New Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship launched by Plymouth Marjon University to strengthen school SEND provision

Released: 19.03.26

Plymouth Marjon University has launched a new Specialist Teaching Assistant (STA) Apprenticeship, starting in September 2026.

The new qualification will support schools, trusts, and their teaching assistants to respond to national SEND reforms and the wider drive to strengthen inclusive education in mainstream settings.

As the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan places greater emphasis on early identification, personalised planning and confident mainstream inclusion, schools increasingly need more staff with specialist training.

The new apprenticeship ensures this development can take place within schools, within the existing workforce, and without additional financial burden, supporting both pupil outcomes and long‑term workforce sustainability.

Giles Freathy, Academic Director of Department of Education at Marjon, said: “As mainstream schools take on a greater role in inclusion, Specialist Teaching Assistants will be vital in ensuring pupils receive timely and effective support tailored to their needs.

“Research consistently shows that specialist support, whether in communication and interaction, social and emotional wellbeing, or curriculum intervention, makes a measurable difference to children's long‑term outcomes.

“With our mission to end inequity and our long history of training future teachers, the University is committed to addressing the national shortage of skilled support staff. Developing clear opportunities and career pathways is essential if we are to meet increasingly complex needs in the classroom and improve outcomes for young people.”

Schools and trusts investing in building in-house expertise will strengthen their provision and offer their teams clear progression routes into teaching, as well as make use of the Apprenticeship Levy.

The Specialist Teaching Apprenticeship route provides an attractive option for trainees, as fees are covered through the employer, meaning they remain employed by their school setting, and can earn while they study.

The Level 5 qualification at Plymouth Marjon University blends university-led academic study with structured workplace learning to ensure apprentices can apply specialist knowledge directly in the classroom.

Graduates may progress to a full undergraduate degree via a top‑up year or into a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). For those who prefer a traditional student‑finance route, the Foundation Degree is also available as a standalone programme.

Find out more about the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Plymouth Marjon University.