What Is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant? Your Complete Guide

“Higher Level Teaching Assistant,” or HLTA, is a term you may have heard if you work in education or are thinking about a job in a school. But what does it really mean? For what reason is it different from being a normal teaching assistant?

If you want to know what a higher level teaching assistant does, how to become one, what skills they need, how much they make, and if it could be the next step in your job, read this guide.

 This article tells you everything you need to know about the HLTA job in the UK, whether you’re already a TA, are training to be one, or are looking into career paths in education.

First, What Is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is a more experienced teaching assistant who is in charge of more tasks in the classroom. HLTAs often do the following things, while standard TAs help students and teachers:

• Giving lessons with the help of a teacher
•  Making plans for learning events
•  Helping kids who have special educational needs (SEN)
•  Taking charge of small group actions
•  Keeping track of students’ progress
  

An HLTA is different from a regular TA because they can sometimes cover classes when the teacher isn’t there. This makes the job very recognized and trusted in the school.

When someone asks, “What is a higher level teaching assistant?” the answer is clear: it’s an experienced TA who takes on more leadership, responsibility, and often teaching jobs on their own.

What Does a Higher Level Teaching Assistant Do?

Let’s talk about what an HLTA does every day in more depth. The HLTA’s job can be different at each school, but here are some of the most popular ones:

• When the teacher isn’t available, teaching lessons that have already been planned
• leading lessons for small groups (for example, to improve math or reading skills)
• Working on specific tactics with students who have special needs
• Keeping track of students’ growth and marking their work Giving out phonics and early years development plans
• being a mentor to new TAs or trainees

Do teaching assistants actually teach?

Standard TAs might help with lessons, but HLTAs are more likely to teach parts of a lesson or run interventions on their own.

HLTAs are very important in some schools, especially primary and SEN settings, because they make sure the classroom runs smoothly when the teacher isn’t there or is busy with office work.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?

You don’t become an HLTA overnight. It requires experience, commitment, and additional training.

Typical HLTA requirements include:

How do I train to become a teaching assistant, and then an HLTA?

Take a TA course at Level 2 or 3. Get some real-world training first, and then take HLTA prep classes when you’re ready for more responsibility.

How Do You Become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?

Here’s a simple path to follow:

1. Gain Experience as a Teaching Assistant

Spend time in class, feel better about yourself, and learn basic skills.  Before becoming an HLTA, most people worked as a TA for two to three years.

2. Complete a Level 3 TA Qualification

In order to help teaching and learning, you should get a Level 3 Certificate.  A lot of people know this as a way to get to higher jobs.

3. Enrol in an HLTA Preparation Programme

These can be found by:

• Officials in the area
• Training providers with accreditation
• Platforms for online learning

You will make a portfolio, think about your practice, and get ready for your HLTA exam as part of this course.

4. Pass the HLTA Assessment

You’ll turn in your resume and be watched doing your job. The test shows that you meet all 33 HLTA Professional Standards, which cover everything from planning and communicating to helping students grow and keeping them protected.

As soon as you pass, you’ll be an official HLTA and be able to apply for higher-level jobs.

How Much Does a Higher Level Teaching Assistant Earn?

One of the most common questions is, “How much does a higher level teaching assistant earn in the UK?”

Here’s a rough salary guide:

How much do HLTAs earn per hour?

Usually between £13 and £18 an hour, but this depends on experience and how much money the school has.

 Since many HLTAs only work during the school year, their pay is generally based on how many weeks they worked.

Do teaching assistants get paid for holidays?

A lot of them don’t.  For the most part, TA and HLTA jobs are only hired for term-time.

What’s the Difference Between a TA and an HLTA?

Here’s a quick side-by side to highlight the differences:

In a sense, HLTAs fill in the gaps between TAs and fully trained teachers. People on the support staff often see them as leaders.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming an HLTA?

You might be wondering if it’s worth it to move up if you’re already a TA.  Here are some benefits of becoming an HLTA:

 More variety and responsibility

 It will be up to you to do more active and independent jobs, like teaching and keeping an eye on each student’s progress.

 More Money

 HLTAs make a lot more money than regular TAs and often have more stable, steady jobs.

Career Progression

Becoming an HLTA can open the door to:

• Specialist SEN support
• Pastoral or behaviour mentor roles
• Teacher training if you decide to gain QTS
  

Can a teaching assistant become a teacher?

Yes! A lot of HLTAs go on to get a PGCE, School Direct, or become teachers through an apprenticeship. Your time as an HLTA gives you a solid background for becoming a teacher.

FAQs About HLTAs

Do HLTAs get SEN allowance?

Some do— mostly those in special needs schools or SEN units.  This is up to the local government or school trust.

Can an HLTA refuse to work with a specific child?

Not typically. To make sure everyone is safe, you can bring it up with the leaders. HLTAs are supposed to help all students most of the time, though.

What band is a higher level teaching assistant?

Band 4 or 5 on the local government pay scales is where most HLTAs are placed, based on where they work and what they are responsible for.

Do HLTAs do lesson plans?

Not all the way.  HLTAs can help with planning or making tools, but teachers are still in charge of making full lesson plans.

Is Being an HLTA a Good Job?

It can be hard, especially when there are a lot of students or students with special needs, but it’s also very satisfying.  HLTA could be the next step for you if you like being independent, having a lot of different tasks, and making a real difference.

Key HLTA strengths include:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Organisational skills
• Behaviour management
• Flexibility and initiative
  

Final Thoughts: Is the HLTA Role Right for You?

When you ask yourself, “What Is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant” you will find the solution below:

Higher Level Teaching Assistants are reliable professionals with a lot of experience who work in classrooms and act as a link between TAs and teachers, helping teachers with lessons and leading the school.

Being an HLTA is a great next step if you’re already a teaching assistant and want to move up.  It pays more, gives you more authority, and makes you more well-known in your field.

 HLTA status is a big step forward in your education career, whether you want to move up in your present school or become a teacher.