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SEND teaching assistant apprenticeships

Train to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with SEND, for schools that need specialist support and people who want to give it.

The Apprenticeship Academy

Get a trained SEND teaching assistant apprentice in your school, without the admin

Our apprenticeship academy partner employs the apprentice directly and places them in your school for the full academic year (typically 39 weeks). You gain a dedicated member of support staff; they handle the employment, compliance and paperwork. Schools anywhere in England can ask.

Invest in your staff

Turn recruitment into long-term value: an apprentice who trains in your school and grows with it.

Levy-funded training

Training is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy and paid directly to the approved training provider.

Quality, school-ready staff

Structured training builds the confidence, engagement and skills of support staff in role.

No extra workload

Our partner employs and manages the apprentice, so there's no added admin for your team.

Teaching Assistant with SEND apprenticeship (Level 3)

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with a focus on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Level
Level 3
Length
Typically 12–15 months

What the apprentice learns

  • Understanding SEND and the SEND Code of Practice
  • Supporting pupils with EHC plans and SEN support
  • Adapting activities and resources
  • Communication, sensory and behaviour needs
  • Working with the SENCo, families and specialists

Who it suits: People who want to support pupils with additional needs, in mainstream schools, resourced provisions or special schools.

Classroom ready before day one

Every apprentice first completes a two-day preparation programme: safeguarding, professional conduct and expectations, practical classroom support, and Team Teach Level 1 positive behaviour training. Your school's own policies and induction can be added on site.

All academy courses

How it works for schools

  1. 1

    Request a call back

    Tell us about your school and the support you need.

  2. 2

    We find your apprentice

    We match you with a candidate for the course that fits the role.

  3. 3

    Ready for your classroom

    The apprentice completes the two-day preparation programme before starting.

  4. 4

    Training while they work

    Our partner employs them, provides pastoral support and works with an Ofsted-inspected, government-approved training provider.

The training follows national apprenticeship standards and current funding guidance. The result is a pipeline of trained, school-ready support staff who give lasting value to your setting.

Want to be a teaching assistant or nursery apprentice?

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Live SEND apprenticeships

20 live apprenticeships

  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Teaching Assistant SEND Apprenticeship – Overchurch Junior School

    LEADING LEARNERS MULTI ACADEMY TRUST · Wirral, CH49

    Wage:
    £13,312 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    27 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Dec 2026
    Hours:
    32 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 4 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>The learner will also assist other staff under the direction of the class teacher or learning support officer. A key part of the role is contributing to the safeguarding, wellbeing and personal care of children and young people across the school.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 3.30pm, and every other Monday until 5pm), term-time only, 32 hours per week

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Teaching Assistant SEND Apprenticeship - Broughton Hall High School

    BROUGHTON HALL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL · L12

    Wage:
    £14,560 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    30 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Jan 2027
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 4 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>To provide timetabled support and guidance to SEND students with a range of complex needs and advance students learning in a range of classroom settings, providing ongoing support outside the classroom with one-to-ones and group sessions and specialist enrichment programmes.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Administrative skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Apprentice SEN Teaching Assistant

    Brockswood Primary School · Hemel Hempstead, HP2

    Wage:
    £14,560 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    18 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Dec 2026
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>An exciting opportunity to start your career working with children. You will support Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils, including children with SEND, to access learning, build confidence and develop independence. You will work alongside teachers and the SENCO while completing your apprenticeship and gaining valuable hands-on experience.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 3.30pm.

    Training provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Administrative skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Physical fitness

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Apprentice SEN Teaching Assistant

    Brockswood Primary School · Hemel Hempstead, HP2

    Wage:
    £14,560 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    13 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    30 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>An exciting opportunity to start your career working with children. You will support Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils, including children with SEND, to access learning, build confidence and develop independence. You will work alongside teachers and the SENCO while completing your apprenticeship and gaining valuable hands-on experience.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 3.30pm.

