Business Administration Apprenticeship
Glenwood School
Benfleet (SS7 4LW)
Closes in 14 days (Thursday 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 5 November 2026
Contents
Summary
Develop practical business administration skills while supporting the day-to-day running of a busy school. You will gain experience in reception duties, diary management, communications, meeting administration, data handling, filing, customer service and supporting pupils, families and staff.
- Wage
-
£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
-
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm, 37 hours a week.
Term time only.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 December 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
The Apprentice will support the smooth running of the school office while developing practical business administration skills. Duties will include:
- Answering and transferring telephone calls and taking messages
- Making telephone calls to parents and external agencies
- Managing appointments and diary bookings
- Preparing meeting rooms and refreshments
- Taking notes at meetings, including pupil forums and school council meetings
- Typing letters, emails and other correspondence
- Preparing information packs for prospective parents
- Filing, photocopying, scanning and shredding documents
- Receiving and distributing deliveries
- Providing general administrative support to staff, pupils and families
- Maintaining confidential records in line with school procedures
General:
- To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager
- To comply with individual responsibilities in accordance with the role, for health and safety in the workplace
- Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School’s Equal Opportunities Policy
- The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment
- The duties above are neither exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade
Training opportunities will include completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship, developing customer service, communication, IT and organisational skills, and gaining experience within a busy educational setting. The candidate will also have a willingness to work towards a GCSE Grade 4/C in English and Maths if not already achieved. Basic IT skills and experience of using email and Microsoft Office applications is also desirable.
Other important information:
- This role is based at the school site
- Normal working hours will be agreed at appointment and are expected to be Monday to Friday during school operating hours
- The post holder may occasionally be required to attend training sessions or meetings as part of their apprenticeship programme
- The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check will be required
- The successful candidate will work towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification whilst receiving on-the-job training and support
Where you'll work
Rushbottom Lane
New Thundersley
Benfleet
SS7 4LW
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ESSEX COUNTY 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
Our blended approach means that our programmes are flexible and enable you to experience a range of learning and support opportunities in a variety of formats such as online or at a local ACL centre. You will have a dedicated tutor who you will meet (online or face to face) once a month who will guide you through your apprenticeship and prepare you for your End Point Assessment.
Reviews of progress are carried out every 12 weeks with the learner, their line manager and the tutor. Additional workshops and seminars will be available to all learners to support additional learning.
Requirements
Desirable 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
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Patience
- Time management
- Prioritise tasks
- Work under pressure
- Accuracy
- Maintain confidentiality
- Willingness to learn
- Friendly and approachable
- Reliable and punctual
- Professional attitude
- Enthusiastic
- Flexible and adaptable
- Respectful and trustworthy
- Committed to Safeguarding
Other requirements
Passing a Child and Adult Barred DBS.
About this employer
Glenwood School is a thriving special school dedicated to supporting children and young people with a wide range of complex learning, communication, physical and medical needs.
Working across our welcoming and inclusive school community, you will support a team of committed professionals who are passionate about helping every pupil achieve their full potential. We work closely with families, external agencies and healthcare professionals to provide outstanding education, care and support.
As an Apprentice, you will become part of a friendly and supportive office team at the heart of the school. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience while making a real difference to the lives of children and young people every day.
Supportive and inclusive working environment
Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals
Make a positive impact on pupils and their families
Gain hands-on experience in school administration
Learn new skills while earning a recognised qualification
Excellent training and development opportunities
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
This apprenticeship is a great first step towards a rewarding career in administration and education. On successful completion, you could:
- Gain a nationally recognised Business Administration qualification
- Develop valuable skills in communication, organisation and customer service
- Build experience working in a busy and supportive school environment
- Progress into roles such as School Administrator, Receptionist or Administrative Assistant
- Access further training and development opportunities
- Progress onto a higher-level apprenticeship or further qualifications
- Develop skills that are transferable across a wide range of careers and sectors
- Potentially secure a permanent role within the school or wider education sector
This role offers an excellent opportunity to earn while you learn, gain real workplace experience and make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people every day.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Zoe Niven
Zoe.Niven@essex.gov.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000062777.
Apply now
Closes in 14 days (Thursday 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm)