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School Administrator (supporting classroom staff)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A school administrator who supports classroom staff plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of a school. Their duties often include managing attendance records, handling communications with parents and staff, organising timetables, and supporting teachers with administrative tasks. By taking care of organisational and clerical work, school administrators allow teachers and teaching assistants to focus on teaching and supporting pupils. The role requires good organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. It is a great career for those who enjoy working in an educational environment and making a positive difference behind the scenes.

School Administrator (supporting classroom staff)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

School administrators in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £27,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Positions

There are over 20,000 school administration roles across primary and secondary schools in England alone.

Working Hours

Most school administrators work around 37 hours per week, usually during term time with some roles offering flexibility or part-time options.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Attendance Officer

Responsible for monitoring and recording pupil attendance, contacting parents or carers about absences, and supporting strategies to improve attendance rates in schools.

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Examinations Officer

Organises and manages all aspects of external and internal exams, including arranging exam timetables, preparing exam rooms, and ensuring proper conduct during examinations.

SEND Administration Assistant

Provides administrative support to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator, helping with paperwork, arranging meetings, and maintaining records for pupils with additional needs.

Gain Relevant Education

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Complete your GCSEs, aiming for passes in English and Maths.

Most school administrator roles require a minimum of GCSEs, usually including English and Maths. Good literacy and numeracy skills are essential for handling correspondence, reports, and basic financial tasks. Consider also taking ICT or Computer Science to build digital skills, which are increasingly important in administrative roles.

Consider Further Education or Qualifications

Look into taking A levels or vocational qualifications, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.

While not always essential, further education can make your application stand out. Courses in business administration, IT, or customer service are particularly relevant. Some colleges offer specific courses related to school or education administration.

Build Practical Experience

Gain Office or Administrative Work Experience

Seek part-time work, volunteering, or work experience placements in offices, schools, or similar settings.

Experience in an office environment will help you develop key skills such as using office software, handling confidential information, and providing customer service. Many schools welcome volunteers to help with administrative tasks—contact your local schools to ask about opportunities.

Develop IT and Communication Skills

Practise using software like Microsoft Office and improve your written and verbal communication.

Strong IT skills are essential for most administrative roles, as you will be expected to use spreadsheets, word processors, and email. Communication skills are equally important for interacting with staff, parents, and pupils. Free online tutorials and practice can help you improve.

Apply for School Administrator Roles

Search and Apply for Vacancies

Look for job openings at local schools and apply with a tailored CV and cover letter.

Job sites like GOV.UK, local authority websites, and school networks often list vacancies for school administrative staff. Your application should highlight your education, administrative experience, and skills relevant to the school environment.

Prepare for Interviews

Practise answering interview questions about organisation, confidentiality, and teamwork.

Interviewers will often ask about how you would handle sensitive information, support teachers, and deal with parents or students. Prepare examples from your studies or previous work experience that show your reliability, organisation, and communication abilities.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in School Administrator (supporting classroom staff). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A School Administrator supporting classroom staff is similar to a School Secretary because both roles involve providing administrative support within a school environment. They help facilitate smooth communication and organisation to ensure that classroom staff can focus on their educational duties.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could complete a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job. Courses include:

  • Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
  • Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
  • T level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a business administrator advanced apprenticeship or a school business professional higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an admin assistant in a larger school or multi-academy trust and work your way up to a post with more responsibility.

Direct Application

You could apply directly to become a school secretary. Employers would expect you to have a good standard of general education and experience of office work.

You should be able to use common office software including spreadsheets. Knowledge of accounts packages would also be helpful, although employers may provide training in some of these.

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