Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Course Overview
Specialist Teaching Assistant Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Advance Your Career with the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Higher Apprenticeship
Take the next step in your education career and specialise in either Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Social and Emotional Well-being. This higher apprenticeship is delivered through a flexible blended model—online sessions each month and in-college learning every two months—allowing you to balance study with your existing commitments.
You will support learners across a range of ages and educational settings, including primary, secondary, special schools, sixth forms, colleges, and alternative provision. This programme is ideal for experienced teaching assistants ready to progress into more specialised roles within the education sector.
Why Choose This Apprenticeship?
Learn through a flexible blend of online and in-person delivery
Specialise in SEND or social and emotional well-being
Gain advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours to lead targeted interventions
Support a wide range of learners and help improve educational outcomes
Develop evidence-informed practice, backed by current research
Train in line with statutory and non-statutory frameworks, including safeguarding and inclusion
What You Will Learn
Apprentices will develop a critical understanding of specialist educational practice, building the skills to support learners of all ages and abilities. You will gain expertise in one of the following areas:
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Social and Emotional Well-being
You will learn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate learning activities under appropriate supervision. The programme emphasises the use of research and evidence-based strategies to support individual progress and promote inclusion.
Attendance
You will attend delivery sessions once a month under a hybrid scheme. For example, month one will require attendance in person at Barnsley College; month 2 will require online attendance via Teams; so on and so forth.
Located at: SciTech Digital Innovation Hub
Course Start: Any time
Course length: 18 Months
Study Mode: Work Based
Course Code: ACHD7852500
Course Fees and Funding
How much does the course cost?
Other funding information
Course Content
Other Resources
For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.
If you are aged 16 - 19 and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths, you will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards achieving a higher grade in English and Maths, we can help you do that too and we offer Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) which maybe added to your study programme, subject to approval from your chosen department.
If you're aged 19 or above and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.
If you need any further information, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk
Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.
Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.
Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The course information on this page was last updated 09 September 2026.
