When Tracey enrolled on the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA), she was working at Stocksbridge Junior School and was keen to progress her career within school business leadership. Tracey discovered the programme through a Google search and recognised it as an opportunity to gain a recognised degree-level qualification that would support her ambition to become a Business Manager across multiple schools. Having left school with no further education, undertaking a degree later in life was a significant step in her professional journey.
The CMDA programme is a nationally recognised qualification designed for aspiring and existing managers who want to develop advanced leadership, management and strategic skills. The programme combines structured learning, applied workplace projects and one-to-one coaching, enabling learners to directly apply theory to practice. Reflecting on her experience, Tracey described the course as “great and very applicable” to her role as a School Business Manager, explaining that the content directly enhanced her effectiveness in her day-to-day responsibilities.
Balancing full-time work, family life and study presented challenges, but Tracey describes the experience as one of the most rewarding of her career.
“Completing the CMDA course has been one of the most fulfilling things I have done within my career,” she said. “Having left school with no further education, I never imagined being able to complete a degree.”
Tracey explained that while studying later in life was demanding, the sense of achievement and personal growth made the effort worthwhile.
Throughout the programme, Tracey found that the CMDA significantly increased her confidence and self-belief. She noted that “imposter syndrome is real”, but the course gave her “the skills, knowledge and tools to feel confident again within my role”. As well as supporting her professional development, Tracey highlighted the importance of peer support, describing one of the best aspects of the course as:
“making amazing, like-minded friends who support and encourage when times are tough”.
The impact of the programme was evident during Tracey’s time on the course. She was promoted to a Business Manager role across an additional school, with a clear progression plan in place to move into the position of Primary Business Manager across the trust. Reflecting on this achievement, Tracey shared her pride in “completing and passing the degree and achieving Chartered Manager Status”, describing it as a milestone she never thought possible earlier in her career.
Tracey was supported throughout the programme by her coach, who described her as “an exceptionally proactive, positive and enthused student”.
Her coach highlighted Tracey’s diligence and commitment, noting that she “always took on board all my comments and the actions and tasks we agreed”. Strong employer support also played a key role in her success, particularly in enabling Tracey to complete her off-the-job learning and apply her learning effectively in the workplace.
Despite moments of self-doubt, Tracey’s coach observed that she consistently sought guidance and support when needed, adding,
“Tracey doubted herself at many points in the course (unnecessarily!), but she always contacted me if she needed any help, guidance or support, and I knew she would get the marks she thoroughly deserved.”
Over time, the coach witnessed Tracey’s knowledge, skills and confidence grow, alongside “the very positive impact of all her learning in her role within school”.
The CMDA programme has enabled Tracey to progress her career, build lasting confidence and make a meaningful impact within education. Her journey demonstrates how degree-level apprenticeships can transform individual capability while delivering clear benefits for schools, senior leaders and governors.
The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship runs regular cohorts throughout the year. For further information, or to apply, click here.
