Ready to step up from Teaching Assistant (TA) to HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)? This guide explains what HLTA actually means in schools, the evidence you’ll need, the typical entry requirements, and a practical pathway from solid Level 3 practice to confident HLTA responsibility.

What does an HLTA do?

• Lead learning segments with individuals, small groups, or whole-class under a teacher’s direction.
• Plan/adapt activities from the teacher’s medium/short-term plans and prepare resources.
• Assess routine progress (e.g., exit tickets, reading records) and feed back to the teacher.
• Cover classes when the teacher is absent (set work provided) and maintain behaviour expectations.
• Support inclusion/SEND by adapting materials, using communication systems and recording impact.

HLTA is a recognised step up from core TA duties: more independence, more leading of learning, and often a higher grade/scale.

Is HLTA right for you?

• You are confident leading groups and short whole-class segments.
• You already adapt materials for different abilities and can show impact on learning.
• You’re comfortable with behaviour routines and safeguarding in front-of-class situations.
• You communicate clearly with teachers, parents and external professionals.

Typical entry requirements

• Solid Level 3 practice (e.g., Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning) with recent in-school evidence.
• English & Maths at Level 2 (GCSEs or Functional Skills) are commonly preferred.
• Enhanced DBS and up-to-date safeguarding/behaviour training.
• Strong references and portfolio evidence showing you can already work at HLTA expectations.

New to the levels? Start here: TA Levels Explained.

The evidence schools look for

• Leading learning: plans, delivered activities, and evaluation notes.
• Progress tracking: marked work, reading ages, intervention data, exit tickets.
• Inclusion/SEND: adapted resources, communication systems, regulation strategies and outcomes.
• Behaviour & routines: consistent expectations, de-escalation, positive reinforcement.
• Safeguarding & professional conduct: logs (appropriately anonymised), reflection on policies and actions.
• Cover experience: records/timetables showing you’ve supervised classes and delivered set work.

See our templates: Portfolio & Evidence for TA Qualifications.

Your pathway from TA to HLTA

1. Consolidate Level 3: if not yet qualified, complete the Level 3 Certificate/Diploma with a strong placement.
2. Lead more: agree with your teacher/line manager to regularly lead groups and short whole-class segments.
3. Track outcomes: gather simple data (pre/post, reading records, tick sheets) and reflect on impact.
4. Broaden responsibilities: add interventions, cover, and SEND adaptations to your weekly timetable.
5. Progress to Level 4/HLTA: complete the recognised HLTA programme/qualification and assessment of practice.
6. Apply for HLTA posts: tailor your CV to HLTA duties and bring your portfolio to interview.

Preparing your portfolio

• Create a contents page matched to HLTA expectations.
• For each expectation, include a short narrative + 2–3 pieces of evidence with dates and context.
• Use witness statements from teachers/mentors and brief evaluation notes after leading sessions.
• Keep pupil info anonymised in line with policy.

Timescales

• Strengthen Level 3 practice: 3–6 months of consistent leading/evidence gathering.
• Level 4/HLTA programme + assessment: varies by provider; plan around term time and observation windows.

Pay & grades

HLTAs often sit on a higher grade than core TA roles due to added responsibility and cover. Actual salary depends on your weekly hours, paid-weeks and employer grade/scale. Get the maths here: Teaching Assistant Salary & Hours in England.

HLTA interview prompts (practise with SAR)

• Describe a time you led learning and how you checked progress.
• How do you adapt materials for different needs while keeping expectations high?
• Give an example of managing behaviour during whole-class delivery.
• How do you work with teachers and the SEND/pastoral team to support a pupil’s plan?

More practice: TA/HLTA Interview Questions & Answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete Level 2 before HLTA?

No. Most adults go straight to Level 3 first. Build strong Level 3 evidence, then progress to a recognised Level 4/HLTA route.

Is HLTA the same as a Cover Supervisor?

Not the same, but there’s overlap. HLTAs can provide cover and regularly lead learning segments; Cover Supervisors focus on whole-class cover using set work.

Will HLTA increase my pay?

HLTA roles are typically on a higher grade than core TA roles. Actual pay depends on hours, paid weeks and the employer’s scale. See Salary & Hours.

What if I can’t yet lead whole-class teaching?

Start by leading small groups and short segments; collect evidence, ask for feedback, and increase responsibility gradually.

Can Secondary or SEN experience count toward HLTA?

Yes. HLTA expectations are about what you can evidence (leading learning, adaptation, assessment), not just the phase. Include phase-specific CPD where relevant.