Fractional school bursar
A fractional bursar works one to three days a week across a single school, normally on a day-rated contract. The typical day rate in 2025/26 runs from £275 to £475 for an experienced bursar engaged directly or through the ISBA network. Demand has risen materially since the 1 January 2025 VAT-on-fees change.
Day rate
The £275 to £475 band reflects the rate paid to an experienced bursar engaged directly or via the ISBA recruitment network. Provider-led arrangements (for example through fractional CFO networks) typically run at the upper end of the band or above, reflecting the provider's margin and matching cost.[1]
Typical engagement
The most common pattern is two days a week, with a third day at the start of term and around the audit. The bursar attends the Resources committee and the senior leadership team for the days they are in school, and delivers an agreed scope by exception.[2]
Versus permanent for a 300-pupil prep
For a 300-pupil prep, two days a week of fractional bursar typically costs in the low £30,000s a year before on-costs. The fully loaded permanent equivalent is normally closer to £60,000 to £75,000. The trade-off is continuity and direct line management, not headline price.