Apprentice School Business Administrator
Dunham on Trent C of E Primary School
Newark (NG22 0UL)
Closes on Saturday 30 May 2026
Posted on 27 April 2026
Contents
Summary
Provide professional, child-centred admin support to the school office, ensuring timely communication with parents & staff, accurate record-keeping, and efficient day-to-day running of the office. You'll complete a recognised Business Administration apprenticeship standard and develop skills in reception, communication and data handling.
- Wage
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Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
**This position is term time only, which means you will be working 44.65 weeks per year. The hourly pay rate is £10 per hour, which in turn makes the annual salary £11,271**
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
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*Term Time Only*
Monday to Friday, 08.30 - 1600,
45 Minute lunch break.
33 hours 45 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 1 June 2026
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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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
Key responsibilities and duties:
Reception and first contact:
- Act as a welcoming first point of contact for parents, visitors and children, following the school’s safeguarding and visitor procedures
- Sign in visitors, issue visitor badges and ensure safeguarding briefings are given where required
- Answer incoming calls and emails professionally; take and pass on messages accurately and promptly.
Communication and message dissemination:
- Receive, record and promptly disseminate routine messages to staff, parents and children (phone, email, message, face-to-face), using the school’s management information system (MIS) and internal communication channels
- Support the Office Manager with drafting and sending letters and routine communications to parents
- Maintain noticeboards with up-to-date information.
Parental contact and child support:
- Speak with parents and carers about routine queries (attendance, trips, dinner money, basic pastoral concerns) and escalate safeguarding or complex issues to the DSL or Office Manager immediately
- Provide calm, age-appropriate support and information to children who attend the office (first aid/welfare incidents must follow school policy and be passed to trained staff)
Administrative systems and record-keeping:
- Maintain accurate pupil records on the school MIS (admissions, attendance, contact details, permissions)
- Record and report pupil attendance and lateness; follow the school’s escalation procedures for unexplained absence
- Assist with filing (electronic and paper), scanning, photocopying and maintaining resource stocks
Support to Office Manager and wider admin tasks:
- Support the Office Manager with day-to-day tasks: ordering supplies, processing payments, preparing registers and paperwork for trips, booking rooms and facilities
- Assist with admissions administration, joining/leaving paperwork and induction of new pupils as require
- Help prepare for parents’ evenings, whole-school events and governors’ meetings (room setup, booking, resources).
Data protection, confidentiality and safeguarding:
- Work in line with the school’s data protection (GDPR) requirements — keep sensitive information secure and confidential
- Immediately report any safeguarding concerns or disclosures to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures
Development through the apprenticeship:
- Attend and complete off-the-job training, assessments and progress reviews required by the apprenticeship programme
- Achieve the apprenticeship standard (Business Administration) including any relevant functional skills or qualifications
Safeguarding and compliance:
- This post involves regulated activity with children. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references are required before appointment
- All staff are required to read and comply with the school’s Safeguarding Policy, KCSIE requirements and other relevant policies
Where you'll work
Laneham Road
Dunham-On-Trent
Newark
NG22 0UL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DERBY BUSINESS COLLEGE LIMITED
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.
Training schedule
- In addition to gaining practical experience in the role, you will also attain an NVQ Level 3 Business Administration qualification which will help start your career and give you an insight into the business' processes and procedures
- Our training is all completed remotely via teams with a development coach who will be available for support 24/7 and will arrange weekly/fortnightly meetings with you
- You receive 20% off-the-job training during this apprenticeship, which is included in your weekly working hours
More training information
- DBC Training is a multi-award-winning employment and skills training provider
- We offer high-quality employer solutions to improve productivity and learner solutions to support individuals to fulfil their potential
- https://dbc-training.co.uk/
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Reliable
About this employer
Dunham-on-Trent Church of England Primary School is a small, rural primary school serving its local community. We are organised across four mixed-age classes and pride ourselves on being an inspirational place where every child belongs and can flourish. Our vision, “Learning for life, together we shine,” underpins everything we do: we nurture resilient, curious learners in a mindful Christian environment built on Community, Respect, Hope and Wisdom.
What we offer: An excellent working environment where colleagues genuinely work together for the benefit of every child. Teamwork here is practical and purposeful — you will be supported, trusted and valued.
Wonderful children who love coming to school. They are polite, enthusiastic and proud of their school.
Strong professional support to help you excel in this role and prepare for your next career step. We invest in staff’ development through targeted coaching, mentoring and career conversations.
The chance to join a supportive, driven staff team. Staff wellbeing is important to us and we foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration and encouragement.
A varied, stimulating job where no two days are the same. Working in a small rural school gives scope to build deep relationships with children and families.
After this apprenticeship
This role is offered as a fixed‑term contract for the duration of the apprenticeship. Successful completion of the apprenticeship will give you valuable experience and qualifications and will strengthen your application for any future posts. While the fixed‑term contract does not guarantee ongoing employment, should a suitable vacancy become available within the school, apprentices who have completed the programme will be given supportive consideration during recruitment.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DERBY BUSINESS COLLEGE LIMITED
Heather Duffield
heather@dbc-training.co.uk
07375919487
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000028504.
Apply now
Closes on Saturday 30 May 2026