Course Overview
The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship prepares learners to support teaching and learning in schools and educational settings. Apprentices develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with teachers to help pupils achieve their academic, social, and emotional goals.
The programme covers areas such as child development, safeguarding, behaviour management, supporting pupils with additional needs, and promoting inclusion. Apprentices learn how to support individuals and groups, contribute to classroom activities, and create positive learning experiences.
Training combines workplace experience with structured learning, enabling apprentices to apply their skills in a real educational environment.
Typical roles include Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, and SEND Teaching Assistant.
Topics may include:
- Supporting teaching and learning
- Child development and safeguarding
- Behaviour management and promoting positive relationships
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Communication, equality, diversity and inclusion
- Assessment and supporting pupil progress.
Assessment Methods
The apprenticeship concludes with an End-Point Assessment (EPA), which typically includes a practical observation with questions and answers and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence. These assessment methods allow apprentices to demonstrate their ability to support teaching and learning effectively, promote pupil progress, manage behaviour appropriately, and contribute positively to the educational environment.
Successful completion confirms competence against the requirements of the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard.
Progression Options
You could progress to a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant programme, or Level 5 apprenticeships such as Specialist Teaching Assistant or Learning and Skills Teacher.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above in both English and Maths, as these are mandatory entry requirements for the programme.
In addition, applicants must be employed in a teaching assistant or learning support role within a school or educational setting and have the support of their employer to undertake and successfully complete the apprenticeship, including opportunities to develop and demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
