Business Administration Apprentice

An opportunity to begin a career in business administration. You will provide day-to-day administrative support to the school team, communicate with parents, professionals and visitors, and help keep school processes organised. You will gain practical experience across administration, customer service, attendance, events and communications.

What you'll do

• Provide general administrative support to the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and wider school team.
• Record and maintain accurate daily staff and student attendance information.
• Use school management and administrative systems, including SIMS, as required.
• Support transport bookings and liaise with transport providers.
• Provide professional customer service within the school office.
• Respond to telephone calls, emails, visitors and routine enquiries, directing them appropriately.
• Support communications with parents, schools and other professionals.
• Assist with admissions administration and maintain accurate records.
• Support examination administration under the direction of the Exams Officer.
• Prepare letters, reports, documents and other high-quality administrative materials.
• Assist with diary management, appointments and confidential correspondence.
• Take minutes at meetings when required and support meeting arrangements.
• Help organise school events, awards and presentation evenings.
• Proofread school documents and support production of the school newsletter.
• Order stationery and resources and help maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Respond to or appropriately direct enquiries received through social media.
• Support the SEN team with administration, including preparation of documents for meetings such as EHCP reviews and PEPs.
• Maintain confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding standards at all times.
• Carry out other reasonable administrative duties appropriate to the role and apprenticeship.

Training

The successful candidate will work towards the Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard with Rochdale Training. Training will be delivered through work-based learning, with support from an experienced tutor and opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the role.

Training will be delivered in the workplace in partnership with Rochdale Training.

After the apprenticeship

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to an opportunity for permanent employment and further progression within administration or education support roles, subject to business needs and performance.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good IT skills and confidence using digital systems
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively
• Professional customer service skills
• Ability to handle information accurately and confidentially
• Willingness to learn new systems and processes
• Confident, reliable and professional
• Friendly and approachable
• Organised and proactive
• Trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Patient and respectful when communicating with young people, families and professionals

About the employer

SMS Coaching Changing Lives School is an independent special school supporting young people aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. The Old Trafford site, SMS Central, provides specialist education in a nurturing environment, combining core academic subjects with a wide range of vocational and enrichment opportunities. The role offers the chance to develop valuable business administration skills while supporting the day-to-day organisation of a busy specialist education setting.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Business administrator (level 3), Business and administration
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, term time only.

8:30am - 4:30pm, with a 20-minute paid lunch.

• Start date: 9 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 to £26,436.80 a year