Share
ISBA BURSARCAST
ISBA BURSARCAST // School Transport Reset: Catchments, Costs & Compliance (Ft. Vectare) (27th February 2026)
Season 5, Ep. 56
•
This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at the changing shape of school transport in the independent sector — with Dominic Kalantary from Vectare — ahead of the ISBA Conference (11–13 May at ICC Wales), where Vectare is one of the headline sponsors.
We explore key market trends, including widening catchments, express and park-and-ride style routes designed to compete with car travel, and a notable shift from externally operated services to in-house fleets for cost, control and branding benefits — including an example of a school moving quickly to internal vehicles.
Alongside the feature, we also deliver a short newsbeat covering the week’s key operational headlines, including SEND reform consultation, VAT guidance consolidation, regional meetings, mobile phone policy expectations, inspection readiness for RAAC/cladding, and the KCSIE consultation.
This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps — especially those responsible for budgeting, compliance, estates operations and stakeholder communications.
- Why transport spend is back under the microscope — and what the “tale of two halves” means for planning and procurement
- The trend towards wider catchments and express / park-and-ride routes — and how this changes cost and service design
- The pros and trade-offs of moving from outsourced provision to an in-house fleet — including control, consistency and brand visibility
- Why mid-day trips can quietly inflate costs — and how routinely quoting each trip can drive savings
- What “active compliance management” looks like for fleets — and why updates such as DVSA roadworthiness guidance matter
- How transport tech is evolving: responsible AI for insight, operational integrations (including OpenApply) and WhatsApp notifications
- A quick scan of this week’s headlines: SEND reform (England), VAT guidance, regional meetings, mobile phones, parent contracts, RAAC/cladding inspection readiness, and KCSIE consultation
- ISBA Weekly Bulletin 7 (26 Feb 2026) — key operational headlines
- ISBA Reference Library — consolidated VAT guidance (Bursar’s Guide to VAT + appendices), Parent Contract FAQs, asbestos/estates resources, previous bulletins and webinar recordings (member-only)
- DfE consultation: SEND reform proposals (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)
- DfE guidance: Mobile phones in schools (non-statutory)
- KCSIE consultation: Keeping Children Safe in Education — 2026 proposed revisions (England) (as referenced in the bulletin)
- DVSA roadworthiness guidance updates (as referenced in discussion)
- ISBA Conference: 11–13 May 2026, ICC Wales
- Vectare Website
ISBA Bursarcast
New episodes every Friday at 4pm.
Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Acast to stay informed on the latest in independent school operations
Email: podcast@theisba.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO
www.rafikistudio.com
More episodes
View all episodes
63. ISBA BURSARCAST // Fee Fraud, Cyber Risk and Future-Proofing School IT ft.iSAMS (24 April 2026)
41:43||Season 5, Ep. 63This week’s ISBA Bursarcast asks a timely operational question for schools: how secure is the journey between a parent receiving a fee request and the school actually receiving the money?Peter Othen, Director of IT at Magdalen College School, and Simon Freeman, Managing Director of Education at iSAMS, join us to discuss the risks around fee collection, parent payment scams and the wider cyber challenges facing independent schools.The conversation looks beyond technical systems alone. We explore how fraudsters exploit trust, why parent communications are part of cyber resilience, and how schools can think more strategically about future-proofing their IT infrastructure.Alongside the feature, we deliver a condensed newsbeat from the latest ISBA bulletin, including: residential tenancy changes from 1 May 2026, updated safeguarding expectations under Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, the SEND reform consultation, mobile phone expectations and inspection readiness, and new data protection complaints requirements from 19 June 2026.What You’ll Learn Why fee collection is becoming a more prominent cyber-risk issue for schools How parents can be targeted by scammers posing as schools or payment providers Why cyber resilience is about communication, trust and process, not just technology What senior leaders should understand about future-proofing school IT systems Why finance, IT and