Accountancy and business advisory firm James Cowper Kreston has opened applications for its 2027 school leaver apprenticeship programme, offering school leavers a paid route into accountancy and tax without going to university.

Applications opened on 1 November 2026 and close on 31 January 2027. Successful candidates join the firm's 2027 intake and work towards professional qualifications while earning a salary. The GOV.UK apprenticeship service lists the wage at £23,000 a year, starting 23 August 2027, with roles in Newbury, Oxford, Reading and Southampton.

The programme combines on-the-job experience with structured study. Apprentices start by working towards AAT, ATT or ACA qualifications, with the chance to progress later to chartered qualifications including ACA, ACCA and CTA. The firm says all professional qualifications are fully funded, and apprentices work with real clients from the start.

Applicants do not need to have studied accounting, maths or business. The minimum requirements are at least 112 UCAS points from their top three A-levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and the EPQ, plus Grade 4 in GCSE maths and English language. A UK driving licence is essential for the audit and assurance route, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Recruitment starts with a CV submission, then a short application form, an online eligibility interview and an assessment centre. The firm has partnered with Sanctuary Graduates and Apprentices to support the early stages. Assessment centres are on 5 March 2027 for audit and assurance and 17 March 2027 for business tax.

The firm describes itself as one of the Thames Valley and southern region's leading accountancy and business advisory firms. School leavers interested in the programme can apply through the firm's careers page, and the vacancies are also listed on the GOV.UK Find an Apprenticeship service.