School Administration Foundation Certificate (SAFC)
Programme details
The School Administration Foundation Certificate (SAFC) programme (course code: 310) is designed for individuals who are looking to improve their skills in school administration.
Completion of the programme will enable school administrators to:
- Develop their professional competence in relation to their role
- Develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of technical and professional aspects of school business management and administration
- Manage resources within their school more efficiently and effectively
- Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of administration and business management in a school specific setting
- Demonstrate the impact of their professional learning on themselves and on a school setting
The National College for Teaching and Leadership recognised SAFC as entry level onto the Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management (formerly CSBM) programme, should you wish to continue your development through this very popular suite of programmes.
Click here to read a case study from one of our previous participants.
Key features of our programmes include:
- Offered as Fully Online
- Two intakes per year (April and October) in the SE, SW, WM, EM, YH, East and London regions
- Three intakes per year (January, April and October) in the NE and NW regions
- 8 month programme length
- Online support and networking opportunities available within your tutor group forums
- Delivered in collaboration with Adfecto and Impact First Consulting
Who can apply?
If you feel a Level 3 equivalent (approximates to ‘A’ level standard) programme is the right starting point for your development, then this is the programme for you. Please contact us if you need to discuss your eligibility for the most appropriate programme.
Please see the Guidance for Applicants documents for further details.
Note that this programme cannot be funded by the apprenticeship levy. If you are interested in completing a levy-funded apprenticeship please click here for further information
Ready to apply?
The application form is located on the Serco Learning Centre website and so you will be automatically transferred to the site when you click on one of the ‘Apply Now’ buttons below.
Not sure which level to apply for? See our simple guide ‘Which programme should I choose?’ (under Key Documents, right) which helps to distinguish between each level of study so you can choose the best level for yourself.
If this is your first application, you will need to create a user account, which only takes a few minutes. You will be asked for your name and email address, and to create a username, password, and security question.
You will then be able to proceed to the application form.
Upcoming schedule:
SAFC - NE & NW regions only
- Apply by: 15th December 2023
- Start date: January 2024
SAFC - All other regions
- Apply by: 15th March 2024
- Start date: April 2024
SAFC - NE & NW regions only
- Apply by: 15th March 2024
- Start date : April 2024
What the participants think
" The course has definitely changed my awareness of how my position within the school affects others and how I can improve on my communication skills."
SAFC Graduate
"I found the course very good as it challenged the way I thought and dealt with various situations - it made me think of my
school processes from a business administration angle and has helped with my effectiveness in communication, planning
and prioritising work.”
SAFC Graduate
Our Programmes
Aspiring School Business Managers
School Administration Foundation Certificate (SAFC)
Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship
Level 4 Diploma for School Business Managers (CSBM)
Level 5 Diploma for School Business Leaders (DSBM)
Level 6 CMDA (School Professionals)
ILM Accredited
We are an Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Approved centre to deliver the Level 4 (CSBM), Level 5 (DSBM) and the Level 6 Diploma in School Business Management (ADSBM).