Apprentice School Business Manager - Ashfield Valley Primary School (S2620)

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Rochdale (OL11 1TA)

Closes in 20 days (Monday 8 June 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 18 May 2026

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Summary

The Apprentice School Business Manager will work closely with the Headteacher and administrative staff to ensure efficient financial administration, compliance, office management and effective use of school resources to support high standards of teaching and learning.

Wage

£25,583 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Apprentices who undertake a higher apps are paid a salary equivalent to grade 3 SCP 5 for the first 12 months, £25,583 and grade 3 SCP 6, £25,989 for the remaining months of the contract. Pro rata to TTO plus 2 weeks.

Training course
School business professional (level 4)
Hours
37 flexible working hours in accordance with the needs of the service, to include evening and weekends.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

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

Principal Duties:

  • Financial Administration and Budget Support
  • Process purchase orders, invoices and payments in accordance with school financial procedures
  • Maintain accurate financial records using the school’s finance systems
  • Support budget tracking and produce basic financial reports as required
  • Monitor expenditure against allocated budgets and highlight concerns to senior leaders
  • Assist with banking, reconciliation and petty cash procedures
  • Support procurement processes to ensure value for money
  • Maintain records of contracts, subscriptions and service level agreements
  • Assist with preparation for internal and external audits
  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations, academy/trust requirements and local authority procedures where applicable
  • Office and Administrative Management
  • Support the efficient day-to-day running of the school office
  • Help develop and maintain effective administrative systems and procedures
  • Supervise administrative tasks and coordinate office workflows where appropriate
  • Ensure accurate pupil and staff records are maintained
  • Support admissions administration and pupil attendance processes
  • Manage incoming communications including telephone calls, emails and visitors
  • Promote a welcoming and professional environment for parents, pupils and visitors
  • Ensure confidentiality and compliance with data protection requirements
  • Personnel and Payroll Administration
  • Assist with maintaining staff personnel records
  • Support recruitment administration including safer recruitment checks
  • Liaise with payroll providers regarding staffing changes and queries
  • Monitor staff absence records and maintain appropriate documentation
  • Support induction administration for new staff
  • Health, Safety and Compliance
  • Support the school in maintaining statutory compliance records
  • Assist with health and safety checks and reporting procedures
  • Maintain records relating to risk assessments, training and compliance activities
  • Help coordinate site maintenance reporting and contractor visits.
  • Support business continuity and emergency planning procedures
  • Apprenticeship and Professional Development
  • Undertake all required apprenticeship training and coursework.
  • Participate fully in mentoring, coaching and professional review meetings
  • Develop knowledge of school business management, education finance and operational leadership
  • Demonstrate commitment to safeguarding, equality and professional conduct
  • Support and promote the school’s ethos, values and policies
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Attend relevant meetings and training sessions

Where you'll work

Ashfield Valley Primary School
Rochdale
OL11 1TA

Training

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

Training provider

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

School business professional (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Manages strategies set by senior personnel and drafts budgets that reflect them. Manages the accurate recording and reporting of the school’s finances to inform the senior leadership team who set the priorities for school spending. Completes pre-audit checks. Produces reports that present information and data using a range of analytical processes.
  • Plans, organises and manages processes to ensure value for money for the school whilst supporting education delivery, e.g. contract management, payroll, building maintenance and small development projects. Uses multiple IT packages and specialised schools MIS (management information systems) platforms. Prepares and collates reporting data.
  • Embraces change in a school and influence others in a positive manner.
  • Works constructively within a team environment.
  • Communicates appropriately and effectively with a range of stakeholders including students, parents, governors/trustees, staff, government and local government departments, e.g. DfE/ ESFA, to gain positive outcomes. Has the confidence to question or seek clarification of aspects of school practice when unsure or unclear.
  • Manages support services across an entire school whilst also providing guidance to colleagues on the most appropriate use of school funding. Effectively line manages small teams to drive efficiencies.

Training schedule

  • An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
  • At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Minimum of 4 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade Grade 4/Grade C or equivalent)

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
  • Customer care skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Pioneering and Open Approach
  • Proud
  • Passionate

Other requirements

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW PLEASE READ
  • Should you wish to apply for this vacancy, you will be invited to fill in the Rochdale Borough Council Application form at Rochdale Training
  • Please keep an eye on your emails as our recruitment team will be in touch to invite you to one of our sessions
  • Apprentices who undertake a Level 3 apprenticeship are paid the NMW rate of £8.00 per hour for Apprentices as set by Government for the first 12 months, £15,434.33, and the nationally published living wage of £12.71 per hour for the remaining months of the contract, £24,521. 18-month contract
  • Interview Date: Wednesday 1st July 2026
  • Induction date - Monday 7th September 2026
  • Should you apply for 2 vacancies (maximum), we strongly encourage you to attend both interviews and declare this. It will not count against you, and all teams/panels will be aware
  • This expression of interest is the first stage of your application. The Authority operates a Smoke-Free Policy for all its employees and applies to any building and associated grounds within near the building, which is wholly owned, leased, or operated and occupied by Rochdale Borough Council

About this employer

Rochdale Council builds success and prosperity with our citizens and partners, whilst protecting our vulnerable people.

https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Progression offered to the right candidate

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Jacob Evans

jevans@rochdaletraining.co.uk

01706 631 417

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032137.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Monday 8 June 2026 at 11:59pm)