Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Foundation Degree in Professional Practice

Apprenticeships

A male teacher working with students using a tablet.

Earn while you learn with this fully funded, online Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Foundation Degree—designed to enhance your classroom practice while supporting your career progression in schools.

Location

In schools

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

See how to apply section

Start date

January
April
September

Cost

Apprenticeship levy funded

Age phases

Early Years
Primary
Secondary
Further Education

Course overview

A fully funded two-year, work-based training programme that enables you to continue working while gaining advanced professional knowledge, developing your practice in schools and working toward a nationally recognised qualification.

This programme is suitable for:

existing school support staff (e.g. teaching assistants, learning support staff, classroom assistants, HLTAs, one-to-one support staff)
new support staff appointed by a school who are seeking to employ a Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprentice
individuals in pupil-facing roles across all phases of education (nurseries, primary, secondary, special schools and alternative provision).

Our Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship includes a Foundation Degree in Professional Practice for Teaching Assistants. The awarding of this foundation degree is funded directly by Coventry University and is not funded via the apprenticeship levy. Employer and apprentices are not required to contribute towards the cost of awarding the foundation degree.

The course is designed to align with the early stages (Levels 4 and 5) of NITE’s initial teacher training pathways, meaning graduates based in primary settings have the opportunity to apply for entry into Level 6 of our:

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, or
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS.

Course details

This apprenticeship balances practical experience with academic learning.

Year one focuses on professional behaviours, classroom support strategies, and understanding how pupils learn. In year two, you will take more responsibility for supporting, planning and delivering learning to individuals, small groups and whole classes. In your final academic module, you will choose one of three specialist focus areas and undertake your own research:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Curriculum.

Modules

An Introduction to Professional Behaviours – 30 credits

Build a solid foundation in the professional behaviours expected in educational settings. Explore key areas such as safeguarding, effective communication, wellbeing and developing professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Study models of reflective practice, which can help support your growth during placements and throughout your future career.

By the end of the module, you should be able to clearly demonstrate the professional behaviours required in the classroom, understand your ethical and legal responsibilities and identify your own development needs with actions to address them.

Compulsory

An Introduction to SEND and Behaviour – 30 credits

Examine the core principles of behaviour management and how to create inclusive, positive learning environments. Engage with key theories, strategies and case studies to understand how to support respectful and engaging classrooms.

Explore policies and practices relating to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and promoting social and emotional wellbeing. Learn how supporting pupils with SEND also involves addressing their behavioural needs, ensuring every learner can thrive.

Compulsory

An Introduction to Subject Knowledge: Core Subjects – 30 credits

Focus on developing your subject knowledge in English and Maths—two core areas essential to supporting pupil learning. Through reflection and guided sessions, assess your current strengths, identify areas for improvement and create a personalised action plan.

This module is tailored to your placement phase: if you’re in a primary setting, you’ll focus on supporting pupils up to age 11; if you’re in a secondary setting, you’ll focus on pupils aged 11–18.

Compulsory

An Introduction to Teaching and Learning – 30 credits

Delve into the fundamentals of pedagogy and classroom practice. Explore contemporary research, including neuroscience and debunked learning theories, to gain a critical understanding of how pupils learn.

Begin applying theory to practice by learning how to structure and organise learning sequences and how to use assessment to adapt and personalise learning so all pupils can progress effectively.

Compulsory

Modules

SEND – 30 credits

Building on your earlier learning, deepen your understanding of inclusive practices, including statutory frameworks and strategies for supporting diverse learners. Examine different types of SEND and explore approaches to learning and behaviour that help meet the needs of all pupils, including those who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). Engage with theoretical perspectives and policies relevant to your school setting. If you choose SEND as your specialist route in your final project, this module will provide essential groundwork.

Compulsory

Social and Emotional Wellbeing – 30 credits

Understand the crucial role of social and emotional wellbeing in education. Critically evaluate research and reflect on your own perspectives while exploring how wellbeing affects pupils and learning environments. Explore global perspectives to better support pupils from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand how to promote both pupil and personal wellbeing. This module lays a good foundation if you choose Social and Emotional Wellbeing as a specialist route in the final project.

