

Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges Level 4 Certificate
Course code: Q5306
08/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
This Level 4 qualification is designed to provide valuable professional development for practitioners working across the school and college workforce. It is ideal for those already in a teaching or learning support role who are looking to progress, as well as for individuals who have recently completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and are currently working within a school or college environment.
The course builds on your existing experience, knowledge and skills, encouraging you to deepen both your practical expertise and theoretical understanding. You will be challenged to reflect on your daily practice while exploring new approaches to teaching and learning.
Throughout the qualification, you will develop key skills in leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflective practice through a range of work-based learning opportunities.
On successful completion, you will be equipped to operate as an Advanced Practitioner, with the confidence and capability to use essential leadership skills to support, guide and mentor colleagues across a variety of roles within the school or college workforce.
Delivery Information
This course runs two days per week 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
Advanced Learner Loan fee: £811
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to:
- Be employed in a suitable role within a school or college
- To have either completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification OR have a lot of existing experience, knowledge and understanding of working in a school or college setting.
What will I learn?
This qualification has 5 mandatory units, detailed below:
- Enabling individuals to learn
- Understand how to support children and young people to improve their mental health and well-being
- Working with others to support individuals with additional needs and disability in a school or college
- Working with families and other professionals in a school or college setting
- Implementing change in school or college setting
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Develop your understanding of teaching
- Learn how the curriculum works in your area
- Develop an appreciation for planning, delivering and assessing innovative lessons
- Develop your confidence in dealing with behavioural issues in the classroom
- Improve your communication skills
- Gain valuable team working and communication skills by taking part in various meetings at school
How will I be assessed?
All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include:
- Direct observation within the workplace
- Written assignments and professional discussion in line with the Assessment of Learning provided for each unit.
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:
- Progress to a Higher Education qualification
- Progress to a Higher Level Practitioner/Teaching Assistant
- Internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities
- Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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