Business Support Staff Apprentice
THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST
Easington (SR8 3LP)
Closes in 18 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 13 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Undertaking routine financial tasks, including processing of orders/invoices/petty cash as required, using the Trust’s computerised finance system.
- Wage
-
£15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
2 years
- 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
- Undertaking routine financial tasks, including processing of orders/invoices/petty cash as required, using the Trust’s computerised finance system
- Dealing with information and returns in relation to students and staff, including via the SIMS system
- Preparation of documents using a variety of computer software packages
- Undertaking telephone and reception duties as required, forwarding messages in a timely manner
- Sorting incoming and outgoing mail, including emails
- Contacting parents via a number of communication methods including the SchoolsApp
- Providing information to the HOA/senior staff as required
- Assisting with external examination procedures as required
- Preparation of reports and returns for external agencies
- Assisting in the maintenance of student records
- Providing administrative support to senior staff, including monthly returns
- Undertaking general administrative duties specific to role
- Being aware of the emergency evacuation procedure and assisting with evacuation as necessary
- Attending and participating in training and development courses as required
- Displaying courteous and professional behaviour at all times
- Being an effective role model for the standards of behaviour expected of students
- Treating pupils consistently with respect and consideration
- Working collaboratively with colleagues as part of a professional team
- Working within Trust policies and procedures
- Recognising equal opportunities issues as they arise in the academies and responding effectively, following Trust policies and procedures
- Building and maintaining successful relationships with students, parents/carers and staff
- Other duties as requested by the AOL/HOA commensurate with the grade
Where you'll work
Hope Wood Academy - Ascent Academies Trust
Crawlaw Road
Easington
SR8 3LP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
GATESHEAD COLLEGE
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
Business Administrator Level 3.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/grade 4)
- Maths (grade C/grade 4)
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
- Organisation skills
- Time management skills
- Cash handling
- Deal with high-pressure
Other requirements
- Ability to work flexibly to meet the demands of the post
- Suitable to work with children and/or young people
- Willingness and ability to work across the Trust as required
About this employer
Ascent Academies’ Trust is a truly collaborative family of specialist schools. We aspire to work as one to bring about positive opportunities to enable our young people to have brighter futures.
After this apprenticeship
Progression to further business support roles.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
GATESHEAD COLLEGE
apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk
01914902418
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000029902.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Monday 1 June 2026 at 11:59pm)