School finance

Fundraising and philanthropy

18 May 2016

Professional fundraiser Peter Spence draws on lessons from the independent sector to offer state schools some advice on developing alumni networks and longer-term fundraising and philanthropy

Ready to report your gender pay gap?

4 May 2016

Schools will soon have to report on their gender pay gaps, and those with high differences could face being named and shamed. Expert David Hession explains

Financial efficiency – stay in control

3 February 2016

Times are tight and budget pressures in schools are increasing. Funding specialist Julia Harnden offers some broad principles to help schools manage their finances

School business managers – Beyond the budget

6 January 2016

Business management in a school extends so much further than looking after the budget. Dispelling the myths, Sara McNeillis explores some of the other ways SBMs make a real difference in schools

Fundraising: Proving your project is needed

16 September 2015

When looking to secure funding for your school, a key challenge is successfully arguing a need for your project and deciding who should lead your grant fundraising efforts. John Ellery offers his advice

Emerging trends for the school business manager

16 September 2015

A report looking at how the role of the school business manager is evolving, has highlighted some worrying trends, says Russell Dalton

Applying successfully for financial grants

9 September 2015

Fundraising expert John Ellery discusses some key things that schools must consider when applying for funds or grants

Funding for school buildings

19 March 2015

Finding the money to repair and maintain your school buildings is a major headache for school leaders. Kate Gilliford looks at some possible funding streams.

How do you define the role of a school business manager?

27 November 2014

The role of the school business manager is still a varied one, with the position taking many different forms in different schools. Kate Gilliford looks at some current trends.

It all starts with a coffee...

18 September 2014

Next week, thousands of schools will support the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, raising money for cancer support. Katherine Blaize-Smith offers some tips.

Fundraising: Balancing the school books

3 April 2014

A group of 20 school leaders from both state and private schools recently met to discuss the role and future of income generation in schools. Julia Reid discusses some of the ideas and issues that were on the table.

Do you understand VAT?

27 March 2014

VAT is a complicated tax and it is easy for academies and free schools to make mistakes. We ask expert Helen Elliott for some advice.

School sporting priorities

6 February 2014

The Youth Sport Trust national conference this week shines a spotlight on school sport. John Steele looks at the implications of recent developments including curriculum and accountability changes, and the Sport Premium.

The evolving role of SBMs

16 January 2014

Data suggests that school business managers are taking on new and wider responsibilities. Christopher Woolfrey takes a closer look.

Get that funding – avoiding common grant application mistakes

13 June 2013

Filling in grant applications is much harder than many of us think. Expert Jon Ellery offers some advice on avoiding common mistakes on application forms.

Secrets to success: How to spend the Pupil Premium

28 February 2013

Ofsted’s report into how schools are spending the Pupil Premium offers a range of advice and best practice. Pete Henshaw looks at seven key strategies that have proven successful.

The changing rules for academy funding

31 January 2013

Academies are currently dealing with complex and changing funding rules. Vincent King looks at how some schools have been coping.

Successful school fundraising in 10 steps

31 January 2013

Squeezed budgets and government cuts have made life difficult for schools and placed a new importance on raising additional monies locally. Rachel Gordon offers 10 dos and don’ts for successful school fundraising.

Are you prepared for the SEN changes?

4 October 2012

With the government's proposed reform of provision for SEN students and the introduction of the new Ofsted framework and Teachers' Standards, the SEN landscape is shifting once more. Lorraine Petersen looks at the implications.

Funding building refurbishments

28 June 2012

The axing of the Building Schools for the Future left many schools in limbo, with poor buildings but no funding to replace them. Vincent King looks at funding refurbishments in a post-BSF world, while Andy Shaw offers some money-saving tips.

School funding and finance