Our history

The Institute can trace its origins to informal gatherings amongst the earlier pioneers of state school business leadership over 40 years ago.

As our education system has evolved and become more complex, the education workforce has had to adapt. As schools continue to be afforded more local autonomy, and with it more direct accountability, the need for appropriately qualified and experienced school business professionals (SBPs) has become increasingly important in all school settings.

Between 2001 and 2012, the National College led a government-sponsored programme to develop thousands of SBPs.

To continue the important SBP workforce professionalisation work initiated by the National College, in 2017 ISBL became a nationally recognised professional body by being granted institute status.

Our strategy framework

ISBL’s strategy has been developed to ensure agility and inclusivity as it seeks to support the many versions of school business leadership practice. Click the image below to find out more about our core purpose.

Helping secure a brighter future for our children: A blueprint for school business leadership practice

Click the image below to download a copy of the ISBL blueprint.

Articles of Association

To view the articles of association, please click here.

Annual Accounts

To view our most recent annual accounts, please click here.