Mandatory units
- Operational Leadership in Schools and Trusts (35 guided learning hours)
- Finance in Schools and Trusts (35 guided learning hours)
- Procurement in Schools and Trusts (35 guided learning hours)
Course duration
12 months
L4 DSBM
Online training
What is the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM)?
The Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM) is a Level 4 qualification designed to equip current and aspiring school business managers with the professional skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed for effective school business management. This school business manager qualification is part of a recognised suite of business manager courses for schools.
What will you learn on the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM)?
Through the Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management, trainees will gain essential skills to:
- Efficiently and sensitively manage school resources
- Understand the core purposes and objectives of business management in schools
- Apply leadership and decision-making skills to school management contexts
- Evaluate and improve school business operations
- Align skills with Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) professional standards for CPD
- Develop financial management skills for effective budgeting, procurement, and planning in schools
How is the Diploma in School Business Management delivered?
Online over 12 monthsThe Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management is delivered online over 12 months, with a credit value of 39 to 40 credits. The programme includes three mandatory units and one optional unit of your choice.
Programme overview.
Optional units
- Supporting Human Resource Management in Schools or Trusts (30 guided learning hours)
- Estate Management in Schools or Trusts (35 guided learning hours)
- Marketing and Communications in Schools or Trusts (30 guided learning hours)
What this looks like week to week: structured online learning, guided assessment support and opportunities for individual tutor and assessor input as you build evidence from real school or trust contexts.
Who should apply for the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM)?
This school business manager course is ideal for:
- Existing school business managers aiming to enhance their management and operational expertise
- Aspiring business managers seeking to enter the school business management field with a recognised qualification
- Senior school administrators looking to develop in-depth skills and knowledge in school leadership and management
Don't take our word for it! Check out our case studies!
What are the benefits of completing Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM)?
Obtaining this Level 4 qualification through the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM) offers a range of valuable benefits. Graduates gain essential skills that enhance both their professional growth and the operational success of their schools.
Diploma in School Business Management benefits for trainees
Gain a comprehensive, practical skillset aligned with ISBL standards.
Improve leadership and decision-making capabilities in a school setting.
Achieve a professional qualification that supports career development in school business management.
Diploma in School Business Management benefits for schools
Benefit from highly skilled school business manager who can optimise resource management.
Strengthen leadership capabilities within school management teams.
Increase operational efficiency with professionals trained in school-focused business practices.
Why choose the Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM) with Best Practice Network?
Best Practice Network has been providing training for school business professionals for many years and has an experienced tutor and assessor team with significant experience of the role across many different settings in the education sector.
The Diploma in School Business Management (DSBM) at Level 4 is the default qualification required in most school/academy settings, so choosing Best Practice Network provides a unique opportunity to gain an ILM-accredited qualification, with expert support and enhance your skills in school business management.
- In partnership with Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
We work closely with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) to deliver a qualification of the highest standard that is linked directly to the ISBL Professional Standards - Personalised support
Alongside a series of online specialised tutorials, our learners also have the opportunity for individual 1:1 sessions with their designated tutor/assessor – usually arranged using Zoom/Teams – to check and discuss progress. - Flexible learning options
The programme is delivered fully online using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides the flexibility to study at a time that best suits individual schedules as well as providing ready access to relevant learning resources.
We also offer participants a choice for the 4th and final unit which allows you to tailor your learning to best suit both your own and your school’s needs.
Key Information
How is it delivered?
The ILM Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management programme (qualification no. 603/1997/5) is delivered over 12 months.
The ILM credit value of the qualification is 39 to 40 credits, which comprises three mandatory units (35 credits), plus one optional unit of 9 or 10 credits.
The units are:
|
Mandatory Units |
Optional Units |
|---|---|
|
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Online learning pathway
- An online induction session
- Two online 1.5 hour tutorials for each of the four units
- Three online group support workshops
- Two online assessment tutorials focussing on the requirements for the e-portfolio of evidence
- Two 1:1 telephone coaching sessions to provide individual support
Assessment
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Evidence for skills/competence-based assessment criteria should be produced in a school environment/context where possible. Evidence for these units is likely to come from naturally occurring activities from the workplace and may include (but is not restricted to):
- Products from the learner’s work
- Records of Team Minutes/Agendas
- Direct observation of the learner’s performance by their assessor
- Outcomes from oral or written questioning
- Personal statements and/or reflective accounts
- Professional discussion
- Authentic statements/witness testimony
- Records of External Customer communications
- Written reports/case studies
The full cost of the online-only programme including assessment and certification is:
- The fee for the online model is £1,450 plus VAT
- Members of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) are entitled to a 5% discount (ISBL membership number required)
How to apply
When submitting their application, applicants must upload a signed Headteacher Declaration form in which they agree to support you through the programme and confirm that the school will finance the cost of the course.
It will save time if applicants obtain this prior to starting the online registration process.
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