Have you ever asked yourself what the distinction between the position of the HLTA and the position of the teacher in a school in the UK is? This is the question that many people in the educational field pose whenever they are making their choices. A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is, in simple terms, a senior support professional who supports teachers without being a full Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

In case you are already a teaching assistant, will becoming an HLTA help you to have your foot in the door to teaching a full-time job one day?

What Does a Teacher Do in British Schools?

A qualified teacher is the one who has the responsibility for the whole classroom. They design lesson plans, provide teaching, assessments, monitor children, and parents. Teachers also handle behaviour, set targets and ensure that all children achieve national curriculum targets. Teachers are expected to be QTS qualified, unlike support staff, and often have to be subject or year group leaders.

Their day involves additional paperwork, evaluation meetings and leadership activities. The position requires maximum responsibility for learning outcomes, hence it requires training and status. To know the professional standards that underlie this position, read our article What Are HLTA Standards and Why Are They Important?.

HLTA Responsibilities and Teacher Duties

The responsibility of an HLTA can be close to that of the teacher, yet distinct. HLTAs assist and at times even chair activities, whereas teachers hold the entire teaching process. HLTAs can provide pre-established lessons or group tasks and assist in evaluating the progress of pupils. The teachers create the lessons, lay down learning goals and report to the top leaders.

HLTAs can take care of short-term classes, whereas teachers are in charge of long-term planning and examinations. Both have to work with pupils daily, but teachers are responsible for the end results and standards. These are the differences in HLTA vs teacher roles in classrooms, which imply that HLTAs leave the teachers to work on high-level assignments. The outcome is a more powerful team to the advantage of all children.

HLTA and Qualified Teacher Status and Qualification Requirements

There is a significant gap in the formality of requirements in HLTA and qualified teacher status. The requirements of becoming an HLTA are experience as a teaching assistant and a Level 4 qualification. The HLTA qualification guidelines in the UK typically consist of the Level 4 Certificate to Higher Level Teaching Assistant, which involves child development, behaviour management, and supporting the curriculum.

Conversely, teacher qualification in the UK QTS requires a degree, and then teacher training through a postgraduate certificate in education or a school direct programme. It is after passing this that you become eligible and gain QTS and become a fully qualified teacher. HLTAs are also not required to have a degree or QTS, and thus, the entry route is faster and more adaptive to working adults.

We also have a Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistants, which is a course specifically for the experienced teaching assistant, should you be ready to begin your HLTA journey.

Can an HLTA Become a Teacher?

The difference between the teacher and HLTA job roles is reduced to the leadership level. HLTAs facilitate and guide, as teachers guide the entire learning process. Several individuals pose this question: Can an HLTA become a teacher? The answer is yes.

Many of the HLTAs enter the teaching field by undertaking additional qualifications, like the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, before obtaining QTS. It is a good path due to the experience in a classroom. The Teaching Assistant classification provides obvious entry points before those venturing into the support positions do so.

Which Role Has Better Pay and Work-Life Balance?

This is the last sphere which can determine the direction of people. Let’s break it down clearly.

HLTA Pay

The average HLTAs are between £22,500 and £30,000 per year for full-time roles based on the location and type of school. The role is based on the NJC pay bands, and London and larger cities receive higher salaries. To find out the most recent information and the way the pay increases, visit our specific article on HLTA Salary: Average Pay Scale and Career Progression.

Teacher Pay 

In most instances, qualified teachers start on the main pay scale of approximately £30,000–£33,000 outside of London and can earn above 40,000 with experience. Salaries are further increased through high pay rates and positions of leadership. The average salary of teachers thus increases; however, the difference in other schools with additional responsibility of HLTAs decreases.

Workload of HLTA and Teacher 

Teachers have more planning, marking, and meetings, which can lead to increased hours. HLTAs are also concerned with direct work with pupils and lesson coverage; their job tends to be more practical and less paperwork-intensive. These two positions are hectic, but as many HLTAs have stated, there is a better work-life balance and still a significant difference can be made.

Is HLTA a Good Career in the UK?

HLTA is a good career because it provides a stable income, actual classroom impact, and accelerated access to teaching compared to full-time teaching. Also, there are good opportunities for career advancement. You can develop, become one of the specialists, or continue your training to become a teacher. The HLTA route has served as a launchpad to a greater position for thousands. See the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training course, in case you would like to consider more advanced teaching qualifications that will enable you to gain entry to QTS.

Ultimately, the decision between HLTA or teacher is a matter of what you want, the experience you have had and the rate at which you want to develop. The two roads assist in moulding the lives of the youngsters- it is only a matter of how far you wish to go in terms of leadership.