HLTA in Academies, City Technology Colleges and Non-maintained Special Schools
With the growth of academies and non-maintained schools, skilled and accredited Higher Level Teaching Assistants will provide a valuable asset to teaching staff.
The TDA has made funding available to non-maintained special schools, city technology colleges and academies for the assessment of HLTA candidates.
Candidates should ensure that they have the support of their establishment before embarking on the HLTA programme. They may wish to contact the local authority to enquire if there is a briefing session they could attend. They may also use the Training Needs Analysis tool at www2.fours.co.uk/hltaneeds under the guidance of a teaching colleague to establish readiness for preparation or training.
Candidates should send 
completed application form to VT Four S, as directed, together with photocopies of the level 2 certificates. A senior member of the HLTA team will decide whether the candidate is suitable for the 3-day preparation or 9-day training route. The establishment covers the cost of the training and preparation. VT Four S will supply accurate costs at this time. However, the Training and Development Agency (TDA) cover the cost of the assessment. When the establishment has provided funding confirmation, the candidate will be offered a place and the procedure will continue as set out in the pages on preparation and training and HLTA assessment.
If the school has a viable cohort they may want VT Four S to arrange training or preparation on their own premises. Otherwise VT Four S will offer a place at the nearest course available.
