Bursars are found in all types of school and are responsible for the strategic management of school finances. They may also have responsibility for other functions such as human resources or facilities management. The job title attached to the role may vary, in some schools they may be known as business manager or business director.

In small schools the bursar may work alone, in larger ones, he or she may manage a team of administrative staff.

Bursars work for county, unitary and metropolitan councils.

Work Environment

Schools are busy, noisy places where priority is given to classroom space and so the bursar’s office may be small.

Bursars work a 37-hour week, although often have to work longer hours in term-time. Hours are flexible and bursars are expected to attend governors’ meetings – usually in the evenings.

Daily Activities

A bursar’s role is challenging and full of variety. It involves four main areas of work: financial and budget management, facilities management, contract management and human resources.

A bursar’s day starts well before the school opens. In some cases it can begin at home, as early as 7am, when staff phone in sick and the bursar has to try to find a supply teacher. (In some schools this is not a bursar’s duty but is done by a deputy head.)

Some of the bursar’s daily tasks can include: updating accounts and preparing a monthly summary of the school’s financial position, paying suppliers and contractors, preparing staff contracts, sending salary claims to the council’s payroll department, and acting as admissions officer. (This involves keeping a running total of children applying to the school and informing parents whether there are any places.)

Some bursars act as site managers; they appoint contractors, supervise and pay them and are responsible for health and safety.

People management can include being responsible for the work of cleaners, caretakers, technicians and lunchtime supervisors as well as being in control of the school administrative function.

Bursars often need to attend evening meetings and events for parents organised by the school governing body and may have to report to the governors on financial matters.

A bursar is an important member of the school management team and will often have a close professional relationship with the school head.

Skills & Interests

Bursars need to:

• be well organised and methodical
• be highly motivated
• have a good knowledge of accounting and budget management
• have good time management skills and the ability to prioritise work
• be numerate and computer literate.

Most importantly they must have a pleasant and confident manner in dealing with people from all types of background, including parents, education officers, school inspectors, governors, contractors, maintenance staff and pupils.

Entry Requirements

Although there are no standard qualifications or entry requirements for bursars, most applicants will be expected to have several years work experience in a relevant work environment and possibly a professional qualification.

Some bursars may enter the profession from inside the education sector, for example they may already work in a school and be seeking to improve their position. The National Bursars Association and the National College for School Leadership provide courses which can be of help to those wishing to progress into the role of bursar.

BTEC/SQA National and Higher National level qualifications in Business and Finance or Public Administration or experience and qualifications in accountancy could all be useful when applying for a post.

Estimated salary range

Most bursars are paid between £19,101 and £22,194, although more experience staff could earn between £26,000 and £28,000.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

To gain promotion or a higher salary it would be necessary to move to a larger school.

There are also opportunities to move into financial work or other areas of education within a local authority.

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