Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

We are proud to provide a route to a range of Teaching Assistant (TA) Apprenticeships through ESF Apprenticeships - rated strong in every area in their recent Ofsted inspection (2026).

  • Support staff who have had more than one year’s experience and who want to build their expertise in SEND and inclusion.

    Note: Eligibility criteria can be found on the ESF Apprenticeship website, and a full brochure can be found here.

  • 18 months duration + 1 month Apprenticeship Assessment.

    The programme content is delivered through five themes:

    • Regulation and guidance

    • Advanced Learning

    • Planning and Assessment

    • Professionalism

    • Communication

    • Online self-study

    • Self-directed project work

    • Live online tutor sessions monthly x 2 hours

    • Regular progress interviews with an ESF apprenticeship coach

    • Networking

    • Exclusive invitations to SEND Masterclasses

    These areas of study are further supported through SEND Masterclasses:

    • Monthly

    • 2-3 hours

    • Downloadable resources

    • Recordings available

    • Ask the expert

    • Written portfolio

    • Practical observations

    • Professional discussion

    • Expand your knowledge, grow professionally and build confident practice

    • Gain a deeper understanding of diverse learning profiles

    • Confidently support inclusive practice across a range of contexts

    • Develop specialist knowledge in SEND, social emotional wellbeing or speech, language and communication

    • Potential career progression

    • Targeted use of the Apprenticeship Levy

    • Specialist capacity building

    • Recruitment and retention of support staff

    • Growing an ambitious inclusive culture in challenging times

Find out more

Proudly working in partnership with:

Logo of the UK Department for Education with a crowned lion emblem.
Logo of the National Society for Education with a blue geometric butterfly icon and the text 'National Society for Education, Church of England & Church in Wales'.
HFL Education logo with a teal circle containing the letters 'HFL' and the word 'Education' next to it.
Logo with the text 'AQUINAS' and an abstract design of a bridge or arch in dark blue and gray.
Logo with the letters ESF in the center, surrounded by a stylized torus in red, white, and blue, with the word Apprenticeships below.

What do people say?

“The support I’ve had from ESF apprenticeships has been absolutely incredible. A truly inspiring and uplifting team made such a big difference to my TA career, my pupils and my self belief.”

Level 5 Specialist TA

Get in Touch

Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, we’re here to help.