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Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning in Schools Diploma Level 3

This Level 3 Specialist Diploma is ideal for those working in or aspiring to roles such as 1:1 support, bilingual support, intervention leadership, peer mentoring, or lead teaching assistant. Whether you’re already in a support role or looking to progress your career, this course provides a strong foundation of specialist knowledge and practical skills for working in Primary, Secondary, or Further Education settings.

Teacher in classroom
  • Location
    Matthew Boulton College and James Watt College
  • Length of course
    35 weeks
  • Start date
    View start dates

Course overview

You’ll study key topics including safeguarding, planning and reviewing assessment strategies, bilingual and special needs support, personal development, and reflective practice. The course is suitable for teaching assistants, learning support assistants, parent support advisors, and learning mentors working at Level 3.

What this course covers

Entry Requirements

You must be aged 19 or over and hold at least four GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) or above, including English and Maths, or have Level 1 Functional Skills in both subjects. A DBS check is required. You’ll also need at least one year of experience supporting learning in a school setting, either employed or voluntary, for a minimum of 12 hours per week.

Progression Opportunities

After completing this course, you can progress to a foundation degree or move into a specialist teaching assistant role in primary, secondary, or further education.

Delivery And Assessment

All units are internally assessed through a variety of methods, including workplace observation, written assignments, portfolios of evidence, and tasks set by CACHE. Some learning outcomes must be assessed in a real work environment.

Course start dates

September 1, 2026
Course Code: S3DSTLFMM-1
Location: Matthew Boulton College
September 1, 2026
Course Code: S3DSTLFWM-1
Location: James Watt College
September 7, 2026
Course Code: A3DSTLPMQ-1
Location: Matthew Boulton College