ISBA BURSARCAST

In this episode of The Bursarcast, we are joined by Julie Robinson, Chief Executive of the Independent Schools Council, and Dr Aidan Tolland, Head of Research and Data at the ISC, to discuss this year’s ISC Census.The conversation looks beyond headline pupil numbers to explore what the data tell us about the independent school sector, including trends in demand, bursaries and fee assistance, boarding, international pupils, affordability, and average fee increases.Julie and Aidan also discuss how ISC uses Census data in its conversations with government and policymakers, and what school leaders should be paying attention to over the next 12 months.For bursars, COOs, heads and senior leaders, the episode offers a practical look at how the Census can support strategic planning, financial modelling, governance discussion and wider sector engagement.Topics include pupil number trends, fee assistance, average fee increases, government engagement, political scrutiny and the key takeaways for senior operational leaders.Member note:This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials.Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

In this week’s ISBA Bursarcast, we round up the key operational and regulatory issues for independent school leaders as the summer break approaches.The news cycle covers updated ISBA guidance on taking, storing and using images of children, including the growing risks around online image use, livestreaming, smart technology and consent. We also look at the Department for Education’s allergy safety guidance, which is not yet statutory for independent schools but signals an important direction of travel.Also in this episode: the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s consultation on draft technical guidance for schools; continuing financial pressure for schools and parents following the introduction of VAT on fees; and recent government updates on school security, estates, digital infrastructure and operational resilience.After the news roundup, we’re joined by Sue Roxby, Head of Advice and Guidance at ISBA, for an end-of-term conversation. Sue brings updates from ISBA, reflects on recent member priorities, and looks ahead to the issues schools may want to keep in view over the summer.Relevant for bursars, heads, COOs, HR leads, compliance teams, estates leaders and governors.TPS note - announcement was 1st July.For fuller guidance and member resources, ISBA members should refer to the Weekly Bulletin and the ISBA Reference Library.Relevant for:Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors.Member note:This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials.Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

This week’s ISBA Newsbeat looks at the operational issues school leaders need on their radar before the new academic year, including TPS changes, statutory mobile phone guidance, VAT year-end considerations, inspection readiness, building safety and changes to regulated activity for volunteers.In this episode:We cover the confirmed reduction in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme employer contribution rate from April 2027, alongside the practical need for schools to register on the new TPS employer portal.We also look at the Department for Education’s statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, which schools in England should begin following from September 2026, and what this means for policy, behaviour management, safeguarding and parent communication.For finance teams, the episode highlights why schools should approach their second VAT year-end adjustment carefully, rather than assuming last year’s methodology still fits.There is also a reminder on inspection readiness, including the value of reviewing ISI’s Regulatory Audit Document ahead of a possible inspection next term.On estates and compliance, we consider why building safety remains a governance and leadership issue, particularly for schools planning construction, refurbishment or remedial works.Finally, we flag the forthcoming removal of the supervision exemption for volunteers and the implications for safeguarding checks, safer recruitment and volunteer management.Leadership update:This episode also notes a change of leadership at ISBA, as Catherine Spencer OBE begins her tenure as Chief Executive and David Woodgate retires after ten years leading the Association.Relevant for:Heads, bursars, COOs, directors of finance and operations, HR leaders, compliance leads, estates teams, safeguarding-adjacent leaders and governors.Member note:This episode is designed as a short operational briefing. Fuller guidance, technical detail and member-only resources remain available through the original ISBA bulletin and linked materials.Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

This week’s Bursarcast takes a fuller look at the operational issues independent school leaders need on their radar as term draws to a close.We cover the ISC Census 2026, including the fall in pupil numbers and why the data matters for admissions, financial planning, staffing assumptions and how schools evidence public benefit.We also look at hot weather and heatwave management, including risk assessments, vulnerable pupils and staff, reasonable adjustments, timetable changes, uniform expectations and wider duty-of-care considerations.Inspection readiness is another key theme, with a focus on action points and remedial works. Schools need to show that recommendations from audits, assessments and inspections have been prioritised, completed and properly evidenced.The episode also covers the CMA review of the early years childcare market in England, and why schools with nurseries or early years provision should be alert to record-keeping, pricing information and readiness to respond to scrutiny.Fee transparency features through ISBA’s updated briefing on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, with implications for how schools present fees and mandatory charges in parent-facing materials.We also flag the Fair Work Agency and the need for schools to keep employment practices, payroll arrangements and compliance records under review.Digital risk is covered through updates to the DfE digital and technology standards, including cyber security expectations, account controls, backups and incident reporting.Finally, we look at Norway’s cautious approach to AI in schools and what it signals for independent schools developing age-appropriate AI policies.A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, HR leads, estates teams, compliance leads, admissions teams and senior leaders managing risk, scrutiny and planning pressuresResources Mentioned ISC Census 2026 — available via ISC ISC political toolkit — available in the ISC Member Zone DfE hot weather and heatwaves guidance — available via GOV.UK / The Education Hub UKHSA hot weather guidance for schools and early years settings — available via GOV.UK HSE workplace temperature guidance — available via HSE Royal Life Saving Society drowning prevention resources — available via RLSS UK ISBA inspection tip on action points and remedial works — available in the ISBA bulletin CMA review of the early years childcare market — referenced in the ISBA bulletin ISBA briefing note on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 — available in the ISBA Reference Library VWV article on the Fair Work Agency — referenced in the ISBA bulletin DfE digital and technology standards for schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK Norwegian Government recommendations on AI in schools — available via the Norwegian Government websiteSubscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

This episode covers updates to ISBA’s template Allergy Policy, changes to the Model Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the forthcoming change to regulated activity rules for volunteers from September 2026. We also consider why the government’s consultation on zero and low hours contracts matters for schools using flexible staffing arrangements, from invigilators and coaches to peripatetic teachers and supply staff.There are also quick reminders on reserves planning, inspection report publication, ISBA Recruitment’s call for qualified interim bursars, and upcoming ISBA CPD opportunities, including the Estates and Health and Safety Conference, HR Conference, Finance Conference, Annual Conference, webinars and the next NABs cohort.A practical, friendly briefing for bursars, heads, HR leads, compliance teams and senior operational leaders preparing for the year ahead.Subscribe & Follow:New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.Get in touch at: podcast@theisba.org.uk

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the technology, compliance, safeguarding, staffing and financial developments most likely to affect independent school operations.ISBA Technology Survey 2026 and measuring return on digital investmentDfE call for evidence on children’s screen useFuture scrutiny of EdTech, generative AI, filtering and monitoringInspection readiness and recurring compliance themesDecommissioning of the ISBA Inspection Toolkit on 31 August 2026Safeguarding policy updates linked to draft KCSIE 2026Government consultation on zero and low hours contractsSupreme Court appeals relating to VAT on school feesEnergy renewal risk and market volatilityGuest segment with Helen Woods on the latest ISBA Annual ConferenceKey conference learnings for operational planning, governance and sector prioritiesResources Mentioned:ISBA Technology Survey 2026 ReportDfE call for evidence on children’s screen useISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI InspectionsISBA Inspection Toolkit/App noticeISBA Template Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updatesDraft KCSIE 2026 consultation materialGovernment consultation on zero and low-hours contractsSupreme Court VAT legal challenge updatesMindful Energy renewal price forecastISBA Annual Conference reflections with Helen WoodsSubscribe & Follow: New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.Get in touch at: podcast@theisba.org.uk