Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship for Schools (CMDA)
Thank you for your interest in the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA).
Whilst applications for the CMDA apprenticeship are now closed, we offer an alternative apprenticeship pathway designed specifically for professionals working within schools and educational settings.
The School Business Professional Apprenticeship (SBPA) is a nationally recognised programme that helps school business and operational professionals develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to make a lasting impact within their organisation.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your existing expertise or prepare for greater responsibility, the programme provides practical, workplace-focused learning that can be applied immediately within your role.
Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship
Learn Skills You Can Apply Immediately
The School Business Professional Apprenticeship (SBPA) is suitable for School Business Managers or those in similar business or support roles (Finance Manager, Office Manager, School Administrator, Business Support Officer, Bursar, HR Manager, etc.) in a school or academy based in England.
Operational Leadership — Leading business functions across a school or trust to ensure effective resource allocation, legal compliance, and the best outcomes for pupils.
Finance — Managing, planning, monitoring and controlling school or trust finances in line with regulatory requirements.
Marketing & Communications — Planning, managing and reviewing marketing and communication activities that support the school or trust.
Estate Management — Optimising the safe, secure and sustainable use of the school or trust estate to support strategic plans and an effective learning environment.
Procurement — Sourcing goods, services and works to achieve best value, with effective contract and supplier management within current legislation.
Human Resource Management — Developing workplace strategy, managing talent effectively, and ensuring the school or trust meets its legal obligations and strategic priorities.
Successful apprentices will achieve:
- On-the-job experience
- A professional pathway for future development
- Level 2 in Maths and English (if applicable)
- Specialist expertise in areas including leading support services, finance, marketing, infrastructure management, HR and procurement
You will also receive:
- An Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion from the Institute of Apprenticeship
- The ILM Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management (if you have elected to pay for the optional ILM registration. Please contact apprenticeship.programmes@serco.com for further information)
The cost of the apprenticeship is £6,000.
If you work for a levy-employer, the apprenticeship can be funded by the levy. As long as your employer has sufficient funds in their Digital Apprenticeship Account (DAS), there is no additional cost for the programme delivery. For those that are Non-levy payers looking to apply, you can read here about alternative payment options.
If your employer is non-levy, the apprenticeship can be funded by the employer co-investment scheme. Your employer will be invoiced for 5% of the total cost of the programme and must reserve funds on their Digital Apprenticeship Account to cover the remaining 95%.
Regardless of whether your employer is levy or non-levy, they must be registered on the Government’s Digital Apprenticeship Service. Please visit the link below for more information: Funding an apprenticeship (apprenticeships.gov.uk)
Although the DfE funding band for the SBPA is capped at £6,000, the cost of the programme may be reduced slightly depending on previous experience and qualifications. Please note that the cost of the optional ILM accreditation cannot be covered by the apprenticeship levy and is therefore payable at the current rate advised by the Awarding Organisation. If selected, your employer will be invoiced separately).
September 2026 applications are open but places are limited and the deadline is 31 August.
Starting early means more time to settle in, build relationships with your cohort, and apply your learning before the Christmas term pressure hits. Here’s what you and your school gain by securing a place now:
- Immediate access to practical tools for finance, HR, and governance
- A nationally recognised Level 4 qualification that supports career progression
- Apprenticeship funding covers the cost — no financial burden on your school
- Dedicated coach support from day one, tailored to your school context
- Stronger confidence in your role from the very first module
Spaces on each cohort are kept intentionally small to ensure quality. Once they’re gone, the next opportunity may be months away. Apply before 31 August and start your journey in September.
September 2026 Intake
Apply by
31 August 2026
Start date
28 September 2026
Still have questions? We’ve got answers.
We know that starting an apprenticeship raises a lot of questions — about funding, eligibility, time commitment, and what to expect from the programme. Rather than leaving you to figure it out alone, we’ve compiled everything on one dedicated page so you can make a fully informed decision.
Whether you’re wondering how apprenticeship levy funding works, what your school needs to provide, or what happens at the end of the programme — it’s all there.
Helpful Questions
Is the CMDA programme still accepting applications?
Applications for the CMDA programme have now closed. Anyone who has started the CMDA will continue to be funded through to the completion of their degree.
What apprenticeship programme would you recommend instead?
The Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship is an excellent alternative for professionals working within school business, operational and support functions.
Can the SBPA be funded through the apprenticeship levy?
Yes, the programme can be funded through the apprenticeship levy, subject to eligibility requirements.
When is the next SBPA intake?
Apply by: 31.08.2026 for start date 28.09.2026
Why Choose Serco?
Serco has trained over 16,000 school leaders across a wide range of leadership programmes. We have over ten years’ experience providing first-class tuition to education professionals through collaborating with reputable providers such as the SBM Partnership.
The coaches and facilitators working on the SBP Apprenticeship come from a variety of professional backgrounds and bring a wealth of knowledge in different subject areas such as business management and leadership which serve to enhance learner development throughout the duration of their studies.
Helpful Resources
Upcoming Start Dates
September 2026 Intake
Apply by
18 September 2026
Start date
19 October 2026
- Apprenticeships
- Education
- Programme type: Higher Apprenticeships
- Duration: 3 years
- Delivery: Blended Learning
- Certification: A BA (Hons) degree validated by the University of Gloucestershire. An Apprenticeship completion certificate from Skills England.
- Awarding organisation:
University of Gloucestershire.
Why Schools Choose SBPA
- Over 10 years' experience training school business professionals across England
- Nearly 100 apprentices supported to completion, many achieving a distinction
- Ofsted-rated Good provider with expert coaches and facilitators
- Flexible, blended learning with face-to-face workshops and online study