School Business Manager 1

February 27, 2026

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School Business Manager 1
Grade 10, £38,220 -£41,771 pro rata
Permanent, Term time only plus 2 weeks
37 hours per week, 08:30 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 16:00 Friday
Required to start 1 April 2026

The Governors of this unique school seek to appoint a committed, motivated and enthusiastic School Business Manager. We welcome candidates with experience from educational or other financial backgrounds. For example a teaching background or an existing School business manager/finance clerk within a school setting.

Villa Real is a dynamic, forward thinking and nurturing Special School catering for students aged 2 to 19 years with a wide range of special educational needs. This includes complex medical conditions, severe learning difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The role is an exciting mix of operational management and strategic leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team. We are looking for someone who:

Can be flexible, resilient and able to prioritise essential tasks.
Has highly developed leadership skills and the ability to manage a wide range of stakeholder relationships.
Offers proven experience in financial management, budget setting and control, including managing relevant financial processes and procedures.
Is able to generate income and help to facilitate/source external capital funds.
Has knowledge of estate management, implementation of Health and Safety legislation and HR.
Is committed to furthering their professional development which will be fully supported by the school.
Has the relevant professional or academic qualification or working towards Level 4 qualification with significant financial experience in education or a financial back ground.
Will actively monitor the budget, Service Level Agreements and any contracts to ensure value for money is achieved.
Has an excellent knowledge of ICT systems.

We encourage prospective candidates to visit our school and would welcome an opportunity to discuss the role further.

Durham County Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We want to develop a more diverse workforce and we positively welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Applicants with disabilities will be invited for interview if the essential job criteria are met.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

To arrange a visit please call Jill Bowe on 01207 503651. An application form and information pack can be requested via email to villareal@durhamlearning.net or by telephone on the above number.

Term time only plus two additional weeks pay is calculated on the basis of the following:
- Number of teaching weeks - 38 weeks; plus
- Public (bank) holidays - 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
- Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD - 2 weeks; plus
- Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)
Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:
Calculation for employees with less than 5 years service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Calculation for employees with more than 5 years service:
40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Application forms should be returned to the school.
Closing date 20 March 2026 at 12 noon
Interview date: w/c 23 March 2026

Villa Real School
Villa Real Road
Consett
Co. Durham
DH8 6BH

Tel: 01207 503651
Email: villareal@durhamlearning.net
Website:

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