School business professionals: training and development
Sources of training and development for school business professionals (SBPs) in schools and trusts.
Applies to England
Overview
School business professionals (SBPs) play a vital role in ensuring the successful financial and operational management of schools and trusts. They work across a wide range of functions, helping schools and trusts run smoothly and make the best use of their resources. Their work helps make sure that every pound delivers for children. Examples of SBP responsibilities include:
- operational leadership
- finance
- procurement
- estate management
- human resources
Continued professional development for SBPs helps make sure schools and trusts remain compliant with regulatory expectations and SBP expertise is valued and recognised within the school sector. The Department for Education (DfE) provides training and development opportunities to SBPs working in local-authority-maintained schools and in trusts.
Free regional in-person training workshops
DfE funds a programme of in-person training workshops delivered by the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL). The workshops are 2.5 hours long and are available to SBPs working in academies, trusts, local-authority-maintained schools and federations.
Topics include integrated curriculum and financial planning, procurement, HR and flexible working. Visit ISBL’s regional in-person training sessions page to find out which topics are currently available.
These workshops are offered as either:
- open sessions delivered at regional venues, which SBPs can book directly via SheepApp, with further sessions being added through to March 2027
- closed sessions for groups such as trusts, federations, local authorities and local SBP networks wishing to deliver training to their own SBPs and colleagues – more information, including on training topics, is available
Qualification bursaries
Applications for the level 7 and level 4 bursary are closed.
Any future rounds will be advertised through:
- the Maximising value for pupils newsletter – monthly updates from DfE on school resource management
- DfE Update – a weekly newsletter containing actions and information for DfE-funded organisations
Use the links to sign up for the newsletters or email sbp.policy@education.gov.uk for more information.
DfE funds a limited number of bursaries that cover 75% of the total cost of the following qualifications:
- CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership
- ILM Level 4 Diploma for School Business Managers
To be eligible for a bursary for the level 7 diploma, you must be:
- a permanent employee of a maintained school or a trust, and an SBP with strategic leadership responsibility
To be eligible for a bursary for the level 4 diploma, you must be:
- a permanent employee of a maintained school or a trust, and have responsibility for finance in your role
To be eligible for a bursary for either qualification, you must also confirm that:
- your employer endorses the training and will allow you the time to complete it
- you or your employer will meet the remaining 25% cost of the course
- you can commit to the full duration of the course (approximately 12 to 18 months)
- you agree to take part in pre-course and post-course evaluation
To apply, email sbp.policy@education.gov.uk for more information.
SBPs who are unsuccessful in securing a bursary, or who do not meet the eligibility criteria, may wish to explore the range of qualifications available for SBPs, which can be found through various providers.
SBP procurement and contract management training
CIPS Procurement Fundamentals training funded by DfE
Applications for the autumn term 2026 sessions are currently closed. Further funded Procurement Fundamentals training is expected to be available in the spring term of 2027. Details of future opportunities will be published once confirmed.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Procurement Fundamentals training is a facilitated, one-day (6-hour) virtual workshop covering essential procurement processes and techniques.
The training is particularly suitable for SBPs who undertake procurement as part of their role, as well as procurement specialists who are new to the profession. It provides participants with an understanding of the fundamental principles of procurement.
Multi-academy trusts interested in the Procurement Fundamentals training being delivered to a group of their staff should contact CIPS directly.
CIPS-DfE Procurement Foundations training pilot: funded by DfE
Applications for the pilot have now closed. If you would like to express your interest in any future cohorts, email ESCC.PROJECT@education.gov.uk.
The CIPS-DfE Procurement Foundation Programme Pilot is a free, self-paced online course designed specifically for colleagues working in schools and trusts. The programme supports staff who are new to procurement, or whose role includes procurement responsibilities, by covering core procurement principles, compliance requirements and best practice.
Procurement and contract management training
SBPs can also access procurement and contract management development opportunities through a range of sector partners and organisations. These include:
- the Government Commercial College contract management capability programme, which is designed to help education professionals effectively manage supplier relationships, contracts and performance throughout the contract lifecycle – you will need to register to use the site
- ISBL regional procurement training sessions, which provide practical guidance and peer-learning opportunities on procurement topics relevant to schools and trusts
- procurement workshops delivered by ESPO, covering key processes, compliance requirements and best practice within the education sector
Estate management: competency framework and relevant training
The estate management competency framework and relevant training contains guidance on the functions, skills, knowledge and training needed to manage the school estate.
Free mentoring programme for SBPs
As part of the school resource management advisers (SRMA) programme, we offer a free one-to-one mentoring programme for school business managers, school finance managers and chief financial and operating officers. This helps to build SBP knowledge, ability and confidence through establishing a supportive peer-to-peer relationship with an experienced professional.
Places are limited. Email DfE.SRMA@education.gov.uk for more information.
Further sources of training and development
The following organisations provide training and development for school and trust leaders:
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy – the professional body for those in public finance
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply – the professional body for those in procurement
- Confederation of School Trusts – the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England
- Institute of School Business Leadership – represents and supports SBPs, and has published professional standards for the SBP profession
Local authorities also often offer training in financial management for their schools and to other schools and trusts.
This list is not exhaustive. Other organisations provide training and support that may meet your needs. We do not endorse any particular organisation. You should follow your procurement process if you choose to buy any of the services offered.
SBPs can also contact their local network for school business professionals to find other SBPs, schools and trusts to work with and to share knowledge and expertise.