communications teams need to work closely on payment journeys How cyber incidents can create operational, reputational and data protection risk This week’s key operational headlines from the ISBA bulletinResources Mentioned ISBA Reference Library ISBA guidance on residential tenancies and staff accommodation Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 ISC SEND reform questionnaire and government consultation DfE guidance on mobile phones in schools ISBA GDPR and data protection complaints guidance iSAMSMore from iSAMSSubscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.62. ISBA BURSARCAST // What does catering now signal about culture, quality and the day-to-day school experience? + Sector updates ft. Holroyd Howe
32:46||Season 5, Ep. 62A key question asked this week is, What does catering now signal about culture, quality and the day-to-day school experience?This week’s ISBA Bursarcast opens with the key operational and regulatory developments for the sector this week, including updated Independent School Standards Regulations on restrictive interventions, refreshed Independent Schools Standards Guidance, and sharper inspection expectations around behaviour policy, mobile phones and implementation on the ground.We also look at the wider compliance picture for schools, including the DfE consultation on supporting children with medical conditions and allergy, plus practical reminders on Renters’ Rights, teachers’ pensions re-enrolment, and current health and safety developments.Then, in our guest segment, we are joined by Scott and Robin from sector-leading independent school caterers Holroyd Howe, ahead of the ISBA Annual Conference at ICC Wales, where Holroyd Howe will be one of the headline sponsors. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore the impact of catering on the school experience for pupils, parents and staff, what best practice looks like, and where school catering may be heading next. Whether your school caters in-house or works with a specialist provider, there are useful takeaways across the school community.In this episode:New ISSR requirements on recording and reporting force, seclusion and restraintUpdated Independent Schools Standards GuidanceInspection implications for behaviour, mobile phone policy and staff understandingDfE consultation on medical conditions and allergyRenters’ Rights, TPS automatic re-enrolment and HSE updatesGuest discussion with Scott and Robin from Holroyd Howe on catering, culture and the school experienceResources mentioned (Members only)ISBA template Behaviour Management PolicyISBA’s Bursar’s Guide to ISI InspectionsISBA guidance note on TPS and managing automatic re-enrolmentISBA member guidance and source bulletin materialsISBA Annual Conference at ICC WalesMore from Holroyd Howe https://holroydhowe.com/Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.61. ISBA BURSARCAST // Renters’ Rights, SORP change, safeguarding reform: the decisions rising up the school agenda (3rd April 2026)
08:15||Season 5, Ep. 61This week’s ISBA Bursarcast brings you a focused newsbeat on staff accommodation, charity accounting reform, safeguarding consultation changes, restrictive intervention duties and key compliance pressures—centred on what bursars and senior leaders need to know now.We cover the new staff accommodation advice ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act changes coming into force from 1 May, the operational implications of Charities SORP 2026, the latest proposed changes in the KCSIE 2026 consultation, and the new legal duties now in force on recording and reporting seclusion and restraint.This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps—without wading through long guidance notes and technical updates.What You’ll Learn What the new staff accommodation guidance means for schools with employees living on site, and why housing arrangements now need active review How Charities SORP 2026 could affect reserves, lease treatment, income recognition, disclosures and covenant discussions What the proposed KCSIE 2026 changes could mean for staff reading requirements, safeguarding policy, DSL cover, mental health, serious violence and AI-related risks Why do the new seclusion and restraint recording duties now need to be live in school systems and parent communication processes What the latest DfE reminder means for schools considering material change applications for September 2026 Why asbestos management, first aid supply checks and workplace stress prevention remain live operational issues What members can expect from Wednesday at the ISBA Annual Conference, including keynote