    Training provider: OAKLANDS COLLEGE

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Administrative skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Physical fitness

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Enterprise Learning Alliance

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED · Deal, CT14

    Wage:
    £14,768 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    14 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    28 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    35.5 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>The Enterprise Learning Alliance is an innovative school that offers students across all Key Stages an involving, engaging and broad curriculum. The school has educational provision in both the Thanet and Dover District Working closely with local schools and agencies.</p>

    Working week: Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.00pm, including a 20 mins break.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Team working, Initiative

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Learning Support Apprentice

    Weston College · Weston-Super-Mare, BS23

    Wage:
    £16,804.85 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    18 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    30 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    29.6 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>To provide essential learning support to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). To ensure that students are proactively supported to develop their independence and to achieve their full potential.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 5pm.

    Training provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 10

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Learning Support Apprentice

    Weston College · BS23

    Wage:
    £16,804.85 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    18 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    30 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    29.6 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>To provide essential learning support to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). To ensure that students are proactively supported to develop their independence and to achieve their full potential.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 5pm.

    Training provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 10

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Learning Support Apprentice

    Weston College · Weston-Super-Mare, BS22

    Wage:
    £16,804.85 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    18 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    30 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    29.6 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>To provide essential learning support to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). To ensure that students are proactively supported to develop their independence and to achieve their full potential.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 5pm.

    Training provider: WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 10

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice

    Cropthorne with Charlton CE First School · Cropthorne Pershore, WR10

    Wage:
    £13,312 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    17 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    4 Jan 2027
    Hours:
    32 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>We are seeking two dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant Apprentices to join our team at Cropthorne with Charlton CE First School. In this role, you will work closely with our class teachers to support our pupils' learning and development, with a particular focus on those with special educational needs and disabilities.&nbsp;</p>

    Working week: Monday - Friday 08:40 - 12:30 & 13:00 - 15:10. Monday finish time will be 15:30 Total working time is 32 hours, with 2hrs 10 mins for study time taken flexibly over the week, term-time only.

    Training provider: PARAGON EDUCATION & SKILLS LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Organisation skills, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, commitment to learning, Enthusiastic

    Positions: 2

    This employer is Disability Confident.

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - Evergreen School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED · Warwick, CV34

    Wage:
    £13,416 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    16 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    30 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    32.25 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>Evergreen School is a special school with two purpose-built campuses in Warwick. We are looking for a Teaching Assistant Apprentice to join our team. You may already have SEN experience or be in a mainstream setting, or have gained your experience, knowledge and skills somewhere else.</p>

    Working week: Monday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tuesday, 9.00am - 4.00pm and Wednesday to Friday, 9.00am - 3:35pm.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Reliability, Flexible

    Positions: 2

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Northway Primary School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED · London, NW7

    Wage:
    £13,936 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    20 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    23 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    33.5 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>Are you passionate about education and eager to make a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs? This exciting apprenticeship gives you the chance to work alongside experienced educators in a supportive and dynamic school environment.</p>

    Working week: Monday - Friday, 8.35am - 3.50pm, with a 30 minute lunch break.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Team working, Creative, Non judgemental, Patience, Passionate about children, Calm, Reliable, Committed

    Positions: 2

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Kisharon Noé School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED · London, NW4

    Wage:
    £14,768 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    27 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    4 Jan 2027
    Hours:
    35.5 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>Kisharon No&eacute; School is a specialist school in London supporting pupils aged 4-19 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. We are looking for enthusiastic and caring Teaching Assistant Apprentices to join our specialist education team and begin a rewarding career in education.</p>

    Working week: Monday, 8.30am - 5.00pm. Tuesday - Thursday, 8.30am - 4.15pm. Friday, 8.30am - 3.45pm.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 6

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Teaching assistant, Level: 3 apprenticeship

    AUTISM INITIATIVES (UK) · Southport, PR9

    Wage:
    £18,758 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    15 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Feb 2027
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>The apprenticeship prepares you to support classroom teachers, aid pupil progress. It combines paid school employment with 20% off-the-job training, culminating in an End-Point Assessment. Learning about child development, national frameworks, safeguarding, legislation &amp; Special Educational Needs &amp; Disabilities</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday 8.50 am - 3.50pm except on a Wednesday when it is a 4.50 pm finish. Throughout the week a further 1.5 hours is expected when they will work flexibly for example - if required to stay for a meeting Term Time only.

    Training provider: HARPER CRAVEN ASSOCIATES LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Patience

    Positions: 3

    This employer is Disability Confident.

