Apprenticeship in School Administration (Reception Focus) - St Johns CoE Academy
St Johns Church of England Academy
Darlington (DL1 4UB)
Closes in 14 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 19 June 2026
Contents
Summary
A great opportunity at St John’s CE Academy in Darlington, a welcoming primary school. The role supports office and administrative functions while working towards a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification, building transferable skills and engaging with a wide range of school stakeholders.
- Wage
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£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
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Monday to Thursday: 8.30am - 4.30pm, Friday: 8.30am - 4.00pm
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 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
Obtaining this qualification, you will have a highly transferrable set of knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be applied in all sectors. Full apprenticeship training will be provided for this varied role, working towards a Level 3 Business Administrator qualification in a supportive educational setting. We are a dedicated, enthusiastic and professional school team who have a clear shared vision and wide-ranging expertise to support the successful candidate. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. An enhanced criminal records check is required for this post.
The duties and responsibilities may include the following and will vary under the direction of the School Business Manager and Headteacher, depending on workloads and staffing levels:
- Providing front office/reception support, welcoming pupils, parents, staff, and visitors
- Answering telephone and email enquiries, taking messages, and responding appropriately
- Supporting the school office team on a rotational basis under the guidance of the School Business Manager/ Headteacher
- Maintaining accurate pupil records using the school’s management information system
- Delivering a confidential, efficient, and accurate administrative service at all times
- Using IT systems such as Word and Excel to complete tasks set by senior staff
- Managing incoming correspondence, including emails and post, and distributing as required
- Carrying out general administrative duties such as filing, photocopying, and preparing letters
- Assisting with pupil attendance records, registers, and reporting procedures (training provided)
- Supporting communication with parents and carers via phone, email, or written letters
- Providing professional and courteous support to all stakeholders within the school community
This list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as directed by the leadership team to meet the needs of the school such as engagement with pupils, first aid following training and enhancing the school displays in corridors. The role will develop over time as responsibilities grow.
Where you'll work
St Johns Church of England Academy
Fenby Avenue
Darlington
DL1 4UB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
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
You will be completing the Level 3 Business Administrator Advanced Apprenticeship Standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills, Darlington.
The Business Administration Apprenticeship is designed to equip participants with the fundamentals required to work in any business environment. The programme can be delivered using a blend of on-line, anytime learning and expert-led classroom training covering core topics.
Throughout this Apprenticeship, participants will be supported by tutors who have worked in a business environment and have gained many years of experience and who can truly support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a wide range of administrative roles.
More training information
Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:
Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
Training will take place weekly, on a day release basis, at Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills Centre (DL1 1NL). Here you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship standards.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/ C)
- Maths (grade 4/ C)
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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Candidates should be aware of key expectations for this role, including developing strong people skills and working positively with children.
You will need to maintain strict confidentiality, understand safeguarding responsibilities, and be willing to undertake First Aid training. Additional duties may include supporting pupil engagement, provide first aid (following training), and enhance school displays, as directed by the leadership team.
- You will be required to attend our Skills Centre in Darlington (DL1 1NL) and you will need to make your own way there for day release training
- Travel to and from the employer, based at St John’s Church of England Academy, Fenby Avenue, Darlington (DL1 4UB)
- You will need to pass an Enhanced DBS check if successful
About this employer
At St John’s, we take pride in being a welcoming and inclusive school, creating a sense of family within our community. Our primary focus is on providing an excellent education while nurturing each child’s individual potential. We believe that every child, regardless of their background, can achieve excellence.
Our school is dedicated to offering a safe and positive environment where children feel valued, heard, and cared for. Christian values form the foundation of our approach, guiding everything we do. We emphasise strong partnerships with parents and carers, viewing them as essential contributors to their children’s education. We look forward to regular opportunities to connect, celebrate successes, discuss progress, and explore how families can engage in their child’s learning journey.
Supported by dedicated Academy Councillors, leading our committed team of staff who work to provide the best possible education for our pupils is a privilege. We are proud to serve the local community and represent the families that make our school unique. In the midst of ongoing changes, our mission remains the same – ‘Trust in God, Trust Yourself. Aspire, Believe, Achieve!’
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to:
- Possible progression on to further training or into full time employment
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Graham Curry
graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk
01325405217
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037935.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)