This qualification’s aim is to provide learners who are new or aspiring school business professionals (SBP) with the knowledge and skills required progress in their career.

This ILM Diploma qualification is mapped to the ISBL Professional Standards for school business managers and reflects the changing roles performed by school business professionals across schools and academies.

Formerly known as the CSBM (L4 Certificate in School Business Management), this qualification was redeveloped by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) in 2018. As they were developed, these qualifications were mapped to the ISBL Professional Standards.

What will I learn?

This qualification will enable you to:

• Manage school resources more efficiently and effectively

• Evaluate the nature of school business operations within your school

• Gain knowledge and skills in all aspects of the ISBL Professional Standards

There are three mandatory units:

Leading Support Services in a School

Finance in a School

Procurement in a School

The optional units are:

Supporting Human Resource Management in a School

Supporting School Infrastructure Management

Marketing in a School

Who is it for?

The Level 4 Diploma is suitable for new or aspiring school business professionals, as well as those already in post as an school business manager or similar role (such as Finance Manager, Office Manager, School Administrator, Business Support Officer, Bursar, HR Manager, etc).

This qualification is often seen as a minimum requirement on job descriptions and is suitable for new entrants to the profession. It can also be suitable for people who are looking to move into the profession from a different sector and want to contextualise their existing knowledge, skills and experience.

How long does it take?

This qualification typically takes 18 months to complete.

The Total Qualification Time (TQT) is: 385 hours

How is the qualification funded?

The qualification is available to all schools/trusts (and can be paid for directly by your school/trust or self-funded). It is separate from the apprenticeship scheme and is not eligible for apprenticeship funding.

Where is it offered and types of learning options available?

This qualification is offered nationally by various training providers. It is available as a full programme and as individual modules. It is offered as blended learning or fully online.

Training providers offering this qualification include:

Best Practice Network https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/dsbm-l4

The SBM Partnership https://www.sbmpartnership.org.uk/level-4-diploma-csbm/