
BY MONTH 12
Growing Classroom Responsibility
✔ Deliver small group learning activities
✔ Support pupils with different learning needs
✔ Work closely with teachers and school staff
BY MONTH 18
Qualified Teaching Assistant
✔ Achieve the Level 3 Teaching Assistant
✔ Support pupils to make progress in their learning
✔ Contribute to positive and inclusive classrooms
Download our free sector guide
Pick your sector and we’ll send you our practical, no-fluff guide to apprenticeship funding and standards in your industry.
We’ll use your details to send you the guide and occasional related insights. Unsubscribe in one click. We never sell or share your data.
Your Learning Journey
A structured programme designed to build the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience schools expect from Teaching Assistants.
The Classroom Foundations
Months 1–4
Build the core knowledge needed to work confidently in a school environment. Learners explore how children develop and learn, the professional role of a Teaching Assistant, and the responsibilities involved in supporting teaching and learning.
You will study safeguarding, health and safety in schools, and inclusive classroom practice. This stage develops the essential knowledge and professional behaviours needed to support pupils safely and effectively.
Supporting Teaching and Learning
Months 5–8
Develop practical skills that help you support pupils during lessons and classroom activities. You will learn how to communicate effectively with pupils and teachers, organise learning activities, and support classroom routines.
This stage also focuses on understanding SEND, inclusive practice, and how Teaching Assistants can help pupils access learning and participate confidently in the classroom.
Developing Teaching Assistant Skills
Months 9–12
Build confidence supporting pupils individually and in small groups. You will learn behaviour support strategies, ways to keep pupils engaged in learning, and techniques for supporting different learning needs.
You will also develop knowledge of the curriculum, assessment for learning, and how Teaching Assistants contribute to pupil progress and positive classroom environments.
Apprenticeship Completion
Months 13–18
Consolidate your learning and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in practice. During this stage you will reflect on your development, build your portfolio of evidence, and prepare for your End Point Assessment.
The final assessment includes a classroom observation, professional discussion, and review of your portfolio to show your impact as a Teaching Assistant.
How We Develop Teaching Assistants
We help you become the confident, skilled professional that schools rely on every day.
KNOW IT
Build a strong understanding of how pupils learn and how classrooms operate.
Learn the foundations of teaching support including safeguarding, behaviour strategies and inclusive education.
Develop the knowledge needed to support learners effectively.
SHOW IT
Apply your learning directly in the classroom.
Support teachers with lessons, deliver small group activities and help pupils build confidence in their learning.
Gain practical experience that demonstrates your ability as a Teaching Assistant.
LIVE IT
Develop the professional behaviours schools depend on.
Demonstrate communication, patience, empathy, and teamwork when supporting pupils and staff.
Build the confidence needed to thrive in a school environment.
Who This Programme Is For?
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who want to build a career supporting children and young people in education.
Individuals Seeking a Career Change
You are new to education and want to begin a rewarding career working with children while gaining real classroom experience and a recognised qualification.
Aspiring Teaching Assistants
You already work or volunteer in a school and want to develop the professional skills needed to become a confident Teaching Assistant.
Supporting Pupils with Additional Needs
You want to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop the knowledge and skills needed to support a wide range of needs.
Schools Developing Talent
You want to develop motivated staff into confident Teaching Assistants who can support teachers, strengthen practice, and improve pupil outcomes.
Find the right apprenticeship programme for your organisation
Seven short questions. At the end we’ll point you to the programme area that fits your sector, team and current priorities.
Question 1 of 7
Where should we send your result?
Your recommended programme area
Book a call to discuss your programme →Your answers and recommendation have been saved so we can pick up where you left off when we speak.
Recognition Stories
Real transformations from people who discovered they're more than just their job titles
Gemma
“I wanted a complete career change into education, and the apprenticeship offered the perfect mix of learning while working. It helped me build confidence and develop the knowledge needed to support children’s progress.
