Operations Manager Apprenticeship (Schools and Colleges)

The course aims to develop you into a confident, effective and inspirational leader who draws on both theory and practice to apply strategies that impact positively on operational performance in your organisation.

• Levy-funded: there is no tuition fee payable for the course, as fees are met by your employer’s apprenticeship levy.
• Funding available for non-levy paying employers: smaller employers that do not pay into the levy can get 95% of their apprenticeship training fees funded by the government. Read more about apprenticeship funding for employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy.
• Improves your leadership toolkit: designed to take your next career steps and lead with confidence.
• Networking: online live workshops, typically once a week, will provide opportunities to share your experiences, learn from others and broaden your network.
• Support: progress reviews will support your development, preparation for assessments and the building of your evidence portfolio.
• Virtual learning: use our online Virtual Learning Environment, which is currently Aula, which allows access to course materials and interactive participation through the community learning areas, which allows access to course materials and interactive participation through the community learning areas.
• SEND pathway: for managers working with SEND teams and settings.
• Relevant to your organisation: the individual school improvement project will focus on a priority in your setting.
• Multiple start dates: choose to start the course in September, January or May, according to your preferences.

We provide a useful breadth of case studies to highlight school-based issues across state-maintained, independent and specialist schools in primary and secondary settings. We integrate case studies from industries beyond education to help you gain a nuanced understanding of leadership.

Our Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship is a taught qualification delivered through an online delivery model. We will introduce you to a comprehensive range of material, including theories of leadership, psychology and current research in educational leadership. These are linked to practical application and relevance in leading modern educational institutions. Furthermore, the course uses real-life case study materials.

The course comprises eight mandatory modules, with study culminating in a school improvement project. It is studied on a part-time basis over 18 months (five school terms).

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester. However, on average, it is likely to be around four contact hours per week across the programme. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of online individualised learning and group classes and tutorials. Across the course, online learning will be 40% live classes and 60% independent online study.

There are no elements of the course that require you to travel to Coventry or other venues.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

• case study research
• online discussions
• written and mixed media responses
• final change project (4000 words).

At the end of the course, you will undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) process, and upon successful completion you will be awarded the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship. This assessment period usually lasts up to five months and provides you with a professional standard qualification.

The EPA comprises two discrete assessment methods, and is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction only.

• Assessment method 1: Strategic business proposal and a presentation with questioning.
• Assessment method 2: Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This apprenticeship is ideal for professionals in roles such as:

• heads of department
• subject leaders
• aspiring middle managers
• central services teams (admin, site, facilities)
• operational leaders
• managers in teams supporting SEND provision.

At present, this course can only be completed in England. If you work outside England, your employer will not be able to access the funding for this course.

• Practical techniques on how to lead with confidence.
• Operational skills on how to support your team in hitting educational targets and key performance indicators.
• Versatile leadership skills that might not have been covered in depth during your degree.
• Career advancement — this apprenticeship could open doors to higher-level positions and has the potential to increase your employability in the field of operations management.

Potentially, depending on the number of hours you are working. If you are eligible to apply but do not work full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week), the programme duration can be extended to allow you to fully meet the requirements of the apprenticeship. This timeframe will be discussed with you and your employer during the enrolment process.

After successfully completing the apprenticeship, both apprenticeship pathways (e.g. Leadership and Management Professional, Project Manager or Improvement Leader) and non-apprenticeship pathways (e.g. CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership). You might also consider a wide range of teaching and specialist support staff qualifications or Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses delivered by the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).