School business manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree, or a professional qualification, in a subject like:

• accountancy
• business management
• public administration
• human resources

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a business administrator advanced apprenticeship or school business professional higher apprenticeship.

You can also complete a degree apprenticeship for managers and senior school leaders, depending on your experience.

Entry requirements:

Work

You may be able to start as a school administrator or secretary. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs, including English and maths. With experience, you could apply for promotion to office manager or business manager.

If you're already working as a school administrator you could take a qualification like the:

• ILM Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management
• ILM Level 5 Diploma in School Business Leadership

The Institute of School Business Leadership has more details about training and qualifications.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become a school business manager if you have a strong background in finance or management. An accountancy qualification may be needed for some jobs, and you'll need experience of motivating people.

Experience of working in education will be an advantage.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• leadership skills
• business management skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• maths and financial skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

School business managers oversee the efficient day-to-day running of a school and support the headteacher and leadership team.

In this job, you'll:

• advise the headteacher and governors on financial policy
• manage the school budget
• order goods and services and pay suppliers and contractors
• keep accounts up to date for inspection
• oversee the maintenance of school buildings
• recruit, train and manage school support staff
• make sure school security and health and safety policies are followed
• develop the school's marketing and communications strategy
• manage the school's administrative systems
• report to the headteacher, governors, and local authority and government departments

Location : You could work in an office, at a school or at a college.

Salary:

Starter : £25,000
Experienced : £55,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings attending events or appointments

Career Path:

You could develop your career by moving to a larger school or college with a bigger budget. You could also move into financial or educational management with a local authority, or use your skills to work for an organisation like the NHS.