School business manager
School business managers oversee the efficient day-to-day running of a school and support the headteacher and leadership team.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a school or at a college.
Career path and progression
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
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
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
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.
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.
Professional and industry bodies
You can find more details about professional standards and support from the Institute of School Business Leadership and GOV.UK.
Further information
You'll find advice about working as a school business manager from the Institute of School Business Leadership and Skills for Schools.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.