Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course in Darlington – Darlington College – Full-time
CostCheck if you can do this free
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Darlington College lists a fee of £2,225 if you're not eligible. Contact Darlington College for more info.
Teaching Assistant Level 3 Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day. You'll build an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children or young people in school environments. The course runs for 34 weeks. To enrol, you'll need five GCSEs at grade C or above (grade 4 or above), including English, or a Level 2 Diploma in Childcare. This level 3 teaching assistant qualification is a strong foundation for classroom support roles.
Who this course is for
The course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children or young people in school environments.
Entry requirements
You will need 5 GCSE subjects with 4 points or C grade and above, including 4 points or C grade in English. Alternatively progression from Level 2 Diploma in Childcare Course.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of how children and young people learn and develop.
You'll understand how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
You'll learn how to assist teachers in planning and delivering lessons.
You'll explore safeguarding responsibilities and child protection procedures.
You'll study communication strategies for working with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll understand how to support positive behaviour in school settings.
You'll learn about equality, diversity, and inclusion in educational environments.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Darlington College, combining taught sessions with practical tasks and assignments. Assessment is through written assignments and portfolio evidence that demonstrates your knowledge and skills. You'll build a body of work over the 34 weeks that reflects real classroom support scenarios.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: supporting teachers and pupils in primary or secondary schools.
Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant: working with pupils who have additional needs.
Learning support assistant: helping individual or small groups of pupils in class.
Classroom assistant: providing day-to-day support across a range of subjects.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting younger children in reception or nursery settings.
Cover supervisor: managing a class under teacher direction during short-term absences.
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: a step toward teaching roles in further education or training settings.
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: a deeper qualification for those moving toward a teaching career.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): for those who want to train as a fully qualified school teacher, typically through a PGCE or School Direct programme.
Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Status: recognised by schools for more senior classroom support responsibilities.
