School Administrator Apprentice (Level 3) in Southampton

Location: Southsea, Portsmouth

Salary: Apprentice Wage (FTE £15,016.32/ Pro Rata £12,914.04)

Contract: Fixed Term

Start date: 01/09/2026

End date: 31/03/2028 (or until you finish your apprenticeship)

At Ark Charter Academy, we believe that exceptional support staff play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the school and enhancing students’ experiences. We are seeking a motivated and organised School Administrator Apprentice (Level 3) to join our team and support our busy school office. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to begin or develop a career in administration while completing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.

About the role:

As a School Administrator Apprentice, you will provide high-quality administrative support across the school, with a particular focus on reception and front-of-house operations. You will play a key role as a first point of contact for students, staff, parents and visitors, ensuring a professional, welcoming and efficient service at all times. Alongside this, you will support a range of administrative functions across different departments, contributing to the effective day-to-day running of the academy.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• A positive and professional individual with strong communication skills.
• Well organised, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Friendly and approachable, with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Proactive and willing to learn.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Committed to personal development and completing the apprenticeship.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for any questions, please contact Keah Stell, HR Advisor.

Benefits:

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing).
• A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning.
• Development opportunities for future leaders.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role).
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning. We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game-changers of the future.

To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us. Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.

Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.