Compulsory

Curriculum – 30 credits

Return to subject knowledge with a focus on deepening your understanding of curriculum content and subject-specific pedagogy. Explore the English National Curriculum and examine how curricula shape lesson planning and pupil progress.

Consider innovative teaching methods, including outdoor learning, cross-curricular approaches, and the role of play. If you choose the Curriculum route for your final project, this module will help prepare you.

Compulsory

Specialist Route Final Project – 30 credits

This is your opportunity to focus on a specialism:

SEND
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Curriculum.

Plan and carry out a small-scale action research project in your school, using relevant theory and research to respond to a real-world opportunity or challenge. Share your findings with a colleague, strengthening your practical and academic skills.

This module consolidates your learning and prepares you for further study at Level 6 if you choose to continue your academic journey.

Compulsory

Placement Modules – 0 credits

Over the course of two years, take part in six placement modules that let you put theory into practice. You’ll become embedded in your school’s ethos, policies and frameworks, and carry out directed tasks that help you build strong professional relationships.

With appropriate supervision, support teachers by organising resources, managing behaviour and contributing to both classroom and wider school life, always aligning with your school’s policies and procedures.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

Entry requirements

To apply, you must hold:

GCSE grade C / 4, or equivalent, in English and mathematics
relevant Level 3 qualifications, for example, A-levels or CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Teaching Assistant (Level 3) Apprenticeship, Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 3, Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Be employed in a consistent pupil-facing role for at least 30 hours per week over the two-year period and have the support of your employer.

Please note that we are unable to advise individuals on the eligibility of specific qualifications. This will be established through the application process.

If your qualifications were gained outside the UK, you will need to provide an official comparability statement for non-UK qualifications from UK ENIC

If English is not your first language, you will need to hold an academic IELTS less than three years old, with a score of at least 7 overall with no component less than 6.5.

Equivalency tests

If you do not hold GCSE or equivalent qualifications for English or maths you can complete equivalency tests. You can start you application before you complete equivalency tests but you must provide the results before you can enrol. We accept equivalency tests from the following providers:

In addition to academic qualifications, you must also:

Demonstrate you hold the right to work and study in the UK and have been resident in the UK/EEA for the last three years. For exceptions to this please see the latest apprenticeship funding rules.
Not already be on a programme which is government funded.

All applicants must find their own schools willing to support them for the full duration of the course during the application process. NITE do not source placement schools for any employed course.²

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to advise on your eligibility.

You will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	Apprenticeship levy funded	Not available

How to apply

UK students

You can apply to this apprenticeship if you are currently employed in a suitable role. Your first step is to speak with your school leadership to confirm their support before applying.

Once your school has agreed to support you, you and your school will need to complete our initial application form.

Request an application form

Course code:

Full-time Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
TU04STAZ

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study this course?

School-based (England)
You will be based in schools for the entirety of the course. Teacher training is most effective ‘on the job’ in schools, so the knowledge you gain can be instantly applied in real lessons.

Online
The course is delivered to you online through webinars, podcasts, videos, research and tutorials. Our platforms are interactive and engaging, enabling both independent and peer learning. All course content and materials are available online, enabling you to study and revisit them as required.

Be based anywhere in England
As the course is delivered online, you can be employed in a school anywhere in England, subject to the school meeting the required selection criteria to ensure it can offer you the right support.²

Support
Described by Ofsted as “excellent”, Coventry University’s online tutorial approach provides you with teaching and support, both 1-1 with your university tutor and in a tutor group. Tutorials deepen your understanding of topics, prompting you to think about what works best for you in your teaching. You will also be guided on a day-to-day basis by your in-school mentor, who will be an experienced teacher in your school.

Multiple start dates
You can choose to start the course in January, April or September according to your preferences.

