How many suitable applicants do you typically receive for a School Business Manager job?

[TheAlias]

I've seen job advertised that I'd really like.

I have all the skills required by the person specification, having previously worked at executive level in finance. They're asking for someone qualified to NVQ4 or equivalent, which makes me over qualified.

I have worked in school finance at a junior level for 3 years, so I have some but not all of the school specific experience they're asking for. I have started working towards the Diploma of School Business Management, but have 10 months to go.

The job is for 20 hrs pw, mostly term time, which I imagine makes it very attractive. For a properly qualified/experienced finance professional, it's very badly paid but I know that mums people are prepared to accept that to get family friendly hours.

My issue is that I know local schools talk to each other and I know my current boss will be very offended that I've even considered it. Obviously, I'll just have to deal with that but I'm just wondering how stiff the competition is likely to be.

[Bunbaker]

The business manager at DD's school (high school) works far more than 20 hours a week and still struggles to fit everything in. If you apply I would have a look at the work schedule to see if it is do-able.

[TheAlias]

Yes, I already have that as one of my questions!

This is a smallish primary though

[Fairyliz]

I work at a primary of 300 children, when I applied there were only 2 applicants! However be warned I get paid for 32 hours per week but usually work 45 to get everything done. Talk ing to other business managers in my group that is the norm.

[EveDallasRetd]

When I went for an admin managers job there were 11 other applicants - and they didn't choose any of us! When I went for a Financial Administrator job there were 8 of us (I was offered that job, but turned it down. On interview it became really clear that they wanted far more than the job description, and what they wanted would not have been possible for the hours they were willing to pay for).

I'm giving schools jobs a swerve for a while because of this.

[TheAlias]

I do know a bit about that Eve, as I currently work in another school but IMO, the pressures and demands are still far lower than when I did a similar job in the private sector.

Everyone in schools seems to think they're overworked - except me, who did 25 years in the real world

[EveDallasRetd]

Not sure about 'pressures and demands'. I was talking about working hours and what they expected. They only wanted to pay someone for 20-22 hours, but the work was better suited to a 30 hr contract at least.

Something for nothing? Not a chance :)

[auntpetunia]

Well I recently got an interview for pa to head of a primary and they had 100+ applicants.