TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning (RQF)

There is no legal requirement to hold a specific qualification to work as a teaching assistant, but the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning is the industry-recognised standard qualification for the role. Many schools — particularly larger primary and secondary schools — actively look for Level 3-qualified TAs when recruiting, and the diploma is required for progression to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status and specialist support roles. It also maps directly to the DfE’s Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard.

Most learners complete the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning in 12 to 18 months, studying around 8 to 12 hours per week alongside their placement. The qualification has a Total Qualification Time of 530 hours, including guided learning and placement time. Because the course is fully online and self-paced, you can progress faster or slower depending on your school’s timetable, your existing experience, and personal commitments.

Yes — you must be working or on a practical placement in a school, college, or educational setting to complete this diploma, as you need to demonstrate competence in real learning environments. A minimum of 200 hours of placement experience is recommended at diploma level. This can be paid employment or a voluntary placement. If you are not currently working in a school, we can advise on how to find a suitable volunteer placement before you enrol.

The Level 2 Award or Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning provides the basic underpinning knowledge for TA work and is suitable for those new to the role or working in an entry-level position with close supervision. The Level 3 Diploma develops a much deeper level of specialist knowledge and practical competence, covering SEN, behaviour management, curriculum support, and assessment for learning. It qualifies holders for roles with greater autonomy and responsibility, and is required for progression to HLTA status and specialist support roles.

Yes — the Level 3 Diploma is a recognised stepping stone towards a teaching career. It earns 32 UCAS points, can support applications to foundation degrees in education, and demonstrates the school experience universities value. From a foundation degree you can progress to a BA (Hons) in Education and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or to a School Direct or PGCE programme if you already hold an undergraduate degree. Many successful teachers began their careers as teaching assistants.

The TQUK Level 3 Diploma covers specialist areas including: special educational needs and disabilities (SEN/SEND), English and maths support across the curriculum, ICT support for learning, speech, language and communication support, supporting children with learning difficulties, behaviour management, bilingual support, safeguarding, assessment for learning, and engaging parents and carers in children’s education. This breadth makes it highly valued by schools recruiting for specialist TA and learning support roles.

Level 3 teaching assistants typically earn between £23,000 and £25,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) per year on NJC Spinal Column Points 6–9, based on 2024–25 NJC pay scales. It’s important to note that most TA contracts are term-time only, so actual take-home pay is pro-rated for the weeks worked (typically 39 paid weeks), meaning actual annual earnings are lower than the FTE figure. SEN TAs and those in specialist roles often earn slightly more, and London and Outer London schools pay higher rates with a London weighting supplement.

Yes — the TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning (RQF) is regulated by Ofqual (Qualification Number: 603/2496/X) and specifically maps to the DfE Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard. Awarded by TQUK, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. The qualification is accepted by primary, secondary, and special schools throughout England, and by the Teaching Regulation Agency.

Yes — this is the most common way to complete the diploma. The online study platform allows you to work through materials and submit assignments at any time, fitting around your school hours, term dates, and timetable. Many TAs find they can gather portfolio evidence directly from their day-to-day work in the classroom, making the process feel integrated with their job rather than separate. Your tutor will help you identify how your existing activities map to the unit requirements.

The TQUK Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning carries 32 UCAS points on the UCAS Tariff. These can be used in combination with other Level 3 qualifications to support applications to foundation degrees or undergraduate programmes in education, social work, or psychology. UCAS points from vocational qualifications are increasingly recognised by universities offering education-related degree programmes, particularly those with a strong work-based learning component.