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice

    Richmond Academy · Oldham, OL9

    Wage:
    £14,560 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    20 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    23 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>To work as part of a professional Teaching Assistant Team in our Academy Inclusion Hubs. This will include being responsible for supporting child-initiated and adult-led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting the observation and assessment of the children.</p>

    Working week: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week (term time plus 5 days). Shift times to be confirmed.

    Training provider: THE OLDHAM COLLEGE

    Skills: Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - SEND

    ST BARTHOLOMEWS PRIMARY SCHOOL · LONDON, SE26

    Wage:
    £14,560 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    1 Jan 2027
    Starts:
    2 Jan 2027
    Hours:
    35 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Best Practice Network is designed for those who want to start or develop a career supporting children in schools. The programme combines paid work in a school with structured training, allowing apprentices to gain real classroom experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:45pm, supporting teaching and learning during the school day. Paid hours: 35 hours per week Working pattern: Term time only (38 weeks per year).

    Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 2

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    SEN Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - Manor Primary School

    LEADING LEARNERS MULTI ACADEMY TRUST · Preston City Lancashire, CH43

    Wage:
    £12,480 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    19 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    20 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    30 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 4 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>Manor Primary School are looking for a compassionate and dedicated candidate to join their busy team. This is a great opportunity to build on your skills and experience in a classroom and gain a level 3 SEN pathway qualification.&nbsp;</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday, term time only. Daily hours to be confirmed. 30 hours per week total.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 4

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at The Gatwick School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED - Harefield School · Crawley, RH10

    Wage:
    £12,480 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    28 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Dec 2026
    Hours:
    30 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>We are looking for a caring and patient individual to work as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant, supporting a child with additional needs. The role involves working closely with the class teacher and SENCo to help the child access learning, develop communication skills, and feel safe, supported, and included in the school environment.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday - 8:45am - 3:15pm.

    Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at The Gatwick School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED - The Gatwick School · Crawley, RH10

    Wage:
    £12,480 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    28 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Dec 2026
    Hours:
    30 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>We are looking for a caring and patient individual to work as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant, supporting a child with additional needs. The role involves working closely with the class teacher and SENCo to help the child access learning, develop communication skills, and feel safe, supported, and included in the school environment.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday 8:45am- 3:15pm

    Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Harefield School

    INSPIRE ATA LIMITED - Harefield School · Uxbridge, UB9

    Wage:
    £12,480 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    28 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    1 Dec 2026
    Hours:
    30 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 6 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>We are looking for a caring and patient individual to work as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant, supporting a child with additional needs. The role involves working closely with the class teacher and SENCo to help the child access learning, develop communication skills, and feel safe, supported, and included in the school environment.</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday 8:50am- 3:10pm

    Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience

    Positions: 1

    Apply on GOV.UK
  • Apprenticeshipvia Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)

    Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - Millstead Primary School

    Liverpool City Council · Liverpool, L27

    Wage:
    £13,312 a year
    Course:
    Teaching assistant (level 3)
    Closes:
    20 Nov 2026
    Starts:
    21 Nov 2026
    Hours:
    32 a week
    Duration:
    1 Year 4 Months
    More about this apprenticeship

    <p>The learner will be working toward the role of Additional Needs Support Assistant. This position involves supporting the class teacher, the Headteacher and the Governing Body in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for pupils with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties or autism.&nbsp;</p>

    Working week: Monday to Friday (8.45am to 3.30pm, and every other Monday until 5pm), term-time only, 32 hours per week.

    Training provider: LET ME PLAY LIMITED

    Skills: Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Positive attitude, Friendly, caring & nurturing, Passionate about education

    Positions: 5

    Apply on GOV.UK

What does a SEND teaching assistant do?

A SEND teaching assistant helps pupils with special educational needs and disabilities take part fully in school life. That might mean supporting one pupil throughout the day, running small-group sessions, or adapting activities so every child can join in.

The work is varied: helping a pupil with autism manage changes to routine, using visual timetables, supporting communication and sensory needs, encouraging independence, and recording progress towards targets in an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

Why schools choose a SEND apprentice

Experienced SEND teaching assistants can be hard to recruit. An apprentice trains in your school, learns your pupils' needs and your ways of working, and builds specialist skills over the 12 to 15 months of the course.

