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School business manager

Alternative titles for this job include School business professional

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become School business manager

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

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

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

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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 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:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Zenopa Business Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: CHURCH ROAD, PENN, HIGH WYCOMBE

Degree Apprentice Service Delivery Analyst 2025

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 Old Park Lane, Trafford Park, Manchester
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Business and Administration Level 2 Diploma OCR

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Solihull

Certificate in Business Administration (Level 4)

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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