Level 5 Certificate in Primary School PE Specialism 

Looking for a Level 5 development route?

Aspire Training Solutions no longer delivers the former Level 5 Certificate in Primary School Physical Education Specialism. Schools and individuals looking for Level 5 development can now consider two different routes, depending on the employee’s role and the skills they need to develop.

Primary School Physical Education Specialism Course

The Association for Physical Education’s Level 5 Primary School Physical Education Specialism Course is designed to develop the knowledge, confidence and competence needed to support high-quality primary PE.

The nationally recognised qualification is suitable for PE leaders, class teachers, HLTAs and coaches supporting PE alongside a qualified teacher. It focuses on areas including curriculum planning, effective teaching, assessment and evaluating the quality of PE provision.

The course is delivered by afPE and accredited by the Leadership Skills Foundation. Aspire does not deliver the qualification, but fully supports it as a professional development route for primary school staff.

Explore the afPE Level 5 course

Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

The Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship with SEND and PE specialism helps schools and coaching organisations develop specialist expertise within their existing workforce.

The programme brings together two areas of development:

• Advanced SEND practice, including targeted interventions, inclusive classroom practice and improved curriculum access
• Inclusive PE and physical activity, including adapting activities and supporting participation for pupils with different needs

It may be suitable for experienced teaching assistants, Level 4 school sports coaches, learning support assistants, PE support staff and other school-based professionals with responsibilities for inclusion.

The apprenticeship normally takes 18 to 24 months and is delivered through blended learning, including online masterclasses and Aspire skills festival development days. Apprenticeship Levy or government funding may be available, subject to eligibility.

The apprenticeship does not lead to qualified teacher status. Schools remain responsible for deciding which staff are suitably qualified and competent to teach or support curriculum PE.

Explore the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship

Which Level 5 route is most appropriate?

The afPE Level 5 course may be the stronger choice when the priority is developing specialist knowledge and confidence in primary PE.

The Level 5 apprenticeship may be more appropriate when an experienced employee needs broader, sustained development across specialist teaching assistant practice, SEND, inclusion and physical activity.