How to Become a School Administrator
The Role of a School Administrator
A School Administrator is responsible for handling various administrative tasks within a school. These tasks include generating finance reports, ordering resources, and maintaining records. School administrators may work independently or as part of a wider administrative team. They can also serve as the first point of contact for parents and/or guardians, often answering queries and directing them to the appropriate staff.
- Welcoming visitors to the school and dealing with their enquiries
- Answering the phone
- Administration relating to pupil attendance
- Managing email/post
- Using IT systems to draft letters, emails, reports, newsletters
- Monitoring school supplies
- Keeping paper and electronic records up to date
- Ordering resources, paying invoices and banking cash
- Sending key educational data about the school to the Department of Education or equivalent
School Administrator
Skills & Requirements
To become a school administrator, a Level 2 qualification in administration is typically required, unless you are applying for a school administration apprenticeship. Even then, having relevant qualifications can give you an edge over other candidates. If you’re committed to becoming a school administrator, pursuing a qualification in school administration rather than a more general administration qualification may further increase your chances.
Administration courses often have entry requirements, which typically include GCSEs at grades A-C* in English and Maths (or equivalent qualifications). If you don’t meet these requirements, we offer excellent Functional Skills English and Functional Skills Maths courses that can fulfill these criteria.
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
- Strong customer service skills
School Administrator Salary
The average salary for a school administrator in the UK is around £19,997 per year. Starting salaries are typically around £17,759, but with experience, this can rise to approximately £25,493. However, salaries may vary depending on factors such as the specific responsibilities of the role and the region you work in, as wages can differ based on the cost of living and demand for administrators in certain areas.
- The average school administrator salary in Newcastle upon Tyne is £21,113
- The average school administrator salary in Liverpool is £21,510
- The average school administrator salary in Leeds is £26,477
- The average school administrator salary in London is £28,401
School Administrator
Working Hours
As a school administrator you could be working around 37-40 hours a week depending on your school and responsibilities.
The summer term stretches from the end of the Easter break to mid-July.
It includes a half term week long holiday in late May.
This is usually the busiest time, with later students sitting their GCSE’s.
The academic school year starts in early September, with the term stretching till Christmas.
The winter term is a half term holiday, usually a week long at the end of October.
Most schools have a 2 week end of term holiday stretching over New Year and Christmas.
This is the spring term and stretches from early January to Easter.
Easter usually falls on a different weekend each year, so the end of term two-week break can be either early April or late March.
This term also included a week-long half term break, usually in mid-February.
School Administrator Career Progression
School administrators may be able to progress to senior administrator, either within their existing school or by transferring to another school. They may move into a teaching assistant or learning support assistant role.
You could also use your transferable skills to enter an administration or business support role within another industry.
- Senior Administrator
- PA or Business Support Officer
- Receptionist