How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- 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:
- support work in schools
- business administration
- T level in Management and Administration
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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 could apply to do a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or a School Business Professional Level 4 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
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Work
You could start as an admin assistant in a larger school or multi-academy trust and work your way into a secretarial 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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Career tips
School secretaries may be employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.
Advertised pay rates are often listed as full-time equivalent (FTE) or pro rata. Actual pay will depend on the number of hours you work over a year.