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Apprenticeship Vacancies
Developing operational excellence in schools
The School Business Professional Level 4 apprenticeship is designed for experienced school administrators, office managers, finance officers and operational support staff who are responsible for managing business functions within a school or trust.
Who is this apprenticeship for?
It is suitable for those already working in a school environment who are ready to broaden their responsibility, develop strategic awareness and contribute more directly to organisational leadership. The programme supports individuals working across maintained schools, academies and multi-academy trusts who oversee finance, HR, compliance, facilities or wider operational management.
What’s included?
The programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to manage school business functions effectively. Learners explore finance, procurement and value for money; governance and regulatory compliance; HR and recruitment; resource management; marketing; project management; risk management and problem solving. The course also covers communication, stakeholder engagement, managing change and leadership behaviours. Throughout the programme, learners apply learning directly to their workplace, building a portfolio of evidence and completing a work-based project in preparation for End Point Assessment
How does it support progression?
On successful completion, apprentices achieve the nationally recognised Level 4 School Business Professional standard. Graduates are equipped to take on, or further develop within, roles such as School Business Manager, School Operations Manager, Finance Manager, HR Manager, or Trust Business Officer.
The programme strengthens operational leadership capability and supports progression into more senior business management positions within schools and multi-academy trusts.
learner satisfaction score
for learning materials
governance knowledge
& DfE aweareness
Start date: Register your interest for more information
Course Duration: 21 Months
Delivery method
As an apprentice, you will work towards the Level 4 School Business Professional standard, and may also be required to sit functional skills at level 2 in Maths and English prior to completion (functional skills will not be required if exemptions are held).
This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals already working in a school or trust environment with responsibility for business, financial, administrative or operational functions.
Learners should typically have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths at grade 4/C or above, or be willing to achieve Level 2 functional skills as part of the programme. Employers should be able to provide sufficient scope within the role for the apprentice to demonstrate responsibility across areas such as finance, HR, compliance, resource management or operational leadership.
During the apprenticeship, the employer and Access Trainer will agree when the apprentice is ready for the end point assessment (EPA).
An independent assessment organisation will carry out the EPA to assess whether the apprentice has met all of the requirements of the standard.
The End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place once the apprentice has completed their training and portfolio and has met gateway requirements. It typically consists of:
Develop confidence in professional communication, relationship building, stakeholder management, and effective collaboration across educational settings.
Build understanding of school governance, safeguarding responsibilities, legislation, policies, and operational compliance within education environments.
Develop professionals who can contribute to school improvement, support change initiatives, and help create effective systems and processes across the organisation.
We can upskill existing employees by enrolling them onto an apprenticeship or if you’re looking to grow your business, we can recruit an apprentice on your behalf.
Kickstart your career with an apprenticeship that’s right for you. Explore a range of opportunities across the North East and take the first step towards learning, growth and an exciting future.