Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

“HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) status is awarded by the HLTA National Assessment Partnership (HNAP) to Teaching Assistants (TAs) who have been externally assessed against the HLTA Professional Standards and have successfully provided sufficient evidence to meet each standard” (HLTA North of England).

Assessments are managed by three Regional Providers (RPAs) on behalf of HNAP which includes HLTA North who cover the following areas: NW and NE England, Yorkshire, and Humber, North and NE Lincs, Staffordshire, and Stoke on Trent. The University of Chester has been providing HLTA Preparation Courses for several years and we are pleased to continue our online provision for the 2024-2025 academic year in conjunction with HLTA North.

“Preparation courses are designed for suitably experienced support staff who are already working, or are able to work, at a higher level in their educational setting and are looking to gain professional status” (HLTA North of England).

Our preparation course prepares candidates for external assessment with HLTA North against the national HLTA standards, leading to the award of HLTA Status. The sessions will be led by our Programme Leader and will involve you engaging with independent and group work as well as self-directed study tasks in preparing for core aspects of the HLTA Assessment. You will consider and reflect upon how to present evidence of your current professional practice to meet the national standards including your contribution to teaching and learning; your knowledge and understanding of learners; your use of legislation and frameworks and your professional attributes such as your communication skills. You will also understand the assessment process. Therefore, attendance to all sessions is mandatory. Sessions will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams through a virtual classroom approach to provide ease of access. 

Running between January-April 2026, send ahsstudentrecruitment@chester.ac.uk your expression of interest to be contacted when our course dates are confirmed.

1. Apply Now
   Contact us for application information via ahsstudentrecruitment@chester.ac.uk.
2. Preparation Course
   Attend the preparation course via our virtual classroom over six afternoons. All sessions take place from 1pm to 4pm.
3. Assessment
   Assessment by Regional Provider of Assessment (HLTA North). This involves the Assessor interviewing you and your colleagues (Headteacher/Representative and another qualified Teacher) to verify the evidence you have submitted within your written tasks and documentary evidence. These interviews take place online. (N.B. there is NO classroom observation)