Meet Oliver Knott, an AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprentice based at our Central Team Office.

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"I joined The Howard Academy Trust in January 2025, having previously spent seven years at The Howard School as a student, completing both my GCSEs and A Levels.

I’m currently studying a Level 3 AAT qualification and have already completed two of the four exams, with my third exam taking place at the end of the month. I was keen to pursue an apprenticeship in finance as it offered the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while gaining hands-on experience in the sector. Applying to THAT felt like the right choice, as I already understood the ethos of the Trust as a former Howard student.

I’m really enjoying being part of a supportive central team and being able to apply my AAT learning directly to my day-to-day work. With guidance from skilled and experienced colleagues, I’ve expanded my knowledge of the finance sector, developed my communication skills and grown in confidence."

Meet Holly King, a Level 3 HR Support Apprentice based at our Central Team Office.

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"I’ve completed apprenticeships before and thrive in a hands-on learning environment. I really enjoy being able to turn written theory into real-life scenarios within my working day.

Apprenticeships are incredibly valuable long-term, as they allow you to gain practical experience in your chosen field while also working towards a recognised qualification.

I’ve particularly enjoyed experiencing different areas of HR and learning about the varied remits within the role. Over the past year, I’ve gained experience not only in an HR-specific role but also within an office-based environment, giving me valuable insight into what happens behind the scenes in schools.

I’m supported in my learning with two half days each week dedicated to coursework and additional training, which helps me stay focused and make meaningful progress."

Meet Brianny Pymm, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice at The Rowans AP Academy in Medway.

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"This route has allowed me to gain practical experience alongside my studies, which I feel is incredibly valuable. Being able to apply what I learn in real time has helped me understand concepts more deeply and see how they work in real situations, rather than only in theory. Another key factor was the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals. Working closely with my team has given me insight into different approaches, strategies, and ways of thinking that I wouldn’t have gained from classroom learning alone.

I’m really enjoying the balance of learning and hands‑on experience in my apprenticeship. Being able to apply what I’m learning straight away makes everything feel more meaningful and helps me understand things on a deeper level. I really value building relationships with the children and seeing the impact of the work I do each day. It’s rewarding to watch their confidence grow and to know that I’m contributing to their progress. Overall, the apprenticeship has given me a sense of purpose and routine.

From a career perspective, the apprenticeship gives me a strong foundation to build on. I’m gaining qualifications, hands‑on experience, and a clearer understanding of the career path I want to follow. It also improves my employability, as employers value people who already have practical experience and can step into a role with confidence.

The school supports my learning and development in several meaningful ways. I am given dedicated time every Monday and Friday to focus on my apprenticeship tasks, which helps me stay organised and on track with my workload. They also ensure I can attend all scheduled workshops, showing flexibility and understanding of the importance of my training. During quieter periods in the school day, I am encouraged to use any available downtime to continue my learning, which allows me to make consistent progress. In addition, the school provides regular CPD days that contribute to my professional growth, helping me build new skills and deepen my understanding of best practice.

Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I hope to progress onto a higher‑level apprenticeship that will allow me to work towards a degree and eventually qualify as a teacher. Another pathway I am considering is attending university in the evenings, which would also enable me to gain the degree I need to enter the teaching profession."