CACHE vs NVQ: Which Teaching-Assistant Qualification Fits Your Career?

CACHE and NVQ are the two names you see everywhere when you google “course for teaching assistants.”

They are both listed on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and they both sit comfortably on school short-lists—yet they do very different jobs.

This guide gives you the straight-to-the-point comparison, shows which option headteachers usually prefer, and helps you decide in under five minutes.

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What Is CACHE?

CACHE (now part of NCFE) designs qualifications built specifically for childcare and education support roles.

You learn classroom theory—child development, safeguarding, learning strategies—and prove competence through a structured placement log.

The syllabus is laser-focused on school life, which is why SENCOs and headteachers recognise it instantly.

Need-to-Know Facts

• Levels Offered: 1 to 4 (most popular for TAs: Level 3 Certificate).

• Assessment: workbook assignments + observed placement hours.

• Typical Learner: parents returning to work, career changers, or current TAs chasing progression.

What Is an NVQ?

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a competence-based award assessed entirely in the workplace.

You produce a portfolio that proves you already perform each criterion to the required standard.

That makes NVQ great for people who are employed in a school and want their experience rubber-stamped.

Need-to-Know Facts

• Levels Offered: 2 to 4 across multiple awarding bodies (City & Guilds, OCR, etc.).

• Assessment: witness statements, observations, work products—no theory exams.

• Typical Learner: full-time classroom support staff who can gather evidence on the job.

CACHE vs NVQ at a Glance

Feature	CACHE	NVQ
Awarding Body	NCFE CACHE	City & Guilds, OCR (+ others)
Focus	Education support & child development	Competence in any vocational setting
Assessment	Assignments + placement log	Workplace portfolio only
Best For	Career changers & parents returning to work	Existing classroom staff gathering evidence

Which Qualification Do Schools Prefer?

Both are accepted, but many headteachers lean toward CACHE for brand recognition and its built-in safeguarding units.

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is ideal for parents re-entering the workforce. If you want the full, SEN-focused pathway, consider the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which adds deeper SEN units and leadership skills.

NVQ still passes the Ofsted test—yet you may spend extra time convincing HR that your portfolio maps to TA standards.

How to Pick the Right Path

Ask yourself three quick questions.

Do I Already Work in a Classroom?

Yes → NVQ could certify the skills you’re demonstrating daily.

No → CACHE gives you the theory plus a structured placement to impress future employers.

Do I Need Speed or Depth?

If you want the fastest route into paid work, the CACHE Level 3 Certificate delivers a recognised credential in as little as six months.

If you crave deeper expertise and higher pay bands, the Level 4 HLTA (after Level 3) should be on your radar.

Do I Plan to Support SEND Learners?

SENCOs often ask for CACHE because it embeds inclusion and behaviour modules that NVQ lacks.

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FAQ: Your Top Three Google Questions

Is CACHE harder than NVQ?

CACHE has more theory assignments, but NVQ demands live evidence, so “hard” depends on whether you have classroom access.

Will schools accept an NVQ Level 3?

Yes—as long as it’s listed on the RQF and you can show recent placement hours.

Can I study CACHE completely online?

Yes—Study from Home lets you complete theory online and supports you in finding a local placement for practical evidence.

Next Step: Get Personalised Advice in 10 Minutes

You’ve seen the facts.

Now let’s map your exact route—course, placement, funding—on a quick discovery call with a qualified adviser.

Book My Free Road-Map Call

Key Takeaways

CACHE = education-specific theory + placement log + instant school recognition.

NVQ = workplace portfolio proving existing competence.

Both are valid, but the “best” choice is the one that moves you into a classroom salary fastest.

The quickest way to find out is to click the quiz, grab Unit 1 for free, or hop on a call.