Through the Apprenticeship Academy, the apprentice is employed and managed by our partner, prepared with a two-day classroom-ready programme including Team Teach Level 1 positive behaviour training, and supported throughout by an Ofsted-inspected training provider.

Who the SEND apprenticeship suits

It suits people who are patient, calm and caring, and who want a role where small steps really matter. Many apprentices have personal experience of SEND, have worked in care or youth work, or are parents returning to work. You don't need SEND experience to start.

Like other apprenticeships, you earn a wage while you train. If you don't yet have GCSE English and maths, many apprenticeships help you achieve them along the way.

Where it can lead

After the Level 3 apprenticeship, many SEND teaching assistants move into specialist roles such as SEMH or speech and language support, or step up through the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship towards a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) role. Some go on to train as teachers.

Levels

  • Level 2 – equivalent to GCSEs (e.g. early years practitioner)
  • Level 3 – equivalent to A levels (e.g. teaching assistant, early years educator)
  • Level 5–6 – higher and degree level (e.g. postgraduate teacher apprenticeship)

Pay from April 2026

At least £8.00 an hour if you're under 19 or in your first year. After that, the minimum wage for your age (£10.85 at 18 to 20, £12.71 at 21 and over).

How to apply

  1. Pick an apprenticeship below
  2. Choose Apply on GOV.UK
  3. The employer and training provider contact you

How apprenticeships work

You work for the employer, get paid a wage, and spend part of your time training with a provider towards a recognised qualification. You apply on GOV.UK, and the employer and training provider handle the rest.

Questions about education apprenticeships

What is a SEND teaching assistant apprenticeship?

It is the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with a focus on supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. It typically takes 12 to 15 months.

Do I need SEND experience to apply?

No. The apprenticeship teaches you how to support pupils with additional needs. Caring, patience and good communication matter more than experience.

Where do SEND teaching assistants work?

In mainstream primary and secondary schools, resourced provisions and special schools, often supporting pupils one to one or in small groups.

Can my school get an apprentice through SchoolJobs?

Yes. Request a call back and we'll talk through the role you need. Our apprenticeship academy partner then finds, prepares and places an apprentice in your school. Schools anywhere in England can ask.

Who employs the apprentice?

Our academy partner employs the apprentice and places them in your school for the full academic year (typically 39 weeks). They handle payroll, compliance, admin and pastoral support, and work with the training provider, so your team has no extra paperwork.

How is the training paid for?

Training is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. The funding is paid directly to a government-approved, Ofsted-inspected training provider. We'll explain what it means for your school on the call.

Are apprentices ready for the classroom on day one?

Before starting, every apprentice completes a two-day preparation programme covering safeguarding, professional conduct, practical classroom support and Team Teach Level 1 positive behaviour training. Your school's own induction can be added.

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

Anyone aged 16 or over in England who is not in full-time education. There is no upper age limit.

How much are apprentices paid?

From 1 April 2026 the apprentice minimum is £8.00 an hour if you are under 19 or in your first year; after that you get the National Minimum Wage for your age (£10.85 at 18 to 20, £12.71 at 21 and over). Many schools and nurseries pay more, and each advert shows its wage exactly as the employer gave it.

Do I need GCSEs to start?

Not always. Many apprenticeships accept people without GCSE English and maths and help you achieve them during the apprenticeship. Each advert lists what the employer asks for.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

At least 8 months, and most school and nursery apprenticeships take 12 to 24 months. Each advert shows its expected duration.

Can I become a teacher through an apprenticeship?

Yes. A teaching assistant or early years apprenticeship is a common first step, and graduates can train through the postgraduate teacher apprenticeship.

What qualification will I get?

Each advert names its course, for example Early years educator (level 3) or Teaching assistant (level 3), which are recognised qualifications.

How do I apply?

Choose Apply on GOV.UK. Applications go through the government's Find an apprenticeship service, not through SchoolJobs.

Where do these adverts come from?

From Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK), refreshed daily. Adverts that close or are removed there are taken off SchoolJobs.

Apprenticeship adverts from Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK), Department for Education. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Last checked 11 Nov 2026.