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Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Level 3
Gloucester

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

Do you want to work in a school or college as a teaching assistant (TA), or progress within your current role as a qualified TA? If so, this course is for you.

You’ll benefit from excellent tutoring to gain the qualification you need, as well as personalised support and guidance to support you into work.

In the previous years, more than 90% of our students were working as a TA by the end of the course.

What you’ll learn 

This course, alongside a compulsory school placement, prepares you well for working in a school. You will cover the following units of work:

  • Personal Development (including PDP/ Reflections)
  • Safeguarding
  • Laws and legislation
  • Schools as organisations
  • Assessment for learning                                       
  • Inclusion/Relationships 
  • Child development
  • Behaviour                  
  • Supporting learning activities – English and maths
  • Supporting ICT in schools.   

We also offer additional experiences, such as visits to special educational needs and disability (SEND) settings, guest speakers who discuss SEND, and support to help you improve both your English and maths.

School Placement

To succeed in this course, you will need a school placement in year one or above for 12 hours a week.

Highlights

Expect excellent teaching, continuous assessment (no exams) and personal guidance throughout your academic journey. Don’t just take our word for it – this is what Emma said about the course:

‘There isn’t anything I can fault. Even when topics have initially confused me. The way the tutor teaches and explains the content with her superb knowledge, makes everything fall into place. The course content will pretty much always be the same. It’s how the course is taught and delivered that makes the difference. Throughout the course, the tutor has been very informative, she is incredibly knowledgeable, interesting and a great sense of humour, which helps to lighten some intense topics. She engages and includes the whole group. The tutor has brought out the best in me, given me a newfound confidence and belief in myself and with the course has made me believe I am capable of doing more than I realised. This really has been an amazing journey for me.’

Assessment

You’ll complete 8 assessments over the course. The course is not graded and all learners who meet the criteria in the assessments pass the course.

You will also have at least 2 observations during the course where we will observe work-based criteria. You will need to prove your competence as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant to pass the course.

What about finances?

Our courses are eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan, making them accessible and affordable. Our friendly Student Services Team can provide more details.

You will be responsible for obtaining and paying for your own DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check through your school placement, some schools may cover this cost. It is important to apply for this as soon as possible.

There may be bursaries available to support you, please contact our Student Services Team to see eligibility criteria.

How will I fit this around my other commitments?

This course runs during term time only, with just one class per week from September to June.

As a student, you’ll also benefit from exclusive discounts at hundreds of retailers and have access to our on-site facilities, including the library, IT suites and canteen.

Anything else? 

To complete this course within one academic year, you will need to set aside 5–10 hours each week for study, research, and the completion of homework and assignments, in addition to attending college classes. A home computer or laptop and broadband are essential for creating and uploading assignments via our college intranet for AI and plagiarism checks.

Our supportive learning environment ensures you are fully equipped to succeed. With over 90% of our learners in work by the end of the course, it provides strong support for securing roles in schools or colleges. There are also opportunities for progression into teaching and other areas of education.

  • You must be aged over 19 at the start of the academic year.

    Entry to the course is subject to satisfactory completion of an online Professional Course Assessment and attendance to a mandatory briefing session to assess your suitability.

    You will need to demonstrate a good standard of English language, relevant experience and ability to work at the required level for this course.

    You must also have secured a school placement of at least twelve hours a week.

  • Opportunity to access Higher Education. Eg. Teaching Degree. Tutor will give advice on other opportunities to develop your practice.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
Teaching Assistant

What You Will Pay

Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.

Do you want to work in one of the most rewarding careers in the world? If you want a qualification that will give you an understanding of the skills required to work in education or training then this is the course for you to begin your journey into teaching to inspire the next generation.

This course is suitable for anyone who is already in a training role and wants to learn more about the theory of what they do, as well as those who are interested in going into education or training roles.

Employers and students alike have highly praised the course and its teaching and found it useful for their work.

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Student Stories

Steven Fisher

“I started by doing an apprenticeship through GC in motor vehicle. I then went on as a technician and was supported by GC to become a lecturer at the college. “I enjoyed being in a group of like-minded people most at the college, which provided lots of conversations about best teaching practices. I learnt a lot and felt very supported. “The course has enabled me to teach in a modern day classroom and have been given a great learning environment. After my course has finished I want to look into management courses so I can progress on to the next level of my career.”

Steven Fisher

University Diploma – Education and Training – Gloucester Campus

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Next Steps

Find out more

Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.

Open Events & Campus Tours

Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.

Application FAQs

Check out some of our most frequently asked admissions questions or get in touch with the team.