Administrative Assistant Apprentice

Summary

Fantastic Business Administration apprenticeship opportunity available at a small, welcoming and inclusive Primary and Nursery School, located in the heart of Cockfield village in County Durham.

Wage

£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Mon-Fri, 9:00am-3:30pm with 30 minutes lunch. Role is term time only.

30 hours a week

Start date

Monday 16 June 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Act as the first point of contact for visitors, parents and pupils – both in person and on the telephone, in a courteous, professional, calm and friendly manner – ensure all visitors are escorted to their destination and correctly following the safeguarding system for signing in procedures
To use clerical time efficiently and to ensure smooth running of the office, maintaining up to date computer-based and manual filing systems
To operate relevant IT systems such as Word and Excel, use email, ParentPay, Class Dojo, SIMS and use the internet as appropriate
To provide general clerical/administrative support, including photocopying, other reprographics, completing standard forms, responding to routine correspondence and laminating
Arrange school photographs, deal with administrative aspects relating to ordering and distribution
Be responsible for the ordering of school uniform if requested by the parent
To maintain the school diary by arranging appointments
To distribute both internal and external mail – ensure staff receive messages promptly and accurately
Educational visits – to assist with the booking of trips
ParentPay, book buses, order free school meal packed lunches
Carry out clerical work in connection with school meals service to include the weekly school meal return and other events
To assist in the issue of stationery and maintain stationery cupboard
Morning phone calls to parents to check absence and lateness. Monitor registers on SIMs, complete attendance daily ensuring all marks are recorded correctly
To assist the Headteacher and teaching staff in the coordination of meetings for parents (ensure letters are sent out) and training courses – book courses, give information to staff, put date in diary
To assist in the administration of first aid when necessary; to undertake initial and refresher training.
To be aware of and comply with all policies and procedures
Maintain high standards when managing confidential information, complying with the school’s data protection procedures and legal requirements at all times
Contribute to safeguarding the welfare of children in school at all times
To attend relevant staff meetings and in-service training
Assist with organisation of events, communication and administration relating to admission of new pupils/cohorts
Liaise with after school club staff
Ensure that electronic and paper-based pupil records are kept updated and filed away as requested
Support the organisation of school events through effective communication, carrying out administrative duties, providing organisational support and arranging tickets where required
Maintain tidiness of the school office space
To prepare orders, return unwanted items – keeping office and corridors tidy at all times
Ensure files and paper work are achieved as requested and archive cupboard is kept tidy
Regularly review own practice, set personal targets and take responsibility for your own personal development
Model high professional standards and be a responsible and effective member of staff
Be aware of and tolerate difference, ensure equal opportunities for all
The post holder may undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post

Where you'll work

Front Street
Cockfield
Bishop Auckland
DL13 5EN

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

BISHOP AUCKLAND COLLEGE

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Your training plan

Training will take place at Cockfield Primary School five days a week at the workplace with regular visits from a tutor.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 9-4 / A*-C / Level 2)
Maths (grade 9-4 / A*-C / Level 2)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

This role is term time only.

About this company

Welcome to Cockfield Primary School, where every child’s journey matters. We are a small welcoming and inclusive Primary and Nursery School, located in the heart of Cockfield Village. Our school motto is “Care, believe, achieve together” and out ethos of care and ambition runs through everything we do/ Nestled in the heart of our rural community, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. Our committed staff team aim to inspire and support each student, and their families, to ensure that they achieve their full potential academically, socially and emotionally.

https://cockfield.durham.sch.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

To be discussed at interview.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BISHOP AUCKLAND COLLEGE

David Brough

david.brough@bacoll.ac.uk

01388 743164

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000318535.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 11:59pm)

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