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  3. Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant

Launch Your Next Step in Education with the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Our Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is designed for experienced support staff who are ready to develop their expertise, confidence, and professional recognition. Delivered over 18 to 24 months, the programme uses a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face sessions with practical, in‑school learning directly linked to your role. With regular 1:1 tutor support throughout, apprentices are supported to build both competence and confidence while making an immediate impact in their setting.

This fully funded apprenticeship comes at no cost to the apprentice, with levy‑paying schools able to cover the full programme through Apprenticeship Levy funding. On successful completion, participants will achieve a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification alongside Barnsley HLTA status—opening doors to further career progression and leadership opportunities within education.

Entry Requirements

To apply for the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be aged 16 or over
  • Hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
  • Have 5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above
  • Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
  • Have the support of your Head Teacher and/or Line Manager
  • Have funding agreed through your organisation’s Apprenticeship Levy account holder

 Ready to take the next step?

Applications will reopen in January 2027, with cohorts scheduled to start in April 2027.

👉 Register your interest here

Delivery Details

📍 Delivered in Barnsley, at Tykes Teaching Alliance
🗓 Wednesdays (approximately one per calendar month)
⏰ 9.30am – 3.00pm

Location:
Unit 5, Great Cliffe Court
Dodworth, Barnsley
S75 3SP

Programme Facilitator

Katie Bramall joined Tykes Teaching Alliance in 2023 as Professional Development Programme Lead, bringing with her 16 years of experience in primary education. Throughout her career, Katie has taught across EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, developing a deep understanding of high‑quality practice and the realities of classroom and school life.

In her role, Katie leads the delivery of the Early Career Framework (ECF) for schools across Barnsley and Doncaster, working closely with Exchange Teaching Hub, the region’s designated Teaching School Hub. Through this partnership, she ensures that Early Career Teachers and education professionals at every stage of development receive high‑quality training, support, and guidance that is both research‑informed and practical.

Katie is passionate about professional learning that is inclusive, supportive and rooted in real‑world practice. She has a strong commitment to developing confident, skilled educators and supporting schools to nurture and retain talented staff. More recently, Katie has extended her expertise into facilitating the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, supporting experienced support staff to gain professional recognition and take the next step in their careers.

Katie brings a collaborative, encouraging approach to facilitation, valuing reflective practice, professional dialogue, and the strengths that individuals bring to their roles. She is proud to support colleagues across the education workforce as they continue to grow, develop, and make a lasting difference for children and young people.

Get in Touch

📞 Telephone: 01226 782233
📧 Email: Katiebramall@tykestsa.education