Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop and progress in a career. The different levels available make for a natural progression pathway for motivated learners who want to experience more. An LMP learner that made the most of the progression pathways apprenticeships offer is Sophie Haycock a Level 4 School Business Professional apprentice at Bare Trees Primary School. Here is her story:
“I am incredibly proud of the journey that has led me to my Level 4 School Business Professional apprenticeship. I began my career as a Teaching Assistant, where I developed a strong understanding of school life and a passion for supporting children and staff. Wanting to grow further, I completed my Level 3 Business Administration qualification, which opened my eyes to how much I enjoy the organisational and operational side of schoolwork. Now, undertaking my Level 4 apprenticeship, I feel truly fulfilled and motivated. I love the challenge, the professional growth, and the way the role allows me to make a real impact behind the scenes. This path has shown me how far I’ve come and how much I’m capable of achieving.
I chose an apprenticeship instead of going to university because I wanted to gain real, hands-on experience while working towards a recognised qualification. An apprenticeship allows me to earn while I learn, develop practical skills in a real school environment, and build confidence through daily responsibilities.
I have always preferred learning by doing, and the apprenticeship route offers a more direct and meaningful way to grow professionally. It also means I can progress in my career without the financial pressure of university, while still achieving a high-level qualification that supports my long-term goals.
I am proud of how much I have grown both personally and professionally. Starting as a Teaching Assistant gave me a strong foundation and progressing to complete my Level 3 Business Administration qualification showed my determination to push myself and learn new skills. Now, working towards my Level 4 School Business Professional apprenticeship, I’m proud of the confidence I’ve gained, the responsibilities I can now handle, and the way I contribute to the smooth running of the school. I’ve proved to myself that I can step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and continue to succeed.
The best thing about my role and working in a school office is being at the heart of the school community. I love that every day is different and that I get to support staff, pupils, and parents in so many meaningful ways. Whether it’s helping a child who needs reassurance, keeping important systems running smoothly, or assisting colleagues so they can focus on teaching and learning, I feel proud to be part of the team that helps the school function effectively. The office is a busy, friendly, and rewarding place to work, and I enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from knowing my work makes a real difference behind the scenes.
I have felt incredibly supported by Catherine and the whole team at Bare Trees Primary. Catherine has guided me with patience, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see me grow, always taking the time to explain things clearly and help me build confidence in my role. The wider school community has also made a huge difference as everyone I work with is approachable, and willing to share their knowledge. Their support has helped me settle into the office, develop new skills, and feel valued as part of the team. Knowing that I have people around me who believe in me has made my apprenticeship journey even more rewarding.
One of the most important skills I have learned is how to stay organised and manage my time effectively in a busy school office. This skill is essential because the office is at the centre of so many daily tasks such as answering calls, supporting staff, dealing with visitors, handling paperwork, and responding to unexpected situations. By becoming more organised, I’m able to work calmly under pressure, meet deadlines, and make sure nothing important is missed. This not only helps the office run smoothly but also ensures the school can provide the best support and service to pupils, staff, and parents.
My next steps are to continue developing my skills and experience so that I can progress to becoming a School Business Manager. I plan to build on what I’m learning in my Level 4 apprenticeship, take on more responsibility, and gain a deeper understanding of school finance, operations, and leadership. By continuing to grow professionally, I aim to confidently step into a managerial role where I can lead a team, contribute to the strategic running of a school, and make a real impact on the education environment.”
Thank you for sharing your story with us Sophie!
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