Case histories
What sorts of bursar are there?
The 'modular' job description contained in the Looking for a bursar? document, which is split into 'basic', 'intermediate' and 'advanced' functions for convenience, is only indicative — it could well be that a primary school bursar is heavily involved in seeking sponsorship, or promoting the school locally. And whilst it is to be expected that secondary school bursars will usually be responsible for all the functions identified in the job description, it may be that some basic tasks such as payroll administration would be delegated in larger schools.
The type of job done by a bursar depends largely on the needs and circumstances of individual schools. For headteachers or governors the most important thing is to decide what role the bursar should be playing, and how best they can contribute to the smooth running of the school.
All bursars have the capability to make a real difference to the workload of headteachers. They can do this directly, taking over many of the detailed administrative tasks which headteachers too often do themselves, as well as some of the leadership functions which in a successful school are shared by staff rather than resting solely with the headteacher.
Bursars can also offer headteachers other kinds of support — such as advice on remodelling the school workforce and developing the role of support staff. And precisely because most bursars have a different perspective from colleagues who have trained as teachers, they can be a useful sounding board to test new approaches, and indeed put forward solutions themselves.
Primary school bursars
For information on how bursars are developing and adapting to the particulaly needs of Primary schools, please click here for 'Primary' case histories.
Secondary school bursars
For inflormation on the impact bursars are having in Secondary schools, please click here for 'Secondary' case histories.
Shared bursars
For smaller schools often the most practical way of accessing the skills of a competent individual is through sharing a bursar. These arrangements can vary considerably depending on the needs of the schools involved. Please click here for 'shared bursar arrangements' case histories.
