ISBA Diploma in School Business Management
The ISBA Diploma is the established qualification for the independent-sector bursar. It is modular, normally completed over two to three years, and is the standard expectation for senior bursar appointments in HMC and Society of Heads schools. The fee schedule is published to ISBA members on enrolment.
Cost
ISBA publishes the prevailing cohort fee to members on enrolment rather than as a public list price. Cost depends on the modules selected and whether the bursar is an ISBA member at the point of enrolment.[1]
Modules
The Diploma is built around independent-sector-relevant modules, including finance and accounting in the independent-sector context, HR, estates, marketing and admissions, governance, and the bursar's role on the senior management team. The combination of modules selected sets both the assessment scope and the cost.[1]
Audience
The Diploma is aimed primarily at bursars and aspirant bursars working in or moving to the independent sector. Some state-sector SBMs take Diploma modules as CPD where their school has a particular interest in fee-charging, admissions or charity-trust governance.[2]
Length and assessment
The Diploma is normally completed over two to three years, with each module assessed by written assignment. The Diploma is widely accepted by ISBA member schools as the substantive professional qualification for the bursar role.[3]