Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF)
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6-12 months
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Placement Based
On completion career and academic paths may include:
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Higher Level Teaching Assistant
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Route into Teaching
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Level 4 Diploma
Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF)
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6-12 months
-
Placement Based
ONE-TIME PURCHASE
£495.00
Inc. VAT
A simple one-off payment and you're ready to start learning.
PAY MONTHLY
£49.00
per month for 12 months inc. VAT
Recurring monthly payments to help split the cost.
The course at a glance
Part of the updated suite of Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications, this Level 4 certificate is designed for those working directly with children and young people in a school or college setting. It develops the knowledge and understanding needed to support learners effectively, covering key areas such as child and young person development and safeguarding.
This qualification is part of a nested suite, meaning learners can progress and top up their award to a Diploma at the same level, making it a flexible stepping stone within a broader learning journey.
Delivery
The course is delivered through independent and online learning with one to one support. Each learner will be able to connect with their personal tutor throughout the course. The course is completed at your work placement (school or sports coaching organisation).
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements, though a minimum Level 2 in literacy and numeracy (or equivalent), and a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is recommended. Learners must be actively working or volunteering in a school setting to demonstrate competence. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required by your employer or setting. This qualification is open to learners aged 16 and above.
Start date
Flexible
Level
4
Certificate
Duration
6-12 months
Entry requirements
16+
Level 3 preferred
High
£35,000
£28,000
Low
£24,000
What could I earn with a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification?
Achieving the TQUK Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) can help learners progress into more senior support roles within schools and educational settings. Higher Level Teaching Assistants are valued for their ability to support teaching and learning, lead interventions, and work with greater independence in the classroom.
While salaries vary depending on location, experience, school type, and specific responsibilities, HLTAs in the UK can typically earn between £24,000 and £35,000+ per year. Those with additional responsibilities, specialist expertise, or significant experience may achieve higher salaries.
This qualification can also support career progression into roles such as Senior Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor, Inclusion Support Practitioner, Cover Supervisor, or further study in education and teaching-related qualifications..
What Does the Course Involve?
To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all seven mandatory units, covering key aspects of supporting teaching and learning within educational settings.
The qualification requires learners to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical competence. Assessment is carried out through a combination of written assignments, reflective accounts, professional discussions, and workplace-based observational assessments. This blended approach ensures learners can evidence their knowledge while also demonstrating their ability to apply learning effectively in a real educational environment.
The seven mandatory units focus on areas such as supporting learning and development, promoting positive behaviour, safeguarding, communication, inclusion, assessment practices, and working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals. Throughout the programme, learners are encouraged to reflect on their practice and identify opportunities for continuous professional development.
As this is a competence-based qualification, learners should ideally be working or volunteering within a school or educational setting where they have access to pupils and can gather evidence for assessment. Successful completion demonstrates that learners have the skills, confidence, and professional competence expected of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and are ready to take on increased responsibility within the classroom.
What will I be required to do?
As part of the qualification, learners will be expected to research relevant educational policies and practices, provide written evidence of their knowledge, reflect on their own professional development, and compile a portfolio of evidence. They will also need to demonstrate their skills in the workplace through observational assessments carried out in their educational setting.
To complete the qualification successfully, learners should be working or volunteering in a school or educational environment where they have regular opportunities to support pupils, work alongside teaching staff, and apply the knowledge gained throughout the programme. Good organisational skills, effective communication, and a commitment to meeting assessment deadlines are essential.
Successful completion of all seven mandatory units demonstrates that learners have met the professional standards required of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and are prepared to take on greater responsibility in supporting teaching, learning, and pupil achievement.
FAQs
The vast majority of our courses are delivered entirely online, with all lessons, seminars and one-to-ones with your tutor taking place via video call.
Where you see "in-person" mentioned on a course, this usually refers to your assessor visiting your place of work, which is sometimes required for assessment. If a course requires an in-person training day, this will be clearly stated on the course page, and we'll let you know early on where it will be held. Currently, none of our qualifications require this — only our apprenticeships do.
Every course has a guided learning time and an estimated total study duration. If you're able to move through tasks more quickly — including practical assessments and observations — you may be able to complete your course in less time than the guide suggests.
Yes. As soon as you enrol, you're assigned a dedicated tutor who'll be in touch to introduce themselves and answer any initial questions. They're available throughout your course to support you with assignments, practical assessments and work placements.
For most of our courses, you'll need to complete a number of hours — study, observation or practical work — in a school environment, whether classroom-based or PE-related.
In most cases, you'll need an expert witness at your school to observe you; this is typically the class teacher you're assisting. They should hold relevant QTS certification and be willing to mentor, observe, and provide feedback to your tutor and assessor at Venture Training & Education.
Your course fee covers everything you need, with no hidden extras such as assessment or certification fees.
For courses requiring an in-person visit, if a second visit is needed because the required standard wasn't met first time, a re-assessment fee of £120 applies.
You can cancel your course within 14 days of enrolling, provided no assignments have been marked yet.
Yes. We handle this manually — just email your organisation's details, any purchase order number we'll need to quote on the invoice, your own details, and the course you'd like to take to enquires@ventureeducation.co.uk.
Don't worry — we'll automatically retry the payment. We'll also send you an email with a link to log in and pay manually if you'd prefer.
Simply log in to our Student Portal via the link at the top of our website. Forgotten your password? You can reset it anytime. If you're having trouble logging in, email your tutor and they'll help you get back in.
We aim to grade work within 5–7 days, though this can vary slightly during busier assessment periods. If you've been waiting longer, just reach out to your tutor.
You submit your work through the portal. If further work is needed, you'll receive a "Refer" status with feedback. Once your work meets the required standard, your tutor will mark it as complete and sign it off in the portal.
Yes. All our qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and sit within the Regulated Qualifications Framework. They're delivered in partnership with external awarding bodies such as 1st4Sport Qualifications and Training Qualifications UK, who issue your final certificate.
Most courses have a 12–18 month completion window. For Level 3 Diplomas and above, this may extend to 24 months.
Yes, extensions are available, though additional charges may apply. Give us a call and we'll talk through your options.