You could do a foundation degree or degree, or a professional qualification, in a subject like:

• accountancy
• business management
• public administration
• human resources

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You can start by doing a business administrator advanced apprenticeship or school business professional higher apprenticeship.

You can also complete a degree apprenticeship for managers and senior school leaders, depending on your experience.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You may be able to start as a school administrator or secretary. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs, including English and maths. With experience, you could apply for promotion to office manager or business manager.

If you're already working as a school administrator you could take a qualification like the:

• ILM Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management
• ILM Level 5 Diploma in School Business Leadership

The Institute of School Business Leadership has more details about training and qualifications.

You could apply directly to become a school business manager if you have a strong background in finance or management. An accountancy qualification may be needed for some jobs, and you'll need experience of motivating people.

Experience of working in education will be an advantage.

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• business management skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• maths and financial skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this job, you'll:

• advise the headteacher and governors on financial policy
• manage the school budget
• order goods and services and pay suppliers and contractors
• keep accounts up to date for inspection
• oversee the maintenance of school buildings
• recruit, train and manage school support staff
• make sure school security and health and safety policies are followed
• develop the school's marketing and communications strategy
• manage the school's administrative systems
• report to the headteacher, governors, and local authority and government departments

You could work in an office, at a school or at a college.