Teaching assistant courses

Lift College offers Ofqual regulated TQUK qualifications for school, nursery and college roles, from the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools to the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching, all studied online with a named UK tutor with no exams. Not yet in a school? Start with the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF) (3 to 6 months, no placement). Already in a school? Start with the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF) (£49.99 a month when you pay today, 6 to 9 months), progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF) (£59.99 a month) and the Level 4 HLTA Certificate (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) (RQF) (£59.99 a month), or take the Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (RQF) (£89.99 a month) for nursery and preschool roles.

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Level 1 Award in Principles of Working in Early Years Settings

Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools

Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment

Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Bullying in Children and Young People

Teaching and childcare

18courses, from £19.99 a month

7 days free, nothing charged until day 8
A named UK tutor from day one
Cancel in two clicks, 14-day refund

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In short

Can I become a teaching assistant online without going to college?

Yes. The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, and the Level 3 diploma that follows it, are studied fully online. There is no mandatory college attendance. These qualifications include an evidence portfolio from a school setting.

18 courses · every one starts with 7 days free

Choose your teaching or childcare course

Each course is studied online with a named UK tutor. Choose one to see the course and the free trial.

Level 14 to 8 weeks

Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (RQF)

From£89.99a month

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Level 312 to 15 months

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)

From£59.99a month

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Level 34 to 6 months

Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism

From£39.99a month

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Level 34 to 8 months

Level 3 Assessor Certificate (CAVA) (RQF)

From£69.99a month

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Level 49 to 12 months

Level 4 HLTA Certificate (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) (RQF)

From£59.99a month

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Level 512 to 18 months

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education) (RQF)

From£79.99a month

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Guide

Marked practice back in 5 to 7 working days
7-day free trial: £0 today, cancel any time, 14-day money back
The TQUK certificate when you complete the qualification
Early Years Qualifications: Level 2 vs 3 vs 5 Compared

Every course has a 7-day free trial, no contract and a 14-day money back guarantee. Looking for a specific route? Compare our teaching assistant course online at Level 3, the HLTA course online at Level 4, the Level 3 CAVA assessor course online and the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching online for further education.

TEACHING AND CHILDCARE GUIDE

Browse every teaching and childcare qualification: early years through teaching assistant.

The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is the classroom support qualification. The Level 3 diploma is the specialist step. HLTA at Level 4 is a step change again: it qualifies you to take whole classes for planned cover, not just support a class teacher, and many schools use it as a bridge toward teacher training.

Level 3 childcare qualifications, particularly the Early Years Educator diploma, sit alongside the teaching assistant pathway and lead into nursery and early years roles rather than school based ones. The teaching ladder runs from the Level 3 Certificate to Level 5.

Working with children under five? See the Childcare qualifications page for the Level 3 Early Years Educator route.

How it works

From your first lesson to your certificate

Start free

Start with a 7-day free trial. It is £0 today, you can cancel any time, and nothing is charged until day 8.

Study with your named tutor

Work online at your own pace with a named UK tutor. Marked practice comes back in 5 to 7 working days.

Build your portfolio

Build your portfolio in your setting. Your assessor uses that workplace evidence. There is no written exam on these diplomas.

Get your TQUK certificate

When your portfolio meets the standard, you receive the TQUK certificate.

Awarding bodies and exam centres

Awarding bodies in Teaching & Childcare

Training Qualifications UK 18 qualifications

Compare

Which teaching or childcare qualification do you need?

Qualification	Level	Who it is for	Typical time	Price	Where you practise
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)	3	New to school support, or a TA without a qualification	6 to 9 months	£49.99 a month when you pay today, or £59.99 after the trial	A school, at least 12 hours a week
Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)	3	TAs in post, SEND and specialist support	12 to 15 months	£59.99 a month when you pay today, or £69.99 after the trial	A school, for the observed units
Level 4 HLTA Certificate (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) (RQF)	4	Experienced TAs ready to lead classes	9 to 12 months	£59.99 a month when you pay today, or £69.99 after the trial	A school, at least 50 hours in role
Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (RQF)	3	Nursery, preschool and childminding roles that count in ratios	12 to 18 months	£89.99 a month when you pay today, or £99.99 after the trial	An Ofsted registered setting, 300 hours
Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education) (RQF)	5	Subject specialists teaching post 16	12 to 18 months	£79.99 a month when you pay today, or £89.99 after the trial	A further education setting, 250 hours
Level 3 Assessor Certificate (CAVA) (RQF)	3	Workplace assessors of NVQs and apprenticeships	4 to 8 months	£69.99 a month when you pay today, or £79.99 after the trial	A workplace and training setting, two learners

Every fee is included. Pay today and save up to 17% for life, or pay for a year and get 3 months free. Not sure between providers? Read our comparisons of the best online teaching assistant courses, best online HLTA courses and best online childcare courses, each checked against the providers' own pages.

