We are looking for a committed and conscientious person to join us as an Apprentice Finance Assistant.  This is a great opportunity for an individual who is looking for the next growth step in their career to gain a level 3 qualification alongside experience of work in a busy, friendly office. In this role you will work as part of a team delivering high quality support services.  You will be assisting the Finance & HR Manager in ensuring the smooth running of the schools’ day to day finance administration.

The position is offered on the basis of working 37 hours per week during term time, plus 4 weeks in the school holidays (42 working weeks per year), and is fixed term for the term of the apprenticeship course, around 18 months. Up to 20% of working hours will be ‘off the job’ time for studying. The allocation of this time will be discussed with the tutor once the apprentice is in place.

The apprenticeship programme will be provided by our partners at BPP. Details of the course can be found here:  Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship - BPP - https://www.bpp.com/leadership-and-management/apprenticeships/business-administrator

About the Academy

Our being a truly comprehensive school is at the heart of our ethos; in that we support the care and development of the whole individual, in a happy and diverse community that instils pride in all our members.  

City of Norwich School – An Ormiston Academy, known locally as CNS, is a popular and well-respected secondary school and sixth form that was established in 1910 and that has been a key part of the educational landscape of Norwich ever since. CNS is a vibrant, forward-thinking Academy, rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED with high expectations for all its staff and students. 

We offer a broad and well-designed curriculum; specialist teachers have excellent subject knowledge and students with additional needs receive strong support. The KS5 curriculum ensures students learn what they need to be successful in their next stage and develop deep knowledge about their subjects beyond the remit of the formal examinations.

In our OFSTED report, staff praised the collaborative culture of the school and students are proud to be a part of the CNS community. We were the EDP Secondary School of the Year 2023 and runners up for best higher education. In the 2024 Time Parent power tables, we were the highest ranked Norfolk secondary school. 

About Ormiston Academies Trust

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

There’s nothing more important than educating the next generation, and our teams across Ormiston are continuing to undertake excellent work to make sure that the opportunities we provide have the greatest impact for every child and young person. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning. 

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

About you

We are looking for an organised individual who can pick up existing processes, make improvements to processes and learn new systems. The finance system is changing with effect from 1.9.26 so this will be a learning journey we take together as a team.

Benefits that care for you 

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children and young people in our schools. 

When you join us at Ormiston, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;

• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform. 
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.

CNS has high aspirations for all its staff and students and provides excellent support, both professionally and personally, we would love you to join our community where you will share in our inspiring vision and help to deliver our values of excellence, respect and integrity. 

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please the HR team via email at hr@cns-school.org 

If you have the experience and skills we are looking for and want to develop your career in a thriving and ambitious school, please complete an application form by the closing date stated above. Early applications are advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy should a suitable candidate be found.

The City of Norwich School – An Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered.

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974

All the academy policies can be found here: Policies