CV for a Teaching Assistant Applying for HLTA Promotion (UK)

Moving from Teaching Assistant to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is both a professional recognition and a significant shift in responsibility. The HLTA role involves planning and delivering learning activities independently, not just supporting the class teacher. Your CV and application need to reflect that upgrade.

The HLTA standards: your CV checklist

The HLTA assessment is benchmarked against the national HLTA Standards. Your CV should provide evidence across these areas:

Professional attributes:

Collaboration with teachers and the wider school team
Commitment to professional development
Positive relationships with pupils and families

Professional knowledge and understanding:

Understanding of how pupils learn and how to adapt approaches
Awareness of safeguarding, child protection, and SEND
Familiarity with the curriculum and assessment frameworks

Professional skills:

Planning and preparing learning activities in collaboration with the teacher
Delivering learning activities independently to individuals, groups, or classes
Assessing and monitoring pupil progress and feeding back to teachers
Supporting pupils with SEND under EHCP provisions

Personal statement example

"Dedicated and experienced Level 3 Teaching Assistant with 6 years in a mainstream primary school, seeking HLTA status to formalise a role I have been progressively developing. For the past 18 months I have independently planned and delivered daily reading intervention sessions to Year 2 and Year 3 pupils with identified reading difficulties, leading to measurable progress in 94% of my intervention cohort as assessed using standardised reading assessments. I have a strong understanding of SEND provision, including supporting 4 pupils with EHCPs, and have contributed to the school's curriculum planning in literacy under the direction of the class teacher. Enhanced DBS certificate held; safeguarding training current."

How to evidence intervention delivery

The core differentiator between a TA and HLTA is independent delivery. Show it:

"Planned and delivered daily 20-minute phonics intervention sessions for a group of 6 Year 1 pupils using the Little Wandle scheme, tracking progress weekly against benchmark assessments — 5 of 6 pupils met age-related expectations by end of Year 1."

"Ran a Year 4 maths catch-up programme for 8 pupils working below the expected standard, using targeted White Rose Maths resources adapted to each pupil's gap analysis — 7 pupils reached expected standard by end of year assessment."

"Delivered small-group PSHE sessions to Year 5 pupils in collaboration with the class teacher, planning session content, managing group discussion, and reporting outcomes to the PSHE lead."

SEND experience: evidence specifics

"Supported a Year 3 pupil with an EHCP (autism spectrum condition) on a 1:1 basis, implementing visual schedule systems, sensory regulation strategies, and communication aids developed in conjunction with the SENCo and the pupil's family."

"Attended annual EHCP review meetings for 3 pupils, contributing written summaries of progress, areas of need, and recommended targets — developed an understanding of the statutory SEND framework and the SEND Code of Practice."

Professional development to include

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (if held)
HLTA assessment/preparation course
Any CPD courses: ELKLAN, NELI, Drawing and Talking, Team Teach, Makaton
Safeguarding / KCSIE training (state year — should be annual)
Enhanced DBS (state update service if registered)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Level 3 TA and an HLTA?

A Level 3 TA supports the teacher and works under their direction. An HLTA plans and delivers learning activities independently, covers classes in the teacher's absence, and takes a more active role in assessment and pupil progress monitoring. The pay difference is typically 2-4 pay points on the school's support staff pay scale.

Do I need to complete an HLTA assessment before applying for HLTA posts?

Not necessarily — many schools will appoint a TA with appropriate experience and skills to an HLTA post and then support them through the HLTA assessment. However, having completed the assessment (awarded through an HLTA assessment centre) strengthens your application significantly.

Should I mention covering classes in the teacher's absence?

Yes — this is one of the most direct pieces of evidence for HLTA readiness. Describe it specifically: what year group, how many pupils, what subject, for how long, and how you managed behaviour and learning independently.