School business manager

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:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Accounting - School business managers are responsible for managing the school budget, keeping accounts up to date for inspection, and advising the headteacher on financial policy. They need to understand bookkeeping, financial reporting, and how to track income and expenditure across the school year.
• Business - School business managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a school, from ordering goods and services to managing contracts with suppliers. Understanding business management principles – including strategy, operations, and organisational planning – is central to the role.
• Mathematics - School business managers work with budgets, financial forecasts, and spending reports on a daily basis. They need strong numerical skills to analyse costs, allocate resources effectively, and present clear financial information to governors and the headteacher.

Also relevant

• Economics - School business managers need to understand how broader economic factors – such as government funding changes, inflation, and public spending decisions – affect the school's finances. This helps them plan budgets realistically and make the case for how resources should be allocated.
• Law - School business managers need knowledge of employment law when recruiting and managing support staff, and must ensure the school complies with health and safety regulations. They also deal with contracts, data protection, and safeguarding policies as part of their daily responsibilities.
• English Language - School business managers write reports for governors and government departments, draft policies, and develop the school's communications strategy. Being able to write clearly and persuasively is important when presenting financial information or communicating with parents and external organisations.
• Computer Science - School business managers oversee the school's administrative systems, which increasingly involve databases, management information systems, and digital platforms. Understanding how these systems work at a deeper level helps when configuring software, managing data, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Psychology - School business managers recruit, train, and manage support staff, which requires an understanding of what motivates people and how to handle workplace dynamics. Knowledge of psychology helps when leading teams, resolving conflicts, and supporting staff wellbeing.