Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship (SBPA)

What does the apprenticeship cover?

The School Business Professional Apprenticeship will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by school business professionals in the ISBL professional standards. The programme reflects the changing roles performed by school business professionals across schools and trusts. It will help you manage school or trust resources more efficiently and effectively, evaluate the nature of school business operations within your school or trust and gain specialist expertise in leading support services.

Some providers also offer the Level 4 Diploma for School Business Managers as an optional qualification within this apprenticeship. If required, providers will support you to improve your English and maths to level 2.

For more information about SBP Apprenticeships please click here.

About the qualification

  • There are six units within the programme based on the six professional disciplines of the ISBL professional standards and behaviours. In addition, apprentices will study change management, leading school / trust efficiencies and complete a work-based project that addresses genuine challenges within their school or trust.

    Learning content includes:

    • managing school budgets and financial controls

    • reporting on performance

    • managing payroll and maintaining accounts

    • financial reporting

    • managing school sites

    • procurement and overseeing contract management

    • identification of income generation opportunities

    • preparation of marketing materials and marketing activities

    • managing office, support staff and administrative systems

    • ensuring compliance with and implementation of safeguarding and health and safety policies so that all stakeholders work safely.

    ISBL were part of the Trailblazer group that developed the SBPA, and the apprenticeship standard is mapped to the ISBL Professional Standards.

  • The SBP Apprenticeship is aimed at both new and existing school business managers and those in similar business or support roles (e.g. Finance Manager, Office Manager, Senior Administrator, Business Support Officer, Bursar, HR Manager) employed in schools and trusts.

    This apprenticeship is suitable for those wanting to enter the profession, including those currently working in school business administrative management roles. It is also suitable for those existing SBPs who haven’t yet achieved a Level 4 school business professional qualification.

  • The programme length can vary depending on your provider. It can be from 18–24 months in total.

    At the end of your apprenticeship, there will be a three-month window where you will prepare for the end-point assessment.

    Students and their employers will be required to commit 20% of their normal working hours to the apprenticeship training. More information can be found by clicking here.

  • If you would prefer to complete an academic version of this qualification then you can study on the ILM L4 Diploma in School Business Management instead. Click here for more information.

  • This apprenticeship is offered nationally through several different apprenticeship providers. The apprenticeship is open to learners throughout England in both levy- and non-levy-funded schools and trusts. Start dates and delivery methods vary from provider to provider.

    Employers should look at the providers offering the apprenticeship they want and decide which programme of study best suits their employee and their organisation.

    You can find a list of training providers offering apprenticeships for school business professionals below.

    A full list of apprenticeship standards and providers can also be found on the IfATE website.

  • A list of providers and links are provided below. You will need to contact each organisation for specific information about the programmes:

Testimonials

  • “The course has provided me with the knowledge and toolkit to fulfil the role as an SBM. I have been able to build relationships with my peers within the senior leadership team, the staff and support the growth and development of the school. I have been able to identify that each of the professional disciplines does not sit in isolation to each other, but a blend of all of them achieves the best outcomes.”

    Emma Jenkin

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For any enquiries, please contact: training@isbl.org.uk