Frequently asked questions
Upon successful completion, an apprentice will qualify as a Level 5 Operations Manager and as a Thrive Licensed Practitioner.
- Have a minimum of one year’s experience in a relevant role.
- Be employed in a role working closely with children and young people.
- Have support from an employer and levy account holder.
- Have held UK residency for at least three years.
- Be based in England.
- Have achieved GCSE grade 9-4 (A* - C) or equivalent in English and maths. If you haven't secured a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English and maths, you will be required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 in these areas. You will be fully supported by your tutors using a range of materials that best suits you.
- Be in a position to lead the strategic implementation of the Thrive Approach within their class, department, setting, or organisation.
Employers will need to allow full-time apprentices six hours per week of off-the-job training. Part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
Employers will also offer a mentor and facilitate the apprentice’s monthly virtual sessions and overall development.
It’s fully funded for those working in local authority schools or those paying into the apprenticeship levy. For non-levy payers, the government offers co-funding, covering 95% of the cost, or levy transfers are available for additional support.
Download information about the apprenticeship levyYes, this programme is more comprehensive and requires a higher level of commitment. Over 14 months, participants complete the Thrive Licensed Practitioner training with the Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeship standard. This includes developing the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours for the apprenticeship, alongside dedicating 20% of their working time to off-the-job training.
The standalone Thrive Licensed Practitioner course is a shorter option, completed in just three months, and focuses solely on Thrive training. This may be a better fit for individuals whose primary goal is to become a Thrive Licensed Practitioner.
However, the apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to build advanced leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of the Thrive Approach, and achieve a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification. It’s an ideal choice for those ready to make a significant investment in professional development and lead on embedding social and emotional wellbeing at a strategic level.
Yes, it’s equivalent to a foundation degree (Level 5).
Completing this apprenticeship earns you a dual qualification: Level 5 Operations Manager and Thrive Licensed Practitioner. You’ll also become a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, an Institute of Leadership and Management Fellow and be able to use post-nominal designations to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards and showcase your credentials and skills.
By developing your skills in leadership, operational planning, stakeholder collaboration and strategic decision making, you’ll boost your career prospects and strengthen your credibility – you’ll also be empowered to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
Due to the time commitment, we recommend that only one candidate per setting takes part on any given cohort.
Yes, sessions are scheduled within typical school hours, with options for morning or afternoon sessions to align with off-the-job training requirements.
This apprenticeship is a work-based programme for people already in employment.
Your employer will need to give you time during your working hours each week for activities and learning related to your apprenticeship. This is called off-the-job training.
Thrive and our delivery partner Best Practice Network will work with employers to ensure this time is spent on activities that both build the apprentice’s capabilities and benefit the organisation.
Off-the-job training can include:
- Thrive training
- Inset days
- In-house training
- Mentoring
- Shadowing
- Conferences & seminars
- Reflective learning
- Networking
- Project work
- Research
The exact blend of activities will be agreed with the apprentice and employer at the start of the programme.
Full-time apprentices are required to have six hours per week of off-the-job training, while part-time apprentices must allocate 20% of their working hours for this purpose.
This apprenticeship benefits your current role by developing essential skills in leadership, strategic planning and operational management. You’ll also build expertise in how to support pupils’ social and emotional development, which underpins behaviour, attendance and learning outcomes.
Key areas covered in the training include:
- Communication and collaboration: Present to stakeholders, motivate teams, and champion inclusivity.
- Problem-solving and decision-making: Identify issues, analyse data, and implement solutions.
- Data management: Analyse, interpret and cascade data to enable decision-making for managing objectives and targets.
- Planning and delivery: Manage projects, budgets, and organisational goals.
- Continuous improvement: Lead professional development, adapt to changes, and enhance outcomes.
- Regulatory and risk management: Apply policies, assess risks, and ensure continuity.
- Leadership and people management: Lead and influence the team and individuals to support an inclusive culture of equity, diversity and the promotion of wellbeing.
- Sustainability and strategy: Deliver sustainable solutions and align plans with strategic objectives.
Not only will this apprenticeship enhance your professional skills and advance your career, but it will also position you as a key advocate for pupil wellbeing, making a lasting impact on the school community.
This role is a fit for educational settings - from early years, primary and secondary schools to alternative provisions and further education. It's also a fit for care homes or secure facilities and people working across local authorities or multi-academy trusts.