Teaching Assistant Courses in Essex

Catalyst Academies Trust offers a clear and practical route for anyone who wants to become a teaching assistant in Essex. Our teaching assistant courses and apprenticeships are delivered in partnership with Chelmsford College, which provides flexible, school-based training supported by expert mentors across our family of schools. It is a structured pathway for people who want to gain recognised qualifications while learning in a real classroom environment. It’s also an ideal step for anyone looking to complete a teacher training qualification in Essex later in their career.

Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships in Essex

Our apprenticeship combines in-school experience with weekly college learning delivered on-site at Dilkes Academy. This means you build confidence with pupils and teachers in a supportive school setting, while studying the core skills needed for classroom support.

Training covers child development, safeguarding, communication, reading support, and the daily responsibilities that help teaching assistants play such an important role. Anyone exploring teaching assistant courses in Essex will find this route accessible, guided, and grounded in real practice.

This foundation year is ideal for career changers and school leavers alike. Many applicants want to understand the role before joining. Our blog about [a day in the life of a teaching assistant] provides extra insight into how support staff help pupils succeed day-to-day.

Who Can Apply?

The apprenticeship is open to people aged sixteen or over who have achieved Grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths. Apprentices spend four days per week working directly in the classroom and one day completing structured training delivered by Chelmsford College. Because all teaching takes place at Dilkes Academy, there is no need to travel to Chelmsford. This arrangement suits people balancing home life and work commitments, and it offers a steady introduction to school routines.

The programme provides a strong route into education for anyone seeking teaching assistant training courses in Essex, or planning to become a teaching assistant in Essex and progress in the sector. With guided mentoring and regular feedback, trainees grow in confidence and develop the personal qualities needed to thrive in school life.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop:
 

• Practical classroom skills while supporting pupils with a range of learning needs
• An understanding of behaviour, routines, and safeguarding
• Experience working with teachers and wider staff teams
• Skills in reading support, communication, and learning activities
• A strong grasp of the wider expectations for teaching assistants
   

Many apprentices use this as their first step into teaching. 

If you want to understand what long-term progression looks like, our blog on [how to become a Teaching Assistant in the UK] is a good place to start.

How to Apply

All applications are processed through Chelmsford College. The first step is a short phone interview with the college’s programme lead. If successful, you will be invited to a Catalyst Academies Trust school of your choice. You will read an age-appropriate book to a small group of pupils, then take part in an interview with senior staff. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, whether you are at the beginning of your career or considering a change.

Why Train with Catalyst Academies Trust?

Our schools across Essex provide an encouraging environment where trainees are supported from the moment they join. Benefits include:
 

• A two-week half-term break in October and May
• Access to the Reward Gateway scheme with discounts across many shops
• Loyalty payments to recognise excellent attendance
• Clear routes for progression within our Trust
• Support from a dedicated ITE Manager while you train to be a TA

 

We aim to help you build the experience and qualifications needed to progress, whether as a long-term teaching assistant or as a future teacher.

Your Future Pathway

If you choose to move towards teaching, you will eventually need a degree, GCSE passes in key subjects, and a route toward Qualified Teacher Status. Our apprenticeship gives you a strong foundation to take that next step when you are ready.

Start Your TA Journey

If you want to begin teaching assistant training in Essex and learn in a friendly, professional school environment, Catalyst Academies Trust provides a supportive and well-structured route into education. To start your application, contact Chelmsford College or get in touch with our team for guidance.