Specialist Teaching Assistant in Catholic Schools
Designed for Catholic school support staff — fully funded and faith-aware
This Catholic-contextualised Level 5 apprenticeship supports your experienced teaching assistants to take the next step in their career, building specialist knowledge in supporting SEND, curriculum delivery, and pupil wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership with Best Practice Network, the programme equips support staff to play a greater strategic role within your Catholic school while promoting inclusion and upholding your school’s mission.
Who is this for?
This apprenticeship is ideal for Teaching Assistants who are:
- Delivering curriculum interventions or subject-specific support
- Working closely with class teachers to enhance learning outcomes
- Keen to progress their career with a recognised Level 5 qualification
- Looking to strengthen their practice in a faith-based context
Programme Features
- Focus on curriculum knowledge, pedagogy and learning strategies
- Develops subject-specific support and classroom delivery skills
- Supports progression into HLTA or mentoring roles
- Fully funded via the apprenticeship levy
What’s covered
The course builds deep understanding and practical skills across key support areas. Participants will learn:
- Child development and how pupils learn
- Curriculum planning and implementation
- Assessment, tracking and feedback
- Behaviour and emotional development
- To develop as a reflective practitioner
- To support colleagues and lead practice
- How to embed school values in daily practice
Learning is fully mapped to the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant standard, with additional reflection on the distinct needs of Catholic schools.
This brand new level 5 apprenticeship is ideal for TAs looking to develop their knowledge and confidence in a specialist area and progress their career.”
Emma Reading: Curriculum Manager
- Duration: 18 months + End-Point Assessment
- Format: Blended delivery including online study, webinars and in-school learning
- Support: Assigned tutor, school mentor and learning coach
- Delivery model: Flexible, fits around school commitments and term-time schedules
- Final assessment: Observation, portfolio and professional discussion
Webinars
📅 Monthly online taught lessons
Stay on track with regular, interactive online sessions led by experienced tutors.
Tutor Visits
🔁 Progress reviews every 6 weeks
Your assigned tutor will check in regularly to review progress and support your development.
Online Study
💻 Access online resources and submit coursework via an e-portfolio.
Flexible study materials available anytime to fit around your role in school.
Training Duration: 18 months
Assessment Period: Up to 3 months
🔐 Gateway – Final readiness check
🎓 End Point Assessment (EPA) – Including project and professional discussion
- Improve pupil outcomes and targeted support
- Retain valued staff through career progression opportunities
- Reinforce the Catholic ethos in support roles
- Meet strategic goals around inclusion and wellbeing
- Support succession planning and development pathways
- Employed in a relevant teaching assistant role
- Working at least 30 hours per week
- Level 2 English and maths (or willingness to work towards this)
- Strong commitment to professional development
We'll support your school in reviewing eligibility and registering staff.
This apprenticeship is:
- Fully funded via the Apprenticeship Levy, or
- For non-levy payers the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for support.
Benefits at a glance
Built around Catholic school values
Fully funded through the apprenticeship levy
Upskill your existing staff
Nationally recognised Level 5 qualification
Services
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