School business managers improve more than just finances

Research carried out by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services found that 52 per cent of head teachers said their SBM — a member of staff responsible for the administrative and financial aspects of running a school —had "developed better quality premises".

The National College said the research showed that SBMs can "boost more than just a school's bottom line, by helping to improve the learning environment for pupils".

A quarter of heads (26 per cent) said their SBM had helped to improve teaching and learning resources, while one in six (15 per cent) said their SBM had helped to develop more, or better quality, extra curricular activities.

The research also showed that just over half (52 per cent) of the 754 head teachers surveyed said their SBM had developed greater community engagement, while 42 per cent said their SBM had worked with local businesses to secure additional income streams.

One in four head teachers thought their SBM enabled the school to offer extended services to the local community.

Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College, said: "For years independent schools have had a bursar who is a vital member of staff. As state schools increase their autonomy, they too need great school business support to liberate head teachers to lead their schools and provide teachers and pupils with the best possible resources for teaching and learning.

"That's why we are increasing the number of school business managers and providing high quality training for them."