Business Administrator Level 3

Programme overview

Designed for those working in busy schools or education office environments, this course develops confident, capable administrators who can support teams, handle systems, and manage the day-to-day with professionalism and care.

Apprentices learn how to communicate effectively, stay organised, and solve problems. Building key skills in record-keeping, support, and stakeholder relationships. They also explore how their role fits into the bigger picture, contributing to the smooth running of a school, trust, or education setting.

By the end of the programme, staff hold a nationally recognised qualification that supports their role and future learning or career progression.

 

 

Key details

Funding

Maximum funding : £5,000

The full cost of training is covered through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-funding, meaning it is completely FREE for the learner.

Levy-paying employers can use their levy funds to cover 100% of the training costs. Non-levy employers contribute just 5% (£250), with the government funding the remaining 95%.

Delivery

Blended learning with 1-1 support

The course combines online and face-to-face learning with:

  • Live virtual sessions and recorded resources for flexibility
  • Regular one-to-one tutor support for personalised guidance
  • Workplace mentoring and applied learning

Duration

Typical duration : 18 months

The programme consists of 15 months of active learning, followed by a 3-month End-Points Assessment (EPA) period, making the total length around 18 months.

Learners with prior experience may complete it faster through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

On-the-job/study split

80/20

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours on off-the-job training. This doesn’t mean a day a week in a classroom but includes:

  • Training sessions and coursework
  • Shadowing experienced colleagues
  • Work-based projects linked to the apprenticeship

 

Modules

Coming soon...

How it works

Programme Structure

An apprenticeship is made up of two key stages:

The Practical Period (On-Programme Learning)
This is the main learning phase of the apprenticeship, where apprentices develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for their role. They will complete a mix of workplace training, online learning, assignments, and practical tasks, all supported by their Programme Lead and workplace mentor.

Gateway and End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Once an apprentice has completed their training and is confident in their role, they go through “Gateway,” where their employer and Programme Lead confirm they are ready for the final assessment. The End-Point Assessment is a formal process where apprentices demonstrate what they’ve learned through a combination of assessment methods depending on their apprenticeship programme.

In-person days

We offer up to two in-person days throughout the programme to provide the opportunity for cohorts to come to one of our central offices or a hosting school to network and have a full day of learning.  Lunch will be provided, and each cohort will have an opportunity to opt in or opt out and days will only go ahead once fully confirmed

Assessment

Programme Leads and Tutors will check apprentices’ understanding using informal question-and-answer sessions, quizzes, assignments, reflections, and other suitable methods such as:

  • Observations
  • Professional discussions
  • Portfolio reviews
  • Self-assessments
  • Workplace projects

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is where apprentices demonstrate their competency in the role by completing a formal assessment at the end of their apprenticeship. The specific EPA requirements vary by programme:

  • Knowledge test
  • Portfolio-based Interview
  • Project/improvement Presentation

Eligibility criteria

Apprentices can join this new course with little to no prior experience. While some classroom experience is beneficial, it is not essential. 

It is a requirement to provide evidence of GCSE English and maths (minimum Grade 9/C) or equivalent. If applicants are unable to provide evidence, they may be required by their employer to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in these subjects and are supported in completing these alongside their apprenticeship. 

Support during the apprenticeship

Apprentices 

  • Apprentices are supported through monthly webinars, and 1:1 tutorials with the programme lead. Tutorials are apprentice-led, addressing course-related queries or concerns. 
  • Progress meetings with the programme lead and mentor are held every 2-3 months to the apprentice is on track and feeling supported. Mentors will be present in the classroom to offer practical support too. Our resources include extensive links to external research, answer booklets, and tailored feedback on tasks.  
  • Apprentices are provided with the necessary resources to support their learning throughout.

What employers need to do

Apprenticeships work as an agreement between United Learning Apprenticeships, the employer, and the apprentice.  Positive collaboration between the three parties allows the apprentice to gain the best value from their apprenticeship and for the organisation to gain optimal benefits from the apprentice’s work.

It is the employer’s responsibility to:

  • Assign a suitable workplace mentor who can support and guide the apprentice throughout the programme
  • Allocate 6.5 hours a week ‘off-the-job’ time for apprentices 
  • Conduct observations as and when required to support the collation of evidence
  • Incorporate regular formal 1:1 support/conversations where appropriate to support with any work-based questions or issues
  • Make sure apprentices have opportunities to observe and learn from staff in other areas of the school
  • Invited to attend mentor briefings to enable them to support their apprentice
  • Have access to the Programme Lead
  • Attend learner progress reviews

After the apprenticeship

Obtaining a Level 3 qualification opens doors for further progression. Staff could continue with further study or progress in their career. 

Potential roles include: 

This role may be a gateway to further career opportunities, such as management, School Business Manager or other senior administrator roles. The next learning chapter could be the School Business Professional Level 4.