Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Visit Us
a teenage girl, turning around in a chair, smiling at her classmates

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

“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. 

Please email ahsstudentrecruitment@chester.ac.uk for an application form. 

Course dates and times

HLTA Preparation Course Dates

  1. Tuesday 27th January
  2. Tuesday 10th February
  3. Tuesday 24th February
  4. Tuesday 10th March
  5. Tuesday 24th March
  6. Tuesday 28th April

All sessions will be delivered on Microsoft Teams,1-4pm.

Why You'll Love It

Support to gain a nationally recognised professional qualification

This preparation course provides you with support to prepare for your external HLTA assessment leading to the award of HLTA Status.

A group of female teacher training students around table writing notes and open laptop screen.

Designed to enable you to reflect upon professional practice

You will reflect upon your everyday professional practice as an experienced Teaching Assistant working within education.

Students in a classroom looking at a large globe.

Opportunity to network with colleagues and share good practice

This course provides opportunities for you to meet and interact (virtually!) with colleagues working in similar roles in a range of different educational contexts within a supportive capacity.

A teacher and a child sitting in a classroom. The child is writing notes with pen on notebook.

What You'll Study

There are key professional standards that those wishing to gain HLTA status must demonstrate to acquire the accreditation. These standards are set out in three sections: <ul> <li>Professional Attributes</li> <li>Professional Knowledge and Understanding</li> <li>Professional Skills</li> </ul>

How You'll Learn

Sessions will be taught online via Microsoft Teams, including the use of breakout rooms.

Independent and group work, self-directed study tasks, tutorials.

External assessment is conducted by HLTA North assessors.

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

CourseNews

All Education News

Results

Students are masters of success with stand-out grades and research

October 8, 2025
The University of Chester MA Education, Globalisation and Society class of 2024-25.

Student praised for ‘excellent’ volunteering stint with disabled children’s charity

August 22, 2025
A head-and-shoulders photo of Kate Myers smiling at the camera while outside on a sunny day.

Collaboration between student and academics explores primary pupils’ attitude to PE

July 21, 2025
Profile photos of Paula Hamilton, Tanya Sharples and Luke Jones next to an exterior photo of the School of Education.

“I was hesitant about this course being online at first, but it couldn’t have been any better. The tutors Tracey and Sarah are brilliant. They are very supportive, friendly and answer any questions promptly. I really enjoyed the group discussions and peer support”.

Rebecca Teaching Assistant
students in classroom

Entry Requirements

Qualifications needed:

  • Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, or equivalent. If you do not hold the necessary qualifications, access tests are available.
  • As part of the application process, candidates must provide original certificates as proof you have gained Level 2 qualifications in English and maths. If a candidate does not have their original certificates, they can apply to the awarding body for replacement certificates or a confirmation of results letter. Awarding bodies normally make a charge for this service.

You must be employed full or part time in a school or educational setting, working with children or young people between the ages of three and nineteen.

You must work with individuals and small groups and take whole classes (without a teacher present). You must be fully supported by your school when applying for this programme whether you are school or self-funded.

This course is not open to international students.

How to Apply

  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)

Fees and Funding

£450for the preparation course

The cost of our preparation course is £420 (payable to the University of Chester).

The assessment fee is set by HNAP and is currently £450 (payable to HLTA North).

Some candidates are funded, either in full or part, by their employers as part of their commitment to continuing professional development for all staff.

Others are self-funded, viewing the HLTA status as an investment which enhances their career prospects.

Your course may involve additional costs not covered by your fees including printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials.

Who You'll Learn From

Tracey Patterson

Senior Lecturer
Tracey Patterson