During my programme, my role evolved to supporting children with SEND, which became the most challenging and rewarding part of my journey. I grew in confidence and found that my patience and personality helped create a safe environment where pupils could thrive.
I would encourage anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to take the leap. The support from Train Together is consistent and incredibly helpful, and it has inspired me to continue my learning and progress even further.”
Graham
“Having worked as a Teaching Assistant for over five years, I wanted to gain a recognised qualification to strengthen my knowledge and improve how I support pupils. The apprenticeship helped me develop a more balanced understanding and practical strategies that I now use every day.
I feel more confident supporting both pupils and colleagues, using my skills to answer questions and provide effective support. The guidance from my trainer was exceptional, with consistent support tailored to my learning needs.
I would highly recommend Train Together to anyone looking to develop their skills and progress further in education.”
Our Commitment to Learners
We provide the support, guidance, and classroom experience you need to succeed as a Teaching Assistant.
Structured Learning Support
Our programme provides a clear and structured learning journey that develops the knowledge and practical skills required to work confidently as a Teaching Assistant.
Through workshops, guided learning, and real classroom application, you will build the core skills needed to support teaching and help pupils succeed.
Dedicated Tutor Support
You will receive consistent one to one support from an experienced tutor throughout your apprenticeship.
Your tutor will guide your development through regular reviews, clear action plans, and personalised feedback so you always know how to strengthen your classroom practice.
Real Classroom Development
This programme focuses on practical skills that schools rely on every day.
You will apply your learning through real classroom responsibilities such as supporting lessons, delivering small group activities, promoting positive behaviour, and helping pupils stay engaged in learning.
Progression and Career Growth
Completing the programme opens progression opportunities within education.
Many learners move into senior Teaching Assistant roles, specialist SEND support positions, or progress to further qualifications such as the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship.
Our Commitment to Employers
Reliable Classroom Support
Your apprentice develops the practical skills needed to support teachers and pupils throughout the school day.
They learn how to assist with lessons, support pupil engagement, and contribute to a positive learning environment across the classroom.
Developing Confident Teaching Assistants
The programme builds the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required to work effectively as a Teaching Assistant.
Apprentices apply their learning directly in school, strengthening their confidence and becoming a reliable part of the classroom team.
Supporting Pupil Progress
Throughout the programme, apprentices develop the ability to support pupils individually and in small groups.
They learn strategies that help pupils stay engaged in learning, build confidence, and make progress.
Building Capability Within Your Team
The apprenticeship helps schools develop capable Teaching Assistants from within their workforce.
This strengthens classroom support, reduces pressure on teachers, and builds long term capacity within your school.
Develop your talent — without taking the team off the floor
Four short questions and we’ll come back with a clear picture of what Train Together can do for your organisation, then a time to talk.
Question 1 of 4
Last bit — how should we reach you?
Here’s what we can offer your organisation
Book a call to talk it through →Your inputs are saved — we’ll come to the call with the funding and standards that fit, so you don’t cover this ground twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many learners begin the programme while starting their first role in a school. The apprenticeship is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a confident Teaching Assistant while gaining real classroom experience.
Yes. Schools that pay the apprenticeship levy can use their levy funds to fully fund the programme. Non levy paying schools can access government funding which typically covers 95 percent of the training costs.
Apprentices support teachers and pupils throughout the school day. This may include assisting with lessons, supporting small group learning, helping pupils stay engaged, and contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Learners develop knowledge of SEND, inclusive classroom practice, and strategies to help pupils overcome barriers to learning. This enables Teaching Assistants to provide effective support for pupils with different learning needs.
After completing the apprenticeship, many Teaching Assistants continue developing their careers in education. This may include progressing into senior Teaching Assistant roles or moving on to the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship.
Start Your Career as a Teaching Assistant
If you are passionate about helping pupils succeed, this apprenticeship gives you the skills, experience, and qualification to begin a rewarding career in education.
Build confidence in the classroom. Support pupils every day. Take the next step in your career.