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School Administrator (supporting classroom staff)

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

School administrators who support classroom staff play an essential role in keeping schools running smoothly. Their duties can include organising timetables, maintaining records, handling correspondence, ordering supplies, and providing general administrative support to teachers and classroom assistants. They are often the first point of contact for parents and visitors, and they help ensure that teachers can focus on teaching by handling the day-to-day paperwork and logistics. School administrators need strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities. They usually work in the school office and collaborate closely with teaching and support staff to solve problems and support the school's educational goals.

School Administrator (supporting classroom staff)

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

School administrators in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £27,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Number of Positions

There are over 50,000 school administrative and support roles across the UK, with demand highest in primary and secondary schools.

Working Hours

Most school administrators work 37 to 40 hours per week, mainly during term time but with some positions requiring year-round attendance.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Attendance Officer

Monitors pupil attendance, follows up absences, and works with families and staff to improve attendance levels.

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Examinations Officer

Organises and manages exams within the school, ensuring that all exam procedures are followed and supporting teachers with exam arrangements.

SEN Administration Assistant

Provides administrative support to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, helping with paperwork, arranging meetings, and liaising with staff and parents.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Finish your GCSEs, especially focusing on English and Mathematics.

Most schools require at least GCSEs in English and Maths at grades 4 or above. Some roles may also benefit from having additional subjects such as ICT. Good results show you have the basic skills needed for administration.

Consider Further Study

Take additional courses, such as A-levels or vocational qualifications in administration or business.

While not always essential, Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Business Administration, ICT, or similar subjects can give you a head start. Some colleges offer specific courses in school administration or supporting teaching and learning.

Develop Key Skills and Experience

Gain Office and IT Skills

Learn to use office software like Word, Excel, and email systems.

School administrators need to be confident with computers and able to use various programmes for tasks like record-keeping, drafting letters, and managing schedules. You can practise these skills at home or take short courses online or at college.

Get Work Experience

Look for part-time or voluntary office work, especially in educational settings.

Some schools offer work experience placements for students, or you could volunteer for admin work in local charities or community groups. This experience will help you understand the demands of the role and build your CV.

Apply for School Administrator Roles

Search and Apply for Jobs

Look for school administrator vacancies online or at local schools.

Job sites, local authority websites and school websites are good places to find vacancies. Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. Tailor your application to show your passion for supporting education.

Prepare for Interviews

Practise your interview skills and be ready to discuss your experience and interest in the role.

School interviews often include questions about your organisational skills, ability to work with others, and understanding of safeguarding. You may also be asked to complete practical tasks such as organising a timetable or responding to a scenario.

🎯 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.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A School Administrator supporting classroom staff often handles administrative duties, communication, and organisation within a school setting. Similarly, a School secretary manages administrative tasks, coordinates communication, and supports the overall functioning of the school's staff and operations, making this title the closest match.

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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