The School Business Manager is the school’s highest-ranking support staff member, and they work as part of the Senior Team to assist the Head Teacher in carrying out their duties to ensure that the school meets its teaching objectives.
To increase learning and success levels in the school, the School Business Manager is responsible for providing professional leadership and management of school support personnel in partnership with teaching staff.
The School Business Manager supports the highest standards of business ethics within the administrative function of the school and ensures that resources are used most effectively in support of the school’s learning objectives.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- advise the headteacher and governors on financial policy
- manage the school budget
- order goods and services and pay suppliers and contractors
- keep accounts up to date for inspection
- oversee the maintenance of school buildings
- recruit, train and manage school support staff
- make sure school security and health and safety policies are followed
- develop the school’s marketing and communications strategy
- manage the school’s administrative systems
- report to the headteacher, governors, and local authority and government departments.
Salary
Apprentice school business managers start on a basic annual salary of £25,000. With experience this can increase to £55,000.
Working hours
Your working day will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, 35 – 39 hour a week; however, overtime is common and may involve evenings attending events or appointments.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice school business manager include:
Level 3 Business Administrator – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Level 4 School Business Professional – Entry requirements for this level include 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Skills
On a school business manager apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- leadership skills
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- maths and financial skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of human resources and employment law
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently.
Employers
You could work in an office, at a school or at a college.
Career development
Moving to a bigger institution or college with a larger budget may help you develop your career. You might also work in financial or educational management for a local government or a large organisation like the NHS.