A Level 1 course for anyone thinking about becoming a teaching assistant or working in a school.

A short, Ofqual-regulated safeguarding children Level 2 qualification for anyone who works or volunteers with children and young people.

This is the Level 3 teaching assistant course most people start with.

Step into the assessor role that workplaces depend on.

You know the feeling when a pupil finally grasps something they have been struggling with, and you know your role in making that happen.

Stand at the front of an FE classroom and teach the trade, the subject, the skill that brought you here.

Level 3 Certificate vs Level 3 diploma vs HLTA

FTE means full time equivalent; many teaching assistant roles are term time only and paid pro rata. Lift College early years and nursery pay guide 2026

Factor	Level 3 Certificate	Level 3 TA	HLTA (Level 4)
Role	Classroom support assistant	Specialist teaching assistant, SEND or literacy focus	Higher Level Teaching Assistant, whole class cover
Salary band	From £12.71 an hour (National Living Wage, aged 21 and over, from April 2026)	From £12.71 an hour	£29,542 to £37,563
Entry requirements	No formal entry requirements. Level 2 literacy recommended. At least 12 hours a week in school	No formal entry requirements. Working or volunteering in a school	Level 3 TA qualification plus classroom experience
Typical duration	6 to 9 months	12 to 15 months	9 to 12 months

Where it leads

Where Teaching & Childcare qualifications can take you

Job grade	Typical roles	Salary range (GBP)
Teaching assistant, entry grade	Classroom support assistant, learning support assistant	From £12.71 an hour ↗
Teaching assistant, Level 3 grade	Teaching assistant, specialist TA (SEND, EAL, Literacy)	From £12.71 an hour ↗
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)	Higher Level Teaching Assistant, cover supervisor	£29,542 to £37,563 ↗
Early years educator, entry grade	Nursery assistant, childminder's assistant, creche worker	From £12.71 an hour ↗
Level 3 early years educator	Room leader, key person, early years practitioner	£23,717 full time median (ONS 2025) ↗
Nursery manager / deputy manager	Nursery manager, deputy manager, childcare centre manager	£30,140 full time median (ONS 2025) ↗
SEND specialist / inclusion lead	SENCO assistant, inclusion support worker, SEND teaching assistant	£22,000 to £30,000 ↗
Routes to QTS / social work	Trainee teacher (PGCE/School Direct), social work degree pathway via Access to HE	£31,650+ (NQT, England) ↗

Teaching and childcare career progression and UK salary ranges

FTE means full time equivalent; term time only roles are typically paid pro rata against these figures.

Role	Qualification route	UK salary range
Teaching Assistant, Level 3	Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools	From £12.71 an hour (National Living Wage, aged 21 and over, from April 2026) (Lift College early years and nursery pay guide 2026)
Higher Level Teaching Assistant	HLTA Level 4	£29,542 to £37,563 (Lift College early years and nursery pay guide 2026)
Early Years Educator, Level 3	Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education (Early Years Educator)	£23,717 full time median (ONS 2025) (Lift College early years and nursery pay guide 2026)
Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager	Level 3 to Level 5 progression in early years	£30,140 full time median (ONS 2025) (ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2025 (provisional), full time medians, and DfE survey of childcare and early years providers 2025, as shown on the Lift College Level 3 Early Years Educator page)

Cost, funding and entry

Cost, funding and entry requirements for teaching assistant and childcare courses

Teaching and childcare courses at Lift College cost from £29.99 a month on a cancel-anytime subscription with a 7-day free trial. The entry step is the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, then the Level 3 diploma and the Level 4 HLTA certificate.

Lift College offers a monthly subscription with no fixed contract across its teaching and childcare range.

Funding

Some schools and nurseries fund staff qualifications directly as part of continuing professional development, particularly for existing employees moving from the Level 3 Certificate to the Level 3 diploma. Ask your employer about funded routes before self funding.

Entry requirements

The entry step is the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. It has no formal academic entry requirement. Level 2 literacy, or GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2, is commonly recommended, and you need at least 12 hours a week in a school. The Level 3 diploma is the next step. HLTA expects a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification plus classroom experience, and you need to be working in a school.

Not ready for Level 3? Read our guide to level 2 vs level 3 early years qualifications.

Learner reviews

What our learners say

Six of our latest reviews, as posted on Trustpilot.

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5 out of 5 · Verified

A Level Psychology On Line Course Lift College

I have enrolled on this on line course and the support/response to queries that I have received to date have been timely and effective. The college also provides a learning plan to comlete the course and mock exams, together with helpful reminders of allocated study days (you self select them and they send you a reminder to keep you on track). The modules are clear and easy to understand and a broken down into sections including question and answer sections and model answers and where applicable worked out calculations. There is a need to take notes from the online materials as there are no PDF work books to download. The assigments are completed in a text box and marked accordingly and saved into your records. Once you get used to using the learning portal (which is not too difficult) it is a fairly straightforward learning process. It is worth paying the money for this course and the level of support provided by the college.

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Simon G.A Level Psychology · 11 Nov 2026

5 out of 5

Prompt Assignment Feedback

I have been studying with Lift College for the past month, and so far, my experience has been positive. The team provides excellent support, and assignments are marked with helpful feedback, usually within three working days. This quick turnaround is particularly valuable as it helps me manage my studies alongside my workplace commitments.

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ChinthakaLift College learner · 11 Nov 2026

5 out of 5 · Verified

Clearly structured and designed for learning

I recently started the CMI Level 5 course through Lift College. I was attracted to this provider due to the clean and modern design of their website. I asked the support staff a few questions before enrolling, and their responses were fast and informative. When I started the course, I was impressed by how well organised the material was and how the lessons were structured. I have taken many online courses before, including postgraduate courses from UK universities. What I expected was a few videos made using a webcam, plus several dozen PDF files that had to be read. However, the materials provided by Lift College are of excellent quality, well designed, and purpose-made. As a teacher myself with 20 years' experience, I recognised clear and deliberate efforts to help students learn more effectively. Lift College isn't just giving you a load of reading material and letting you get on with it. They have designed prompts, revision boxes, spot quizzes, and other features to ensure that learning is actively facilitated.

Read more on Trustpilot

Derek H.CMI Level 5 · 6 Nov 2026

5 out of 5

Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service and the enrolment process was very smooth. Started my course three weeks ago and I’m loving it.

George B.Lift College learner · 6 Nov 2026

5 out of 5 · Verified

Lift College is very flexible

Lift College is very flexible, allowing me to study GCSE Biology while working full time. The course is straightforward and include helpful tips for passing the exams.

LalaineGCSE Biology · 2 Nov 2026

5 out of 5

I have just enrolled with Lift College

I have just enrolled with Lift College today on a free trial. So far so good, I have accessed my course (GCSE Maths) on my platform and everything looks great. Also met my tutor who is very friendly and helpful too. Will update the reviews when I am further down the line.

Read more on Trustpilot

Paul S.GCSE Maths · 2 Sep 2026

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FAQ

Teaching and childcare questions, answered

Straight answers to the 14 questions learners ask us most.

Still deciding?Compare all 18 Teaching and childcare coursesChoose a course

Can I become a teaching assistant online without going to college?

Is there a Level 2 teaching assistant course online?

Yes. The TQUK Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF), qualification number 601/4020/3, is a level 2 teaching assistant course online with no exams and no school placement: 12 credits, 80 guided learning hours, studied in 3 to 6 months. If you are already working or volunteering in a school for at least 12 hours a week, the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning is the better start, because it is the level schools ask for.

What childcare courses can I do online?

Lift College runs Ofqual regulated TQUK childcare courses online, each with a named UK tutor. Start with the Level 1 Award in Principles of Working in Early Years Settings (4 to 8 weeks), add a Level 2 award in safeguarding children (1 to 2 weeks) or a Level 2 certificate in children's mental health, autism or SEND (3 to 6 months), or go straight to the Level 3 Early Years Educator diploma (12 to 18 months, 300 placement hours), the one that counts as full and relevant in nursery ratios.

What is the difference between the Level 3 Certificate and the Level 3 diploma?

The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is the entry step for classroom support. The Level 3 diploma goes further into specialist support, including curriculum, behaviour and assessment. The ladder then runs to the Level 4 HLTA certificate and the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching.

Do I need a DBS check before starting an online teaching assistant or childcare course?

No DBS check is required to enrol on an online teaching or childcare qualification. A DBS check is required before you begin working directly with children in a school or nursery setting, but the study itself can proceed without one. Your employer or placement provider will arrange the check when you begin supervised practice. Schools and nurseries also expect staff to be trained in safeguarding; Lift College's safeguarding training courses are £19.99 each, pay once.