sessions from Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Susannah StreeterResources Mentioned ISBA Reference Library: Staff Accommodation Advice for Schools in England The new Charities SORP 2026 and ISBA webinar: The New Charities SORP Unpacked DfE consultation on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 DfE guidance on restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force, in schools Department for Education guidance on independent schools applying to make a material change HSE and DfE asbestos management resources for schools ISBA Annual Conference 2026 programme and booking information(Full details and links are available via the ISBA Weekly Bulletin and member resources.)Subscribe & Follow ISBA BursarcastNew episodes every Friday at 4pm.Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Acast to stay informed on the latest in independent school operations.60. ISBA BURSARCAST // What is the future of school marketing and admissions ft. School Scout + Inspections and Cyber risk updates (27th March 2026)
29:19||Season 5, Ep. 60This week’s ISBA Bursarcast covers the operational issues UK independent schools need on their radar now, followed by a guest discussion on school marketing, admissions strategy and pupil recruitment.In this episodeInspection readiness: Mobile phone guidanceRestrictive interventions from 1 April 2026Key implications for policy, training and oversightCompanies House cyber risk: Why schools should check company recordsRisks for governors, trustees and senior leadersVAT update: Final Bursar’s Guide to VATPTA purchases and VAT recovery watchpointsFinance systems: Low satisfaction, weak reporting and integration issuesWhy this matters for workload, control and decision-makingDfE round-up: Data protection toolkit updatesKCSIE consultationData retention linked to the Grooming Gangs InquiryGuest discussionWe speak to James about School Scout and what it says about the future of independent school marketing.They explore:how families search for and compare schoolswhy location and travel time matterwhat schools can learn from pre-inquiry behaviourwhy insight and personalisation may matter more than bigger budgetshow AI could shape admissions and parent engagementWhy it mattersA practical episode for bursars, finance leads, operations teams and senior leaders focused on compliance, inspection, cyber awareness, systems, and smarter pupil recruitment.Resources mentionedISBA Reference LibraryIncludes the final Bursar’s Guide to VAT, the updated Holiday/Summer Lets Agreement, recorded webinars, and member guidance materials.ISBA Advice and Guidance teamFor school-specific follow-up questions on the issues covered in the bulletin.Companies House guidanceIncludes the update on the WebFiling security issue and the closure of the online accounts and Company Tax Return service from 31 March 2026.DfE guidance and consultationsIncluding the updated data protection in schools toolkit, the Keeping Children Safe in Education consultation, and consultation on support for pupils with medical conditions.The CircuitNational defibrillator database for checking whether a school’s defibrillator is visible to ambulance services and marked rescue ready.UKHSA and NHS meningitis informationFor schools and families following the Kent and Medway meningococcal disease outbreak updates.VWV article and guidance referencesIncluding the copyright infringement reminder and article on restrictive interventions.ISBA Annual Conference 202611–13 May 2026, ICC Wales.More from School Scout https://schoolscout.uk/james.dobson@schoolscout.ukSubscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast59. ISBA BURSARCAST // Rising Fee Arrears in Independent Schools ft. RedWood collections + Spring round up (20th March 2026)
28:15||Season 5, Ep. 59This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at rising fee arrears in independent schools — and what bursars and finance teams can do to respond earlier, more consistently, and with greater confidence.We speak to Richard Monan from Redwood Collections about what schools are seeing on the ground, including debts that are becoming older, larger and harder to recover.In this episodeWhy fee arrears are becoming more difficult to manageHow post-VAT pressure is affecting parent debt and school decisionsWhy good arrears management starts with process and consistencyThe value of a structured 7 / 14 / 21-day follow-up cycleWhy schools should not wait too long before escalating or seeking specialist supportCommon dispute areas, including fees in lieu of notice and separated parentsThe risk of losing credibility by