Creating Value In Schools
Please enjoy this free content - for more Need To Know articles please consider a subscription
There are a range of ways school business managers, leaders and professionals can develop their knowledge and expertise. These range from formal qualifications, such as the level 4 or level 7 diploma, to more informal networking and individual learning opportunities. There are also free live and online training opportunities available through the DfE and ISBL.
The Institute for School Business Leadership (ISBL) has a Professional Standards framework which provides an excellent starting point for benchmarking your skills and identifying areas for development. The standards are grouped across six areas:
Across the standards, there are descriptions to enable you to assess your current level:
The professional standards are free to download, though you will need to register for an account with ISBL to access them.
|
More professional frameworks: |
The DfE is funding ISBL to deliver regional, in-person training events. There are a range of dates and locations and the 2.5 hour sessions are delivered by experienced practitioners. Topics include:
The DfE delivers an ongoing series of webinars, with topics relevant to SBMs including technology planning and digital standards, using the DfE’s financial benchmarking and insights tool, and banking for schools.
Check out the DfE Live Events page on Eventbrite for upcoming sessions.
You can also watch recordings of some previous sessions on the DfE’s YouTube channel: see the school resource management playlist.
Aspiring or current school business managers can study for a level 4 diploma, mapped to the associate level of the ISBL standards. See L4 DSBM — ISBL for details and providers. This training would need to be funded by your setting.
There is also a level 7 qualification, the Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership, developed by CIPFA and ISBL. Previously there has been bursary funding available from the DfE for this, but with the changes to the apprenticeship levy that’s on hold. Keep an eye on the DfE’s page School business professionals: training and development for updates and other opportunities.
You might also consider operational excellence accredited training.
What is operational excellence?
Operational Excellence is a strategic approach focused on continuous improvement, high-quality service and value to customers. It’s a methodology that’s been adopted from business management and manufacturing, and is recommended by ISBL for application in schools.
Check out this short video to find out why operational excellence matters and how it applies to schools.
Of course, the Creating Value in Schools library and podcast is a great starting point for informal learning!
The Unbound SBL podcast episodes are particularly relevant to school business leaders, and you can also hear from sector champion Benedicte Yue.
Being a podcast guest is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your learning and experience. Get in touch to find out more.
The SBL Wiki is a practical reference for school business leadership, operations, and governance. It aims to provide practical starting points, shared knowledge and useful resources. Contributions are generated by sector experts.
For example, if you’re mystified by the language surrounding ICFP, check out the ICFP metrics library. Or, see what the Wiki has to say about Continuing professional development (CPD) for school business leaders.
You could take things further by volunteering to write some articles. Articulating your learning is a great way to consolidate it!
The SBL Wiki is free to use, but you need to sign in with an email address.
The DfE’s Buying for Schools blog is worth keeping an eye on too, with relevant case studies and informative articles.
School business leadership roles can be lonely. There are many local network groups for SBMs, and these are a great source of professional support.
For details of groups available in your region, see Find a school business professional network - GOV.UK
And if you need persuading of the value of networking, check out the article on school business leadership networks on the SBL Wiki.
LinkedIn is another way to connect with like-minded professionals and educators.
What do you need to do to take your professional development forward?
| Note: This Need to Know was first published in January 2025 and was updated in April 2026. |
