Professional development

• Advanced Diploma of School Business Management
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  • Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions for ADSBM

Questions

1. I work in a pupil referral unit which does not have a headteacher or governors. Who do I need to obtain support and a reference from?
2. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?
3. How computer literate do I need to be to complete the Advanced Diploma of School Business Management (ADSBM)?
4. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?
5. Are the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?
6. I would like to work with a colleague school business manager, is this possible?
7. Do I have to attend all sessions?
8. What is the composition and size of the cohorts?

Answers

1. I work in a pupil referral unit which does not have a headteacher or governors. Who do I need to obtain support and a reference from?

The chief executive of the unit and your line manager must show their support and complete your online references.

2. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?

Depending on your level of experience it may still be possible to apply. To discuss the detail of your eligibility please contact the SBM team directly on 0115 872 2550.

3. How computer literate do I need to be to complete the Advanced Diploma of School Business Management (ADSBM)?

You should be familiar and comfortable with using a computer and the internet, and have access to a computer.

4. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?

Unfortunately we can only accept applications that are completed and submitted online.

5. Are the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?

There will be a minimum of 200 places allocated each year.

In general, larger (secondary) schools have SBM support while smaller (primary or special) schools do not. Also, the national agreement highlights the need to attract managers from outside education where they have expertise to contribute effectively to schools' leadership teams. Consequently, the National College will prioritise applications as follows.

• Priority group 1 - SBMs from special schools and pupil referral units
• Priority group 2 - SBMs from primary, nursery or infant schools
• Priority group 3 - SBMs from middle schools
• Priority group 4 - SBMs from secondary schools and local education authorities
• Priority group 5 - Department for Education
• Priority group 6 - other

In some circumstances, the National College may adjust the order of these priority groups so that each region will be allocated a reasonable diversity of participants. This will help to avoid facilitator groups being filled with participants from the same school phase, since this is likely to inhibit the learning experience.

The National College will try to ensure that the applicant is assigned to the nearest training venue to their local authority.

6. I would like to work with a colleague school business manager, is this possible?

If you are within the same government region, accepted on the same cohort, and both following a similar study pattern you may be able to attend the workshop sessions together. As part of the programme we encourage participants to contact colleagues on a national and local level via our online community.

7. Do I have to attend all sessions?

Yes, in order to successfully complete the programme, you are required to attend all face-to-face sessions.

8. What is the composition and size of the cohorts?

• 10 people per facilitator group
• 20 people per workshop session (at face-to-face sessions, two facilitator groups work together)
• 200 people on average per cohort