Business Support Apprentice

The Valley Leadership Academy; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic secondary school in Lancashire is seeking a skilled individual to join their business support team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in customer service and exceptional organizational skills. Responsibilities include providing business support to pupils and teachers, fostering relationships within the school community, and using MS Office software proficiently. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an inspiring educational environment while adhering to the school’s commitment to safeguarding and equality.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlements

Healthcare cash plans

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering outstanding customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters.
• Proficient in MS Office software packages.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional business support to pupils and teachers.
• Develop and maintain relationships across the school community.
• Work under pressure while prioritizing tasks effectively.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Technical skills

Relationship building

Education

5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 9-4/A-C

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Databases

Job description

About the Valley Leadership Academy

The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16 year olds in Bacup. We joined Star Academies in 2019 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism. We are a rapidly improving school with high ambitions and expectations for all of our pupils. We provide a knowledge‑based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high‑performing multi‑academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values‑based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future – our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for a talented individual to provide an exceptional business support service to our pupils, teachers and wider stakeholders. As a key member of our school's business support team, your expertise will help to deliver an outstanding learning environment for our young people. The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and specialist technical skills. You will have extensive experience of delivering outstanding customer service and possess the ability to develop relationships across our school and the Star community.

• 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 9‑4/A‑C.
• The ability to use MS Office software packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as Explorer and databases.
• The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and accurately, particularly under pressure, to deadlines and using own initiative.
• The ability to address sensitive matters with a caring manner and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• The ability to maintain positive relationships with students, staff, parents and members of the community.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 18 January 2026 at midnight
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Proposed Start Date: Monday, 2 February 2026

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please call us on 01706 873896.