School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship
Developed in response to conversations with schools, the programme provides an accessible entry-level pathway for young people to start their career in education, while helping schools attract and develop new talent. Learners build practical administration, digital and professional skills through blended learning, workplace practice and personalised coaching – gaining valuable experience while contributing to the day-to-day running of their school.
Apply before 27 October to secure a place for the November 2026 intake.
Learning
you work
- Practical administration skills
- Workplace-focused learning
- Digital & professional development
Build Practical Skills for School Administration
The School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship develops the practical administration, digital and professional skills needed to support a busy school environment. Learners build confidence in areas including communication, planning, information management and digital tools, applying their learning directly in the workplace.
Understanding the Organisation – Understanding the school or organisation, your role within it and how effective administration supports wider priorities.
Communication & Professional Relationships – Developing clear, professional communication skills and positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Planning & Time Management – Organising workloads, managing priorities and using time effectively in a busy administrative environment.
Information Management & Data Handling – Managing information accurately, securely and appropriately while maintaining effective records.
Data Processing & Quality Assurance – Processing data accurately and understanding the importance of quality, consistency and attention to detail.
Digital Tools & Technology – Building confidence with Microsoft 365, cloud collaboration, digital systems and data-processing tools.
Supporting Teams & Organisational Priorities – Working effectively with colleagues and understanding how administration contributes to team and organisational objectives.
Meetings & Events Administration – Developing practical skills to prepare, coordinate and support meetings and events effectively.
Using Information & Problem Solving – Using information to identify issues, make informed decisions and contribute to practical solutions.
Continuous Professional Development – Reflecting on performance, building confidence and identifying opportunities for ongoing development and career progression.
Successful apprentices will develop:
- Practical administration skills that can be applied directly in the workplace
- Confidence in communication, planning, time management and supporting colleagues
- Stronger digital skills, including Microsoft 365, cloud collaboration and digital systems
- Skills in information management, data handling and accurate record keeping
- Professional behaviours including teamwork, problem solving and continuous improvement
- A strong foundation for continued development and career progression
You will also receive:
- A nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship
- Personalised coaching and regular progress reviews
- Support to build a portfolio of real workplace evidence
- Preparation and support for Gateway and End-Point Assessment
- A structured blend of workshops, e-learning and workplace-based learning
Government funding is available for eligible apprentices aged 16–24.
The maximum funding available for the Level 2 Administration Assistant Apprenticeship is £4,000.
If you are a levy-paying employer, you can use available Growth and Skills Levy funds towards the cost of the apprenticeship.
If you are a non-levy-paying employer, the government will fund 100% of eligible apprenticeship training and assessment costs, up to the £4,000 funding band maximum.
From 1 August 2026, government funding for this Level 2 apprenticeship is available for apprentices who are under 25 when they start the programme.
Employers and apprentices must meet the relevant apprenticeship funding and eligibility requirements.
For further information, please contact our team or visit the Government’s apprenticeship funding guidance.
Applications are now open for our November 2026 intake of the School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship.
The programme gives school administration staff the opportunity to develop practical skills they can apply in their role from the outset, supported by structured learning, workplace practice and personalised coaching.
Learners will develop skills across:
- Communication and professional relationships
- Planning and time management
- Information management and data handling
- Digital tools and technology
- Meetings and events administration
- Teamwork and problem solving
Applications close on 27 October 2026. Secure your place ahead of the programme starting on 30 November 2026.
November 2026 Intake
Apply by
27 October 2026
Start date
30 November 2026
Questions about the apprenticeship?
We know there can be a lot to consider when choosing an apprenticeship – from funding and eligibility to understanding how apprenticeships work in practice.
Our team can help you understand whether the School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship is right for you or your school.
You can also find independent guidance on the Government’s official apprenticeship websites:
Apprenticeship funding for employers
Find out how apprenticeship funding works, including support for levy and non-levy-paying employers.
Employing an apprentice
Guidance on taking on an apprentice, employer responsibilities and the support available.
Still have a question? Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
Common Questions
What is the application process?
Once you’ve registered your interest, the application process includes the following steps:
- Complete an online application form
- Complete a skills scan relevant to the apprenticeship
- Complete an English and Maths initial assessment
- Complete a Cognassist assessment. Learn More
- Provide proof of ID
- Take part in a remote interview
- Complete registration documents with your line manager
Please note: Applications received after the deadline for a particular intake will normally be considered for the next available cohort.
To secure your place, all required registration documents must be completed by the onboarding deadline. This includes any documents that need to be completed or approved by your line manager.
What is the time commitment?
The apprenticeship includes 300 hours of planned learning across the 12-month programme, combining live workshops, e-learning and practical workplace activities.
Learning is designed to fit alongside your role, with opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills directly in the workplace. You will also receive regular 1:1 coaching and progress reviews (every 10-12 weeks) with your employer to help you stay on track.
Your employer will need to support you with the time and opportunities required to complete your apprenticeship learning during your normal working hours.
How long does it take to complete?
The School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship is a 12-month programme, followed by Gateway and End-Point Assessment.
Throughout the programme, you’ll progress through structured workshops, e-learning and workplace activities, with regular coaching and progress reviews to support you towards successful completion.
What other considerations are there?
An apprenticeship combines structured learning with development in the workplace, so learners will need to balance their studies with their day-to-day role.
Your employer will need to support you throughout the apprenticeship and provide opportunities for you to apply your learning and develop the required skills in the workplace.
The programme includes workshops, e-learning, workplace activities and regular coaching. Learners will be expected to complete learning activities between sessions, meet agreed deadlines and build evidence of how they are applying their skills at work.
Some of the learning will be self-directed, so being organised, motivated and willing to put new skills into practice will be important.
Before applying, we recommend discussing the apprenticeship with your line manager to make sure you have their support and the opportunity to complete the required workplace learning.
What You’ll Gain
- Greater confidence in your school administration role
- Practical skills in planning and communication
- Stronger digital skills for the modern workplace
- Improved teamwork and problem-solving skills
- A nationally recognised Level 2 apprenticeship
- A foundation for a career in the education sector
What You'll Study
Why Choose Serco?
Serco has extensive experience supporting professional development across the education sector, helping school staff build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their roles.
Our School Administration Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship combines structured learning with practical workplace application. Learners are supported through workshops, e-learning, regular progress reviews and personalised coaching, helping them put their new skills into practice within their school.
Our experienced coaches and facilitators provide support throughout the learner journey, from developing practical administration and digital skills through to portfolio development and preparation for gateway to completion.
Interested in the Programme?
Registering your interest is the first step and doesn’t commit you to joining the programme.
Our team can help you understand:
- Whether the apprenticeship is right for you or your school
- Funding and eligibility
- How the programme and workplace learning work
- What happens next and how to apply
Upcoming Start Dates
- Apprenticeships
- Education
- Programme type: Level 2 Apprenticeship
- Price: £4000
- Duration: 12 months
- Delivery: Blended Learning
Upcoming Start Dates
Built for School Administration Teams
- Developed in response to research with schools
- Practical skills for day-to-day administration
- Builds digital and professional capability
- Flexible online learning with tutor support
Develop your administration team
Get in touch with our team to find out more.
- learnerrecruitment@serco.com