Employability
On successful completion, you will gain a foundation degree in addition to the apprenticeship qualification which could enhance your employability. On completion, if you are in a primary school, you could also apply to join the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 to complete your degree and gain QTS (subject to meeting progression requirements).

How will I learn?

The course is designed to be highly practical to help you develop your craft in schools under the supervision of skilled school-based mentors and experienced university tutors.

The course comprises four 30-credit academic modules studied full-time over two years. Alongside this you will complete three Practical Placement Modules each year.

You will be in school between two and a half to four days a week, during which time you will complete the Practical Teaching Practice modules while supported by an experienced school-based mentor. In your first year, your learning will focus on professional behaviours, classroom support strategies and understanding how pupils learn.

In your second year, you will take more responsibility for supporting, planning and delivering learning to individuals, small groups and whole classes. In your final academic module, you will choose one of three specialist focus areas and undertake your own research:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Curriculum.

One fixed day per week during term time will be protected for your university learning. You will complete four online learning modules per year, each 50-60 hours made up of approximately 60% live teaching through seminars and tutorials and 40% self-study. During your studies, you will have access to an experienced team, including university mentors, subject and phase specialist tutors, who will support your studies through feedback and dedicated live tutorials. You will require access to a suitable device, a laptop or PC, throughout the course and will also be expected to be sufficiently competent with IT to learn and use our online platforms.

This combined approach to training offers teaching by our highly experienced staff, as well as enabling vital peer support and a valuable collaborative learning environment. You will be supported to learn from each other, share experiences and reflect away from the school environment.

There are no elements of the course that require you to travel to Coventry or other venues.

Classroom hours for the practical placement modules must be agreed by the school.

How will I be assessed?

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

written assignments
presentations
oral presentations
observations.

The practical modules will be assessed on the evidence you collect, collate and upload to an electronic portfolio.

You will be observed by a Visiting Assessor (VA) at least three times during the apprenticeship. They will observe you at work in the classroom and meet with you and your school-based mentor to discuss and oversee the assessment of your overall progress.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

What career opportunities could I have after completing the course?

This course may enable you to take on more senior support roles in education settings.

Once you have completed the course, with the continued support of your school, you could apply to join Primary Teacher Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 and so complete your teacher training and achieve Qualified Teacher Status.

Teaching Assistant (TA) / Classroom Assistant
Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
Pastoral Support / Welfare Assistant
Technician (e.g., ICT, Science, Art)
Learning Mentor
Cover Supervisor
Unqualified Teacher.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Will you find me employment so I can complete this course?

Applicants for the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship must have secured the support of a school willing to employ them for the duration of the apprenticeship. If you are already working in a school, your first step is to speak to them about your ambition to do the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

Can I do this course if I work in a secondary school?

Yes. If you are in a role that means you are working in a classroom that supports teaching and learning, working with teaching staff and pupils or students, this course could work for you. You could be in a nursery, primary, secondary, special or alternative provision school. Settings in further education (e.g., sixth form or college) are also eligible.

What does my school have to do?

To support your apprenticeship, your school must:

confirm that they can use the apprenticeship levy for this course and use CU Apprenticeships (Better Futures) Ltd as a provider
provide an employment contract of at least 30 hours per week for two years
release you for 20% off-the-job training (one day a week)
assign and support a School-Based Mentor
participate in an apprenticeship agreement with Coventry University
ensure your role in school allows you to complete the practical and research elements of the course.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²Placements

All applicants must find their own schools willing to support them for the full duration of the course during the application process. NITE do not source placement schools for any employed courses.

Classroom hours for the practical placement modules must be agreed by the school. If a placement ends unexpectedly, students will be responsible for sourcing an alternative placement and that while we can offer guidance, continuation of the course will depend on a suitable placement being in place within the specified timeframe.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Foundation Degree in Professional Practice

Course overview

Course details

Modules

Modules

Entry requirements

Equivalency tests

Other qualifications and experience

Fees and funding

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

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