Is an online Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification recognised by Ofsted?

Yes, if the qualification is on the Department for Education's early years qualifications list as full and relevant at Level 3. Lift College's TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education (Early Years Educator) is listed, so Ofsted registered settings can count holders in their staff ratios under the EYFS, provided the holder also has a Level 2 English qualification. Studying online makes no difference: the placement hours and observations happen in a registered setting.

How long does an online level 3 childcare diploma take to complete?

Most online level 3 early years educator diplomas take between 12 and 18 months to complete when studied part-time alongside work. The exact duration depends on your prior experience, how many hours a week you commit to study, and whether your awarding body requires evidence from a placement. Some learners complete faster with employer support.

Can a teaching assistant qualification lead to becoming a qualified teacher?

A teaching assistant qualification is a recognised stepping stone toward teaching, but it does not by itself confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). To teach as a primary or secondary school teacher you need a degree and a teacher training programme (PGCE or School Direct). An Access to HE Education Professions pathway or a relevant degree followed by initial teacher training is the typical route.

What level of childcare qualification do I need to work in a nursery?

A Level 3 childcare qualification, such as the Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education (Early Years Educator), is the standard requirement to count toward statutory staffing ratios in an Ofsted registered nursery under the EYFS framework. Entry-grade nursery roles do not count toward the same ratios.

What is a Level 3 childcare qualification and who is it for?

A Level 3 childcare qualification, most commonly the Diploma for the Early Years Educator, is for adults working or planning to work in nurseries, pre-schools or childminding settings with children from birth to five. It is listed on the Early Years Qualifications List maintained by the Department for Education.

What is an HLTA course and what does it qualify you to do?

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) course, usually at Level 4, qualifies you to take whole classes for planned cover under the direction of a teacher, rather than only supporting a class teacher as a standard teaching assistant does. It typically requires existing classroom experience and a Level 3 teaching assistant qualification first.

Can I become a teaching assistant without a degree?

Yes. Classroom support roles do not require a degree. The entry qualification is the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. Schools also look for GCSE English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2.

How long does a Level 3 teaching assistant course take online?

Lift College's Level 3 Certificate typically takes 6 to 9 months and the Level 3 Diploma 12 to 15 months when studied part time. Timelines depend on whether the qualification requires portfolio evidence from a school placement and how quickly you can gather that evidence alongside your existing commitments.

What is the CAVA qualification and who needs it?

CAVA, the Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, is for people who assess other learners' vocational competence in the workplace, such as an experienced teaching assistant or care worker moving into an assessor or verifier role. It is not a teaching assistant qualification itself but a common next step for those training or assessing others.

Explore Teaching and childcare further

Everything about Teaching and childcare, page by page

Every question about Teaching and childcare has its own page: entry, costs, careers, awarding bodies, learner stories and more.

About

What the qualification is, who sets it and how it is recognised

Choose your pathway

Which course or level to start with, by goal

Entry requirements

Age, prior learning and what you need before you enrol

Funding and costs

Monthly and pay-in-full prices, funding routes and refunds

Awarding bodies

Who awards the qualification and how to check it

Comparison

How this qualification compares with the alternatives

Career pathways

Roles, progression and UK salary ranges

Learner stories

Real learners, the course they took and what happened next

FAQ

Every question learners ask before they enrol

Explore Teaching & Childcare further

Training Qualifications UK (TQUK)

Teaching assistant courses

Can I become a teaching assistant online without going to college?

Choose your teaching or childcare course

Level 1 Award in Principles of Working in Early Years Settings

Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools

Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment

Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Bullying in Children and Young People

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children

Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People

Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)

Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Level 3 Assessor Certificate (CAVA) (RQF)

Level 4 HLTA Certificate (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) (RQF)

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (Further Education) (RQF)

TEACHING AND CHILDCARE GUIDE

From your first lesson to your certificate

Start free

Study with your named tutor

Build your portfolio

Get your TQUK certificate

Awarding bodies in Teaching & Childcare

Which teaching or childcare qualification do you need?

Level 3 Certificate vs Level 3 diploma vs HLTA

Where Teaching & Childcare qualifications can take you

Teaching and childcare career progression and UK salary ranges

Cost, funding and entry requirements for teaching assistant and childcare courses

Funding

Entry requirements

What our learners say

A Level Psychology On Line Course Lift College

Prompt Assignment Feedback

Clearly structured and designed for learning

Excellent customer service

Lift College is very flexible

I have just enrolled with Lift College

Teaching and childcare questions, answered

Everything about Teaching and childcare, page by page

Explore Teaching & Childcare further

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