UK Department for Eduction (DFE)Accredited (NPQs)
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
A recognised progression route for school support staff. HLTAs work closely with teachers to raise standards and help each learner reach their potential.
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Quick Facts
Awarding Body
UK Department for Education
Study Mode
Online / Blended
Course Format
Online Study Units
Certification
England's DFE Accredited
Registration
Up to 4 weeks in advance of course
Certificate Timeline
Issued after completion within 4 weeks
Who should apply for the HLTA Status?
Experienced Teaching Assistants
Course Duration
4 - 6 months
Accredited by
HLTA Status
Learning Method
Online
For educators in
global settings
What are the benefits of completing HLTA status?
Benefits for schools
Improved pupil outcomes
HLTAs contribute to high-quality teaching and learning, benefiting student progress.
Reduced teacher workload
HLTAs provide structured support, covering lessons and assisting with planning.
Cost-effective staffing
Schools gain qualified, homegrown staff who can deliver learning with minimal disruption.
Benefits for learners
Confidence in leading inclusive practice
Builds confidence, expertise and credibility in supporting teaching and learning.
Career progression
Provides a recognised qualification to support advancement from Teaching Assistant to HLTA.
Increased responsibility
Enables HLTAs to lead whole-class learning and take on new challenges.
What will you learn on the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) programme?
The HLTA programme equips participants with essential knowledge, skills, and concepts to take on greater responsibility in the classroom. Through this qualification, you’ll gain specialised expertise in planning and delivering learning activities, supporting individual student needs, and promoting positive behaviour across primary and secondary settings.
Registration Process
Submit Application
Submit your application through ICD's online form. Shortlisted candidates receive an offer letter.
Payment & Enrolment
Pay the course fee and share the payment receipt to confirm enrolment.
Access Portal
Once enrolled, you'll receive your login details by email to begin coursework on ICD's portal.
Each of the four annual intakes (Jan, April, July, October) runs for 3 months.
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FAQs
What are the requirements?
In order to be accepted onto HLTA, prospective candidates must secure support from their Headteacher to:
Confirm they consider you to be suitable to undertake the HLTA status.
Confirm that you, the applicant, have undertaken whole class teaching with no teacher present on at least 2 occasions.
Confirms they have seen documentary evidence that you, the applicant, hold a level 2 qualification in English/literacy.
Confirms they have seen documentary evidence that you, the applicant, hold a level 2 qualification in Maths/numeracy.
Confirm they consider you to be suitable to undertake the HLTA status.
Confirm that you, the applicant, have undertaken whole class teaching with no teacher present on at least 2 occasions.
Confirms they have seen documentary evidence that you, the applicant, hold a level 2 qualification in English/literacy.
Confirms they have seen documentary evidence that you, the applicant, hold a level 2 qualification in Maths/numeracy.
What does it cost?
The cost of the HLTA preparation programme, where participants are prepared for assessment, is £290 + VAT. This cost of preparation does not include the actual assessment element which is £450 per person, no VAT applies to this assessment fee.
What does it cost?
The cost of the HLTA preparation programme, where participants are prepared for assessment, is £290 + VAT. This cost of preparation does not include the actual assessment element which is £450 per person, no VAT applies to this assessment fee.
How much time will I need to spend on the programme?
The HLTA course is delivered through a blend of live online training, independent study and a structured HLTA assessment process.
Standard course structure:
Two-day facilitated training – delivered online covering HLTA standards and the assessment process
Independent study and creation of a documentary evidence file – participants complete written tasks and compile evidence
Final HLTA assessment – a 2-hour remote assessment, including interviews with the candidate, a teacher and a senior leader
The full process takes 3–5 months, providing a flexible route to achieving HLTA certification.
Standard course structure:
Two-day facilitated training – delivered online covering HLTA standards and the assessment process
Independent study and creation of a documentary evidence file – participants complete written tasks and compile evidence
Final HLTA assessment – a 2-hour remote assessment, including interviews with the candidate, a teacher and a senior leader
The full process takes 3–5 months, providing a flexible route to achieving HLTA certification.
How is the qualification assessed?
How is it delivered?
The preparation course explains the HLTA standards and the HLTA assessment process and fully explains how to put together the required Documentary evidence file. Guidance is provided on completing the required written tasks and explains the purpose and the set-up of the 2-hour assessment appointment.
Between preparation sessions, you will engage in online activities to check your understanding.
On the final session, the group returns to review progress and receive formative feedback on the tasks written so far. Further guidance and support is provided for the assessment appointment.
Your assessor will contact you to arrange the assessment appointment. The assessment will typically take 4-9 weeks after your final session. At least 10 days before the agreed date of the meeting, you will email your final written tasks to the assessor and upload your documentary evidence file to a secure place. Assessment will be carried out remotely.
Assessment
The status is gained through an assessment of written tasks, an evidence file and interviews. You are not observed in class.
The preparation course explains the HLTA standards and the HLTA assessment process and fully explains how to put together the required Documentary evidence file. Guidance is provided on completing the required written tasks and explains the purpose and the set-up of the 2-hour assessment appointment.
Between preparation sessions, you will engage in online activities to check your understanding.
On the final session, the group returns to review progress and receive formative feedback on the tasks written so far. Further guidance and support is provided for the assessment appointment.
Your assessor will contact you to arrange the assessment appointment. The assessment will typically take 4-9 weeks after your final session. At least 10 days before the agreed date of the meeting, you will email your final written tasks to the assessor and upload your documentary evidence file to a secure place. Assessment will be carried out remotely.
Assessment
The status is gained through an assessment of written tasks, an evidence file and interviews. You are not observed in class.
Program Fee
TEACHING SUPPORT
Advancing the impact of classroom professionals.
Cert in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
£ 740
Professional status for experienced assistants.
Need-based and merit-based scholarships available at ICD Centers.
Enquire Now
Take the next step in your teaching journey by registering your interest with ICD. Submit your enquiry online to receive guidance on modules, preparation options, registration, and payment process.
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