Qualifications and Development Pathways

Routes and Options for those currently working in schools

For individuals working in schools in other administrative or school support roles wishing to progress into a school business management role, the Training & Development Agency for Schools (TDA) see www.tda.gov.uk support numerous NVQs for staff working for the children's workforce. This will include programmes containing the Common Core Skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce and National Occupational Standards for Business and Administration. This is a starting point for a career progression into the school business management field.

There are a range of specific School Business Management Programmes delivered for new or experienced professionals offered via the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services see www.nationalcollege.org.uk
 

The three programmes offered are:-

• Certificate in School Business Management - Accredited at Level 4
• Diploma in School Business Management - Accredited at Level 5
• Advanced Diploma in School Business Management - Aimed at Level 6

Students apply for the programmes online at the National College website and with support from the headteacher, schools in England can qualify for fully funded places supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

Nationally there are many other university and accredited providers looking to support school business management degree programmes at full Level 6.  

Many experienced Professionals will be seeking to achieve accreditation at Post Graduate Masters Level 7. Likewise many universities are offering Masters level qualifications in school business administration.

NASBM offers a full pathway to the MSc in Educational Leadership (School Business Management)  

Routes and Options for those currently working outside of education

Relevant experience and qualifications pertinent to the role are useful and as a general rule, most entering the profession from an alternative career background will already possess a full Level 6 qualification in a particular field. Typically these will include degrees in business and finance, CIMA, ACCA, CIPD, IAM, CIOB, CMS, DMS, NEBOSH, CIPS, etc.

Experience of significant financial responsibility and people management is also required. Access to the School Business Management Programmes offered via the National College, as detailed in the above section, are available and a limited number of fast track development places are available each year to a small number of external candidates - see www.nationalcollege.org.uk

Many vacant school business management posts are available to applicants currently working outside of education unless they specifically state prior experience as an essential criteria.