Level 5 ILM Diploma for School Business Leaders (DSBL)

What is the ILM L5 Diploma?

This qualification is designed specifically for school business professionals and aims to provide the knowledge and skills required to develop in your career. Many SBPs progress to this qualification after completing the L4 ILM Diploma for School Business Managers.

This ILM Diploma qualification is mapped to the ISBL Professional Standards (Lead level) for school business managers and reflects the changing roles performed by school business professionals across schools and trusts.

Formerly known as the DSBM (L5 Diploma in School Business Management), this qualification was redeveloped by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) in 2018. As they were developed, these qualifications were mapped to the ISBL Professional Standards.

About the qualification

  • This qualification will enable you to:

    • Manage school resources more efficiently and effectively

    • Evaluate the strategic nature of school business operations within your school

    • Develop strategic knowledge and skills in all aspects of the ISBL Professional Standards


    There are three mandatory units:

    • Leading Support Services in a School

    • Managing School Finances

    • Managing Procurement in a School


    You also choose one optional unit from:

    • Human Resource Management in a School

    • Managing School Infrastructure

    • Managing Marketing in a School

  • This qualification is aimed at SBPs who are looking to develop their leadership and management skills and work at more of a leadership level within their school/trust. The Diploma will enable the individual to develop their professional learning, gain insight into the strategic dimension of their role and understand the how to lead and manage a range of functions in a school or trust.

    It can also be suitable for people who are looking to move into the profession from a different sector.

  • This qualification typically takes 18 months to complete.

    The Total Qualification Time (TQT) is: 435 hours

  • Yes, rather than doing the full 4 unit qualification you can study individual modules from the course. You will need to contact the training providers directly should you wish to undertake one module.

  • This qualification is offered nationally by various training providers. It is available as a full programme and as individual modules. It is offered fully online (with live tutorials).

    Training providers offering this qualification include:

Testimonials

  • “Don’t undervalue your CPD. Professional, well-trained SBLs in schools facilitate the best education for children and ensure maximum impact and value for them.”

    Jo Tillin

For any enquiries, please contact: training@isbl.org.uk