setting timelines and not following throughHow to balance fair treatment, compassion and consistencyWhy governors should keep sight of cost versus recoveryRedwood’s wider support, including credit management, Parent Check Plus, and options for historic debt portfoliosAlso in this week’s sector updatesISBA’s Spring Term Sector Update recording is now availableKey changes on restrictive interventions, mobile phone policy, employment law and TPS budgetingA preview of ISBA Annual Conference 2026Updated Scottish employment contract templatesA useful read on the updated Charity Governance CodeCurrent bursar vacancies at Stover School and St Cedd’s SchoolAdvice on verifying referencesAn inspection reminder on supply staff and the SCRThe latest update on the meningitis outbreak in KentA call for feedback on the template safeguarding policyThe extended Stickman Pupil Recruitment Risk CheckA free ACAS neurodiversity webinarUpdates to Working Together to Safeguard ChildrenThe next NABs programme and upcoming ISBA webinarsResources mentioned (Members only)ISBA Weekly Bulletin 10ISBA Reference LibraryISBA Spring Term Sector UpdateISBA Annual Conference 2026 — 11–13 May, ICC WalesISBA Safer Recruitment PackMore from Redwood Collections: https://www.redwoodcollections.com/Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.58. ISBA BURSARCAST // What Independent Schools Are Building Now ft. TG Escapes + sector news (13th March 2026)
27:59||Season 5, Ep. 58This week’s ISBA Bursarcast asks a practical question for bursars and estates leaders: if schools are building again, what are they building for — and what actually counts as value now?Karl Stokes from TG Escapes joins us to talk about renewed enquiry levels, the rise of early years, sports and wellbeing spaces, and why schools are taking a more considered approach to sustainability, design and whole-life cost.Alongside the feature, we deliver a short newsbeat from the latest ISBA bulletin, including: bookings for ISBA Annual Conference 2026 at ICC Wales from 11–13 May, updated DfE generative AI product safety standards, current bursar recruitment opportunities, a VAT reminder on school photographer commission, this week’s inspection tip on provision of information, the upcoming data protection webinar on 20 March, fresh sector commentary on SEND reform, new medical conditions and allergy guidance expected from September 2026, the extended Pupil Recruitment Risk Check offer, updated Prevent principles, and a reminder on HMRC’s “don’t get caught out” campaign on staff expense claims.What You’ll LearnWhy independent school building enquiries appear to have picked up againWhich facilities are schools prioritising most right nowWhy wellbeing and pastoral spaces are becoming a more prominent part of the estates conversationWhat panelised construction is — and how it differs from “modular boxes”How to think about school building value beyond the initial capital spendWhy are sustainability expectations rising in school estate projectsWhy planning and consultation may require longer lead times than expectedThis week’s key operational headlines from the ISBA bulletinResources MentionedISBA Annual Conference 2026, 11–13 May 2026, ICC WalesISBA webinars on SEND, data protection, Charities SORP, CDC pensions, and KCSIEISBA Reference Library and multimedia recordingsDfE Generative AI Product Safety StandardsHMRC guidance on VAT and school photographer commissionHome Office key principles of PreventDraft guidance on supporting children and young people with medical conditions and allergyTG Escapes Subscribe & FollowNew episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.57. ISBA BURSARCAST // Uniform Under Pressure: Value, VAT & Kit Choices (ft. Schoolblazer) + the weeks' headlines. (6th March 2026)
24:15||Season 5, Ep. 57This week’s ISBA Bursarcast looks at how independent schools are rethinking uniform and sportswear — with Tim James from Schoolblazer — as budgets tighten and parents become more value-conscious.Tim describes a challenging year, driven by VAT changes and a sharper focus on pricing. His headline: parents will still pay for quality, but they increasingly resent paying for items that are rarely worn.In response, schools are moving towards multi-use garments — such as reversible rugby tops and puffer jackets — and taking a harder look at how lists are specified and communicated.We also explore how uniform design is evolving, including a trend toward aligning boys’ and girls’ uniforms in appearance and cost (while still designing appropriately for each), and the growing influence of high-street fashion, including