Is anyone familiar with the role of Business Manager in a school?

[Skippetydoodah]

Just that really - I'm thinking about applying for a BM role at our local comprehensive, having never worked in a school or educational setting before. I see so many posts on here about people being burnt out or wanting to get out of education, I'm wondering if it's a good idea or not. Appreciate it's not the same as teaching but I'm assuming a lot of the performance pressures will be similar. TIA!

[lels99]

I'm one. Feel free to pm and ask specific questions. Having previously worked in industry I have found the role to be less pressurised and more rewarding than previous roles.

[Skippetydoodah]

thank you! I'm currently in a similar role for a professional services firm so it's good to hear it is likely to be less pressured rather than more so. I've just finished my application as it has to be in today so if I get an interview I will take you up on your offer and pick your brains. It's not clear from the advert if you get all of the school hols off as it says something like 'holiday must be taken during the school closure period' - how does it work for you?

[Cynderella]

Our school manager works through the holidays - I think she takes two weeks in the summer before exam results and some time at Christmas and Easter. She definitely works through the half term holidays.

[lels99]

I don't work holidays. It really depends on the school. Do discuss at interview how holidays work and how they pro-rata salary because of them. Sometimes this can really affect the salary you get

[Skippetydoodah]

thanks both, sounds like it's a question for the interview stage if I get there - I've done a bit of research on similar vacancies across the UK and there does seem to be a lot of variation across different schools - some are term time only, some term time + 3/4 weeks, some are 52 weeks with a standard holiday allocation.

If it's the latter it feels quite restrictive - you don't get the benefit of school holidays and the holiday you do have can only be taken at certain times! I guess that's the norm in a lot of jobs but not something I'm used to so just something to tink about along with the potential reduction in the advertised salary.

[Izzyislington]

Our BM works 52 weeks with a normal holiday allocation. State school. He works a lot of hours outside of 9-5 as we have a lovely old building and do a lot of wedding lettings which he has to be there to oversee. I think the role can vary a huge amount from school to school - lots of questions to ask at interview to find out what you’re getting yourself in for!