Frequently asked questions for DSBM

Questions

Answers

1. I work in a pupil referral unit which does not have a headteacher or governors. Who do I need to obtain support and a reference from?

The chief executive of the unit and your line manager must show their support and complete your online references.

2. I do not quite meet 100 per cent of the eligibility criteria – will you still consider my application?

Depending on your level of experience it may still be possible to apply. To discuss the detail of your eligibility please contact the SBM team directly on 0115 872 2550.

3. How computer literate do I need to be to complete the Diploma of School Business Management (DSBM)?

You should be familiar and comfortable with using a computer and the internet, and have access to a computer.

4. Can I access a printable copy of the application form?

Unfortunately we can only accept applications that are completed and submitted online.

5. Is the number of places available restricted and, if so, is there a waiting list?

The number of places available in each Government Office Area will be calculated on the basis of demand in terms of the number of applications received in each area.

In general, larger (secondary) schools have SBM support whilst smaller (primary or special) schools do not. The national agreement highlights the need to attract managers from outside education, where they have expertise to contribute effectively to schools' leadership teams. Consequently, the National College will prioritise applications as follows:

Priority group 1: SBMs from special schools and pupil referral units
Priority group 2: SBMs from primary, nursery or infant schools
Priority group 3: SBMs from middle schools
Priority group 4: SBMs from secondary schools and LEAs
Priority group 5: Department for Education
Priority group 6: other

In some circumstances, the National College may adjust the order of these priority groups so that Government Office Areas are allocated a reasonable diversity of participants. This will help to avoid facilitator groups being filled with participants from the same school phase, since this is likely to inhibit the learning experience.

The National College will try to ensure that the applicant is assigned to the nearest training venue to his or her local authority.

6. I would like to work with one of my school business manager colleagues, is this possible?

If you are within the same government region, accepted on the same cohort, and both following a similar study pattern you may be able to attend the workshop sessions together. As part of the programme we encourage participants to contact colleagues on a national and local level via our online community.

7. Do I have to attend all sessions?

Yes, in order to successfully complete the programme you will be required to attend all of the face-to-face sessions.

8. What are the composition and size of the cohorts?

The following numbers may vary regionally:

12–14 people per facilitator group
24–28 people per workshop session (at face-to-face, two facilitator groups work together)
300 people on average per cohort

9. Are there any grants available?

The programme is partly funded for certain participants as per the table on the Costs page. If you are eligible for funding, the Department for Education will pay the enrolment fee directly to the College. In any other case you should investigate who will meet payment for the programme, eg the employer or the participant.

10. Can the DSBM programme contribute any credit towards a Master's level degree?

The DSBM is recognised by a number of higher education institutions (HEI) as equivalent to the second year of a first degree programme. It is also accredited by the Institute of Administrative Management’s (IAM). The number of Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points awarded for your work on DSBM should be discussed with the HEI you are applying to.