At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary schools with administration, finance, and after-school club organisation.
- Company: Join Islington Council and make a difference in local education.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary while gaining valuable qualifications and experience.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Develop your skills in a supportive environment and enhance your career prospects.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, an Islington resident or recent school leaver, and eager to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24533 - 24967 £ per year.
Location: Laycock Primary School & Thornhill Primary School
Contract: Fixed Term 24 months / Term Time Only (TTO) plus 2 weeks
Hours: 35 hours per week
Grade/Salary: London Living Wage (actual salary £24,533 - £24,967)
Start: September 2026
Do you enjoy improving people’s lives and working as part of a team? Do you have a keen eye for detail and are you interested in problem solving? If so then read on…
Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job, with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies. You will also have access to a network of colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.
The Business Administration apprenticeship consists of a 24‑month opportunity to learn and to provide support to the federation of Laycock and Thornhill Primary Schools. Following the exciting federation of Laycock and Thornhill Primary Schools in June 2026, we are looking for an adaptable apprentice to support both of our closely linked schools. Conveniently situated just a 10‑minute walk apart, working across both sites provides a brilliant, fast‑paced environment where you can maximise your professional development. You will collaborate with two dedicated office teams, experience different school dynamics, and gain an invaluable, well‑rounded understanding of primary school operations.
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
- Be aged 16 or above
- Be an Islington resident or an Islington care leaver or Islington school leaver in the last 12 months
You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:
- Not already have a qualification at a similar level or above in this apprenticeship subject
- Not have extensive skills or experience in this apprenticeship subject
- Pass the course screening assessments
The Job
Working as a Business Administration Apprentice at Laycock & Thornhill Primary School you will:
- Build on your existing communication skills, gain invaluable experience and build your self‑confidence through your day‑to‑day workplace activities
- Develop strong professional relationships with your own team and with others we work alongside and to whom we provide services
- Gain hands‑on experience inputting supplier invoices, processing purchase requisitions, and managing essential financial data
- Support the HR team where needed
- Assist with the organisation of after‑school clubs including adding the payment items onto Arbor, chasing outstanding payments
Training and Development
As part of your role you will:
- Complete a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship qualification
- Have the opportunity to study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent
- Participate in the Council’s apprenticeship network and various development activities
- Have access to a buddy/mentor
After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained your Level 3 qualification. This will improve your chances of finding work within the Council, with other employers or help you move on to a higher‑level apprenticeship.
For an informal discussion about apprenticeships at Islington Council please contact the Early Careers and Talent Team by emailing apprenticeships@islington.gov.uk. If you are an Islington resident who would like support with your application, please contact the iWork Team on 020 7527 3559 or email islingtonworking@islington.gov.uk.
How to Apply
To Apply: Follow the jobs link here
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th July 2026 (11:59pm)
Interview Day: Wednesday 29th July 2026
Apprenticeship Start Date: September 2026
If you need any assistance, please email the school at hr@laycock.islington.sch.uk reference: LAY2983
Laycock Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. Also, this post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. An online search will be conducted on shortlisted candidates.
L3 Business Administration Apprentice employer: Islington Council
At Laycock and Thornhill Primary Schools, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment. Our apprentices benefit from dedicated study time, access to experienced mentors, and the opportunity to develop essential skills while making a positive impact in the community. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to safeguarding, we offer a rewarding experience for those looking to start their career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land L3 Business Administration Apprentice
✨Dive into Data Analytics Communities
Get involved in online forums and local meetups focused on business intelligence. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn Groups, or even local events can be goldmines for connecting with industry professionals who might have insider info about opportunities at companies like Islington Council.
✨Showcase Your Work with Personal Projects
Consider creating a small portfolio demonstrating your skills in data analysis or visualisation. This could be anything from a project analysing public datasets to creating dashboards—having something tangible to show can really make us stand out during your apprenticeship search.
✨Get Familiar with Apprenticeship Platforms
Utilise platforms specifically tailored for apprenticeships. Websites like Apprenticeships.gov.uk or local job boards can help us find the latest openings, and many companies even post directly about their apprenticeship opportunities. Don't forget to check Islington Council’s own careers page too!
✨Engage with Business Intelligence Tools
Familiarise yourself with popular BI tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showing that you can navigate these tools will not only impress recruiters but also give you a practical edge in interviews. Plus, we can find free online resources or courses to boost our skills before approaching companies like Islington Council.
We think you need these skills to ace L3 Business Administration Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence world, we love a good number-cruncher! When crafting your CV, highlight any experience you have with data analysis, reporting, or relevant software. If you’ve done any projects that involved extracting insights from data, make sure to include those!
Craft a Motivational Cover Letter:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the business intelligence field. Share why you're interested in business intelligence and what excites you about the role at Islington Council. Let your passion shine through!
Keep It Relevant:Tailor your application documents to align with the skills we're looking for in an apprentice. Mention any coursework or certifications you've completed related to business intelligence, data analytics, or even general business acumen. Specific examples will help you stand out!
Show Your Team Spirit:Business intelligence isn't just about data; it's also about collaboration. Highlight any experience working in teams—whether that's through school projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteering. We want to know you can communicate well and work alongside others to drive results.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Dive into Data!
As this is a business intelligence apprenticeship, show off your enthusiasm for data! Be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even Excel. Have some examples at hand that demonstrate how you've transformed raw data into actionable insights — it’ll show the interviewers your practical skills!
✨Know Your BI Basics
Brush up on fundamental BI concepts and methodologies. You're likely to face technical questions that test your knowledge of data warehousing, ETL processes, or SQL. Having a few key definitions and real-world scenarios prepared will help you stand out and show you're not just repeating phrases from a textbook.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, employers are looking for potential over experience. Be sure to communicate your eagerness to learn and grow in the field. Talk about any relevant projects or coursework you’ve completed, showing them you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running at Islington Council.
✨Bring Along a Portfolio
Even for an apprenticeship, having a portfolio can be a big plus! Include any relevant projects you've worked on, such as data visualisations, reports, or case studies. This hands-on evidence of your skills will complement your verbal explanations, giving the interviewers a solid picture of what you can bring to the table.
