Business Administration Apprentice - Attendance Support

Bitterne Park School; Southampton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Southampton is seeking a motivated Business Administration Apprentice to join their Attendance and Family Engagement team. The role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in school administration while completing a nationally recognized apprenticeship. Responsibilities include monitoring pupil attendance, supporting documentation for attendance interventions, and maintaining records. Ideal candidates should possess good organisational skills and be keen to learn. The position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Healthcare Cash Plan

Free on-site gym

Childcare discount vouchers

Cycle to Work scheme

Free parking

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Keen to develop a career in administration, education or public services.
• Willing to learn and take feedback.
• No prior experience essential; potential and commitment required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring pupil attendance and punctuality.
• Support administration of Leave of Absence requests.
• Help prepare documentation for attendance interventions.
• Maintain attendance-related records in compliance with data protection.
• Draft communications for parents regarding attendance.
• Take notes at attendance meetings and distribute as needed.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Confidential information handling

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and organised Business Administration Apprentice to join our Attendance and Family Engagement team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career in school administration while completing a nationally recognised Business Administration apprenticeship.

The apprentice will play a key role in supporting the day‑to‑day administration of attendance processes within a large, inclusive comprehensive school. You will gain hands‑on experience working with attendance, pastoral and safeguarding teams, whilst developing professional administrative, communication and organisational skills.

Full training and support will be provided throughout the apprenticeship, including time to complete off‑the‑job training requirements.

Key Responsibilities

With training and support, the apprentice will:

• Assist with the monitoring and recording of pupil attendance, absence and punctuality, ensuring records are accurate and up to date
• Support the administration of Leave of Absence requests in line with school policy and Department for Education guidance
• Help prepare and organise documentation to support attendance interventions, including correspondence with parents/carers and Local Authority submissions
• Maintain attendance‑related records, files and evidence in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements
• Support the administration of reduced timetables, ensuring documentation is logged, reviewed and monitored appropriately
• Draft and send professional communications to parents/carers regarding attendance matters, under guidance from senior staff
• Take notes and minutes at attendance meetings and briefings and distribute these as required
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies to support attendance processes and information sharing
• Support the school’s systems for promoting and rewarding good or improved attendance
• Assist with safeguarding processes by supporting follow‑up of missing registers or pupils, escalating concerns appropriately

What We Offer

• A supportive school environment with experienced mentors
• A structured Business Administration apprenticeship, including off‑the‑job training
• Valuable experience in attendance, safeguarding and school administration
• Opportunities to develop transferable skills for future roles in education, local government or administration
• Term‑time working, supporting work‑life balance

Safeguarding Commitment

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and all relevant safeguarding checks.

Grade: NJC Grade 4
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Term Time Only (39 weeks per year)
Apprenticeship Standard: Business Administration Level 3-5, although this is open to further discussion and agreement

What We Are Looking For

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Is keen to develop a career in administration, education or public services
• Has good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Is confident communicating professionally with adults and young people
• Can handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly
• Is willing to learn, take feedback and develop new skills
• Has GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (or is willing to work towards these as part of the apprenticeship, if required)

Previous experience is not essential – this role is about potential, commitment and willingness to learn.

Additional Benefits

• Healthcare Cash Plan options for you & your family*
• Free on‑site gym & personal & group training sessions
• Electric Car Scheme & onsite charging points
• Childcare and Nursery discount vouchers
• Tech scheme
• Charity Giving
• Free remote & onsite yoga sessions
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free Parking
• Gym & retailer discounts
• Onsite car valeting
• Enhanced Maternity, Shared Parental & Adoption Leave