School Business Professional (Level 4)

Who is this Apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship is for any eligible candidates, who wish to earn a wage while developing their skills and knowledge needed to be able to pursue a career in a school business manager focused role.

As a School Business Professionals (SBPs) you would perform a role which is unique to schools, administering and managing the financial, site and support services within the school context. You’d provide essential support to school leadership teams, implementing their financial and business decisions.

SBPs may work in any school phase (primary, secondary, special) and in different school structures: single academy trusts, multi academy trusts (MATs), local authority maintained schools and federations, etc. SBPs have a shared number of roles which shape their day-to-day activity to make this a homogeneous role in schools. The role typically includes:

drafting and monitoring the school budget, setting up financial controls and reporting on performance to ensure best value for money is achieved
management of the school site to ensure that it provides a safe and suitable learning environment; procurement of goods and services to achieve best value and oversee contract management
identification of income generation opportunities on a small scale, supporting the SBD in larger opportunities
preparation of marketing materials and lead a range of marketing activities to add value and promote the school externally
responsibility for managing office and other support staff and for developing and maintaining effective administrative systems
ensuring compliance with and implementation of safeguarding and Health & Safety policies so that all stakeholders work in a safe and healthy

There is a range of job titles that this occupational profile relates to including a School Business Manager, HR Manager, Finance Manager, Office Manager, School Administrator, Business Support Officer, Bursar, etc.

Are there any entry requirements?

Must be a UK citizen, or have the right of abode in the UK, or is a citizen of a country that is within the EEA and have been ordinarily resident in the UK, the EU or the EEA continuously for the previous three years before the start of learning.

Candidates will have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade 4 (C) or equivalent Level 2 in English and Mathematics. We also offer Functional Skills English and maths at Level 1 and Level 2 for those needing to gain these qualifications prior to enrolment.

Apprentices must be employed, normally for a minimum of 30 hours, in a role that suits the skills requirements of this apprenticeship. If you are not already employed, in this type of job role, you could search our apprenticeship vacancy page at:

www.darlington.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-vacancies/

New applicants will be contacted by a vocational delivery tutor to determine suitability/ eligibility prior, give information and advice on the next steps.

Shortlisted applicants will be sent to the employer, to then follow their recruitment procedure. Unsuitable applicants will be signed posted to other areas of our service to develop transferable/ employability skills, with a view to ensuring they are suitable for other apprenticeship positions in the future.

What is the curriculum intent of this Apprenticeship?

The structure and delivery of the course curriculum will enable you to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to reflect the needs of local and regional employers, gain qualifications and be successful in this area.

The curriculum is planned and sequenced to enable learners with previous knowledge and experience to develop the new skills needed to progress to the next stage of their career, training, education or employment.

The curriculum is flexible and responsive to learner demands and can be tailored to suit individual needs arising from any current and dynamic issues affecting their role, which can be addressed during workshop sessions.

As an apprentice you will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical skills at the end of your apprenticeship training programme and understand how this reflects the needs of the local, regional and national economy.

What will the Apprenticeship cover?

The School Business Professional Level 4 Apprenticeship will develop the knowledge and understanding of:

Finance
Procurement
Human resources
Managing support services
Governance and risk
Marketing
Infrastructure
Ethical standards

Develop the skills in:

Financial and operational management
Project management
Change management
Communication and relationship building
Strategic management

Develop and demonstrate the following behaviours:

Change catalyst
Decision maker
Skilled negotiator
Collaborative
Resilient
Challenger

On completion of the on-programme element of the apprenticeship you will enter gateway to the End Point Assessment, which is the final assessment. This will be conducted by an independent end point assessor who will grade the assessment.

End Point Assessment Methods

To trigger the End Point Assessment, you must have:

English & maths GCSE minimum grade 4+ (C+) or equivalent level 2 qualification proof.
Completed a workplace project based on two of the following areas of the standard; Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Managing Support Services, Marketing and Infrastructure
Completed a showcase portfolio, demonstrating how you have met the knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The End Point Assessment consists of:

Simulated task (1.5 hours to prepare a short-written report, 10 minutes verbal presentation and 10 minutes for questions; all completed on the same day)
Project Report & Presentation 10 – 12 minutes or presentation, with 30 minutes for Q&A

This standard will be graded as Distinction, Pass or Fail (resits are available).

What could I do when I have finished this Apprenticeship?

On completion, apprentices may choose to become a Full Member of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL – formerly National Association of School Business Management). The role may be a gateway to further career opportunities, such as team leader, management or senior support roles.

You will also be given information and guidance to continue onto other courses.

Where and when will I learn?

During the course you can expect weekly contact from your tutor. There is an expectation that you would spend at least 6 hours of your paid working week developing knowledge, skills and behaviours while you work towards the mandatory elements of the standard via the e-portfolio in preparation for End Point Assessment (EPA). English and maths are embedded into your training programme.

Coursework is completed and uploaded via an electronic platform, where you will receive feedback/ feedforward to and ensure you are ready for the End Point Assessment.

This on-programme taught element will typically take 18 months, but this is based on a vocational initial assessment to determine prior learning in this area and may be reduced. The course duration is based on the apprentice working 30 hours per week but will be extended if the apprentice works less hours. The End Point Assessment will be completed within 6 months of completing the on-programme taught element.

How much will the Apprenticeship cost?

There are no fees for this apprenticeship.

What do I do next?

You can:

View our latest vacancies

Or you can:

Apply for this apprenticeship area to be entered into a 'pool of candidates'. When a relevant vacancy becomes available we will contact you.
If you are already employed in this area and wish to join the apprenticeship training, or have identified an employer wishing to start you as an apprentice in this area, please contact us