ISBA supports school business leaders to save time, manage risk and make confident, informed decisions through expert advice, timely guidance, professional development and sector insight.
Our services underpin effective business operations and long-term sustainability, allowing schools to focus on what matters most: educating their pupils.
Membership is held by the school or group, enabling colleagues across finance, HR, estates and IT to access support relevant to their role. With compliance and governance central to the effective running of every school, our guidance supports operational leaders at every level.
Our support includes:
Advice and Guidance
Members benefit from direct access to our dedicated Advice and Guidance team who who provide practical, considered advice or direct you to the most relevant support. Whether sense-checking a decision or seeking clarity on complex requirements, schools have a trusted first point of contact.
Alongside this, our Reference Library contains more than 2,000 policies, contracts and templates, developed by sector professionals and regularly updated to reflect current regulation and best practice. These resources can be downloaded and adapted to any school. Together, this ensures schools have both immediate advice and robust written guidance to rely on.
Professional development and insight
Our webinars, regional meetings, one-day conferences and Annual Conference bring together operational leaders from across the sector. Sessions provide timely updates, informed perspective and practical takeaways, ensuring your team remains current, connected and well prepared.
Recruitment and interim support
ISBA Recruitment supports schools in appointing permanent senior financial leaders and can provide interim bursar cover where continuity is important. We also assist with complex projects, including mergers and acquisitions. Our network of experienced mentors offers additional support during onboarding or as an experienced sounding board.
Commercial connections
ISBA makes it easier to identify businesses that understand and support independent schools through our trusted Business Directory and at our conferences and events, helping you make informed commercial decisions with confidence.
A trusted network
Membership connects you with peers across the UK and internationally from over 1,200 independent schools. The opportunity to share experience and insight strengthens both individual leaders and the wider operational team.
Representation and voice
Working closely with ISC and other associations, ISBA represents the business interests of independent schools in national discussions on policy and regulation.
We are the team behind each school’s team.
Join our community of hundreds of bursars and school business managers all benefiting from the ISBA's specialist advice and guidance services online and in person at our regional group meetings, professional development events, webinars and Annual Conference.
For more information, contact the membership team: membership@theisba.org.uk
"I'm sure I am not alone when I say that I rely heavily on information, advice and guidance from ISBA and the Association is, without doubt, always my first point of reference on just about everything! The information, updates and documents shared to support independent schools are incredible. I am very grateful and forever impressed with the service and support you offer" - Lisa Green, Chief Operating Officer at Langley School