quarter-zip styles.Sportswear — around half of School Blazers’ business — is positioned as a key lever for participation and wellbeing, especially amid concerns about sedentary, body-conscious pupils. Tim highlights kit developments, including new leggings, a new sports bra, and more choices in girls’ kit.Operationally, Tim shares what “good” looks like from a supplier perspective: tight KPIs on stock, delivery and returns, plus a practical bursar reminder — review termination clauses early, not when you’re already under pressure. We also touch on international growth and what to expect at the ISBA Conference (11–13 May, ICC Wales).Alongside the feature, we deliver a short newsbeat from Weekly Bulletin 8 (05 Mar 2026), including: ISBA’s new Chief Executive (from 01 May 2026), new guidance on safe and responsible streaming, VAT risks around bursary grant arrangements, the 31 Mar 2026 action deadline to begin business rates appeals for potential backdated savings, advice to refund (not transfer) unused Fees in Advance, a reminder on prohibition from teaching checks, and cautious budgeting guidance on TPS.What You’ll LearnHow to pressure-test uniform lists for value without undermining qualityWhy multi-use items are rising — and how they can reduce friction with parentsWhat’s changing in boys’/girls’ uniform alignment and sports kit choiceSupplier KPIs bursars should ask for: stock, delivery performance, returnsContract basics: why termination clauses need an early reviewThis week’s key operational actions from ISBA’s bulletinResources MentionedISBA Weekly Bulletin 8 (05 Mar 2026)ISBA Reference Library: Safe, Responsible Streaming guidance; VAT bursary grants note; TPS briefing; trackers (member-only)ISBA Annual Conference: 11–13 May 2026, ICC WalesGOV.UK: Check a teacher’s record (prohibition from teaching)DfE consultation: supporting pupils with medical conditions at schoolSchoolBlazer website https://www.schoolblazer.com/Subscribe & Follow: New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.55. ISBA BURSARCAST // How to avoid mistakes with school nurses ft Jane Graham + the sector headlines. (20th February 2026)
30:35||Season 5, Ep. 55This week’s ISBA Bursarcast is led by a practical deep-dive on what a high-quality, safe and effective nursing service looks like in independent schools — with Jane Graham, an experienced paediatric nurse and independent school medical lead.Jane explains why registered nurses are not simply “highly qualified first aiders”, and what robust school nursing governance looks like day-to-day: medicines management, confidentiality, safeguarding, record-keeping, clinical space, and the line management and clinical supervision needed to keep pupils safe — especially where nurses are lone-working.Alongside the feature, we also deliver a short newsbeat covering the week’s key operational headlines, including KCSIE consultation, measles/infectious disease resources, mobile phone policy and inspection readiness, and Charities SORP changes.This episode is designed for time-poor professionals who want clarity, context and practical next steps — especially those responsible for risk, compliance and pupil wellbeing provision.What You’ll LearnWhy a registered nurse’s role in school goes well beyond first aid — and what NMC registration means in practiceThe non-negotiables for safe medicines management: administration, storage, documentation, training and oversightHow to scope your nursing provision around your school’s needs — boarding/day, SEN, mental health, allergies, sport, controlled medsWhat “good governance” looks like on the ground: confidential records, appropriate clinical space, safeguarding integration, and clinical supervisionCommon pitfalls schools make — including mis-scoping the role, under-resourcing, and placing newly qualified nurses into unsupported lone-working postsA quick scan of this week’s headlines: KCSIE 2026 consultation, measles readiness, mobile phones and inspection focus from 01 Apr 2026, and Charities SORP 2026 basicsResources MentionedISBA Weekly Bulletin (19 Feb 2026) — key operational headlinesISBA Reference Library — infectious disease resourcesKCSIE 2026 draft consultation (England)DfE guidance: Mobile phones in schoolsUKHSA measles guidance and reporting routesCharities SORP 2026 overview and implementation considerationsSAPHNA Independent School Nursing Governance Guidance (endorsed by the RCN) (as signposted in the episode)Subscribe & FollowISBA BursarcastNew episodes every Friday at 4pm.Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Acast to stay informed on the latest in independent school operations.