School Business Manager Review
at Lancashire County Council
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Management
Colne, Lancashire
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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
As a School Business Manager, I provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, HR, project management, and marketing. I manage budgets, financial forecasting, procurement, and compliance to ensure financial sustainability. I oversee recruitment, staff wellbeing, workforce planning, and employment processes. I lead projects that improve school operations, systems, and facilities, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. I also manage marketing activities, including website development, community engagement, pupil recruitment, and fundraising initiatives. As part of the senior leadership team, I contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and decision-making to support school improvement and positive educational outcomes.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have particularly enjoyed the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship because it has provided valuable insight into all aspects of management and leadership while directly relating to my role as a School Business Manager. The programme has enabled me to develop my knowledge and skills across key areas such as finance, HR, project management, marketing, and strategic planning. Applying academic learning to real workplace challenges has strengthened my confidence, decision-making, and professional practice. The apprenticeship has also supported my growth as a leader, helping me adopt a more strategic mindset, enhance my self-awareness, and contribute more effectively to organisational improvement and long-term success.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The apprenticeship has helped me develop several new skills while further strengthening my existing knowledge and experience. I gained a valuable understanding of the theory behind managing difficult conversations, enabling me to approach challenging situations with greater confidence, professionalism, and empathy. I also developed stronger time management skills, helping me prioritise competing demands more effectively and improve productivity. In addition, I enhanced my project management knowledge, learning structured approaches to planning, implementation, risk management, and evaluation. Across other areas, including finance, HR, strategic planning, and leadership, the programme has built upon my existing skills, increasing my confidence, effectiveness, and ability to contribute strategically to organisational success.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The apprenticeship has helped me develop several new skills while further strengthening my existing knowledge and experience. I gained a valuable understanding of the theory behind managing difficult conversations, enabling me to approach challenging situations with greater confidence, professionalism, and empathy. I also developed stronger time management skills, helping me prioritise competing demands more effectively and improve productivity. In addition, I enhanced my project management knowledge, learning structured approaches to planning, implementation, risk management, and evaluation. Across other areas, including finance, HR, strategic planning, and leadership, the programme has built upon my existing skills, increasing my confidence, effectiveness, and ability to contribute strategically to organisational success.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer has provided outstanding support throughout my apprenticeship, enabling me to balance study and work effectively. This has included regular meetings with my Headteacher to review progress, protected learning time, flexibility around university commitments and deadlines, and opportunities to apply learning directly within my role. I have received ongoing coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback, alongside opportunities to contribute to strategic projects and leadership activities. The school has actively encouraged my professional development and provided access to wellbeing support services. This combination of support, trust, and development opportunities has been instrumental in my success and growth as a leader.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider has provided excellent support throughout the apprenticeship. Regular 10-week tripartite review meetings ensured my progress was monitored effectively and provided valuable opportunities to discuss achievements, challenges, and development needs. I have maintained regular contact with my course leader, who has offered guidance and support throughout the programme. My learning mentor has developed a strong working relationship with me, providing consistent support through both academic and personal challenges, helping me remain focused and motivated. The combination of structured reviews, regular communication, personalised guidance, and pastoral support has been instrumental in my successful progression and overall apprenticeship experience.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship has significantly enhanced my ability to perform effectively in my role. It has provided me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to support decision-making across finance, HR, project management, marketing, and strategic leadership. The opportunity to apply learning directly to workplace challenges has strengthened my confidence, improved my problem-solving abilities, and enabled me to take a more evidence-based approach to management. The programme has also developed my leadership skills, self-awareness, and strategic thinking, allowing me to contribute more effectively to school improvement, support organisational objectives, and drive positive outcomes for staff, pupils, and the wider school community.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have access to a range of wellbeing and professional development activities that support both my health and workplace engagement. These include termly social events that promote positive relationships and team morale, as well as regular activities such as weekly Pilates sessions, darts, pottery painting, and organised walks, which encourage physical and mental wellbeing. I also benefit from professional networking events with other School Business Managers, providing opportunities to share best practice, gain new insights, and build supportive professional relationships. These activities contribute positively to my wellbeing, work-life balance, and sense of belonging within the wider education community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Lancashire County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would highly recommend Lancashire County Council as an employer because of its strong commitment to employee wellbeing, development, and professional growth. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have received excellent support from both the apprenticeship team and my employer, enabling me to succeed academically and professionally. Lancashire County Council provides a wide range of wellbeing initiatives, networking opportunities, and development programmes that help employees feel valued and supported. The organisation actively invests in learning and career progression while promoting a positive work-life balance. The culture is inclusive, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement, making it an excellent place to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lancashire County Council?
I would encourage anyone applying to Lancashire County Council to take every opportunity available to them and be open to continuous learning and development. Lancashire County Council offers excellent support, training, and wellbeing initiatives, so it is important to make the most of these opportunities. I would also recommend building strong relationships with colleagues and professional networks, as there is a wealth of experience and knowledge available across the organisation. Be proactive, ask questions, seek feedback, and embrace new challenges. Lancashire County Council values professional growth and innovation, making it an excellent environment in which to develop skills, progress your career, and make a positive difference.
