senior programme management office manager Review
at Department for Education
Degree Apprenticeship
Government
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Project and programme management, managing governance and facilitating delivery tasks in relation to the projects and programmes in scope.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
It is great to read academic literature about theories that help / explain how lots of different aspects of my job works (technical IT content and also leadership/management)
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, developed Power BI skills, essay writing, and recently thought deeply about philosophy relating to leadership style which I have really valued.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Regular seminars and assessments that are in a predictable and manageable rhythm.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Everyone in DfE is really supportive of my development and keen to support me if theres any specific exposure I need for my course.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
It has been mixed. The first course tutor wasn't as good, but my current one is absolutely brilliant.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Gives me confidence I'm doing things in the 'right' way, and receiving positive feedback on my academic writing has meant I'm developing strengths I didnt know I had.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
As a full-time working mum with my own hobbies, I dont tend to get involved in work extra-curricular, although I know there are things put on.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Department for Education to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Work-life balance, empowered and supported to progress, respected as a professional. All 3 things are vital to my well-being and DfE are great with all 3.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Department for Education?
Keep going! Roles are competitive and some vacancies / interviews feel like theyre different to initial impressions, but having been through 2 successful recruitments (and many unsuccessful) I am a firm believer that the right job finds you so dont be disheartened by set-backs.
