Leadership Apprenticeships: A Game-Changer for Schools and the Public Sector

I’ve worked with leadership and management apprenticeships for seven years now, and one thing has always been clear; schools and the wider public sector need better leadership. These sectors are full of talented, committed people, but too often, they’re thrown into management roles without the training or support to succeed. Apprenticeships change that.

At Captiva, we’ve seen first-hand how these programmes unlock leadership potential, giving people the skills and confidence to take on senior roles. Women, those from non-traditional backgrounds, and frontline staff who never saw themselves as leaders are now stepping up and thriving. It’s encouraging to see this new report confirming what we’ve always known; leadership apprenticeships are driving real change.

The latest research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Oxford Economics is clear – leadership apprenticeships are delivering tangible economic and social impact. The report finds that leadership apprenticeships contribute ￡119.5 million to UK GDP each year, with Senior Leader Apprentices making the biggest impact. But beyond the numbers, the real story is how these apprenticeships are transforming leadership in schools, councils, and the NHS.

Schools Need Strong Leaders – Apprenticeships Deliver Them

For too long, leadership in education has been undervalued and under-trained. Headteachers, senior leaders, and middle managers often step up with little formal development, learning on the job through trial and error. The report highlights a major gap: over 80% of UK managers have never had formal management training. Schools, academies, and trusts need leaders who can manage budgets, build strong teams, and drive school improvement—and apprenticeships provide a structured, high-impact way to develop these skills.

The Real-World Impact on Schools and Public Services

The report makes it clear that leadership apprenticeships aren’t just about individual career progression–they create wider benefits for schools, students, and public sector organisations:

• Stronger career progression – 35% of apprentices received a pay rise, and 34% were promoted within a year. Schools and public sector organisations are growing their own leaders, reducing reliance on external hires.
• Better leadership in schools and services – Leadership apprentices apply their learning in real time, leading to improved decision-making, team management, and organisational effectiveness.
• Increased female leadership – 59% of management apprentices are women, helping to address the gender gap in senior education roles and public sector leadership.
• A boost for the economy and education sector – Leadership apprenticeships contributed an additional ￡50 million to UK GDP through Senior Leader Apprentices alone. In schools, this translates into more effective leadership and better outcomes for students.

Investing in Leadership is Investing in Schools and Communities

Strong leadership isn’t a "nice-to-have" – it’s an essential. Schools, academies, and public sector organisations need leaders who can navigate complexity, drive improvement, and build strong teams. Leadership apprenticeships are a proven way to make this happen.

At Captiva, we’ve seen the difference these programmes make to individuals, to schools, and to public services. Now, more than ever, it’s time to embrace apprenticeships as a key pillar of leadership development across education and the wider public sector.

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