EPA Standard
Learning and Skills Teacher
Level 5 
£10,000 24 months
1. What the role entails
The Learning and Skills Teacher (LST) is a ‘dual professional’ role, having first achieved competence in a vocational or subject specialism and then training as a teacher. LSTs teach young people and adults within all parts of the Education and Training Sector (ETS) and are responsible for planning and delivering learning that’s current, relevant, challenging and that inspires learners to engage and achieve their full potential. LSTs collaborate closely with colleagues and other ETS professionals in supporting learner progress, as well as ensuring the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of learners.
2. On-programme assessment
Before entering Gateway, the apprentice must complete the following on-programme assessment requirements:
- On-programme knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) with the employer’s confirmation
- Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or equivalent)
- Mandated qualification in Level 2 Safeguarding
- Level 2 in English and maths.
3. Gateway requirements
The employer, independent training provider (ITP) and apprentice make the decision to take the apprentice through Gateway. The apprentice must complete all the required on-programme elements before entering Gateway.
4. End-point assessment
The EPA for Learning and Skills Teacher contains two methods of assessment:
Professional Discussion
Lasting for 60 minutes, the apprentice will be asked a minimum of 15 questions based on an evaluation of a Thematic Case Study and an Online Presentation the apprentice will deliver at the start of the EPA window. The purpose of the questioning will be to confirm the validity and sufficiency of the evidence presented in the Professional Discussion in relation to the relevant KSBs mapped to this assessment.
Grading: although not the primary assessment method, the Professional Discussion primarily focuses on the LST demonstrating the required knowledge and behaviours. The maximum grade available is Pass, in support of the final grading.
Teaching Observations
Apprentices will be observed delivering 2 teaching sessions, enabling direct assessment of the professional KSBs. At least one of the observations will be in a formal setting, such as a lecture theatre, workshop or classroom (minimum 60 minutes). The second observation could be carried out in a different teaching environment, such as the natural work environment. The duration of the 2 Teaching Observations combined will be 120 minutes, with a further 20-minute question and answer session following the Teaching Observations.
Grading: the Teaching Observations are the primary method of assessment. Grading will be Fail, Pass or Distinction.
5. Grade aggregation table
| Professional Discussion | Teaching Observations | Overall Grade |
| Fail | Fail | Fail |
| Fail | Pass | Fail |
| Fail | Distinction | Fail |
| Pass | Fail | Fail |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Pass | Distinction | Distinction |
6. Completion and certification
We’ll activate certification once the apprentice has successfully completed all EPAs, and the IEPA has verified this. Working with the apprenticeship certificate issuing authority, we’ll ensure the apprentice receives their certificate.
7. What next?
With the employer’s approval, the LST could progress onto curriculum/training leadership roles following an adequate period of experience teaching at this level within the sector.
Why NCFE?
We’re an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) specialising in EPA delivery across health, education, early years, digital, social care, finance and business apprenticeship standards. We offer flexible and reliable EPA solutions supported by sector expertise, guidance documents and proactive service and support.