Bursar

Everyone who works at Shebbear, regardless of their role, plays their part in helping to make the school the dynamic place that it is. Commitment to professional development is an important part of that, but it is also something that is ingrained in the culture and ethos. Everyone works together, sharing ideas, responsibilities and ambitions for the School.

The Bursar is responsible for providing leadership to the majority of the non-teaching staff team, playing a significant role as a senior member of the School’s Leadership Team.  The Bursar manages the finance, HR, IT, estates and facilities teams, and provides support and advice to the Senior Leadership Team in these areas. In addition, they will also work closely with the Chair of Governors, Head and MIST providing the non-academic guidance to Governors, meetings and to relevant committees, thereby contributing to the strategic direction of the School. The Bursar is also responsible for leading the School’s commercial operations and plays a key role in matters relating to the School’s income streams. The Bursar will act as Clerk to the Governors, an important role in the governance of the School. The Bursar will interact with parents in relation to fees, and will work closely with the Registrar, particularly in relation to bursaries.

It is critical that candidates appreciate the regulatory environment in which schools operate. The Bursar is responsible for helping to ensure that the School is fully compliant in ISI and Health and Safety regulations.

The Bursar will need to be a visible member of the College community, and the successful candidate for the role will demonstrate an interest in the day to day life of Shebbear and will have outstanding communication skills at all levels. All members of the community are equally valued and are expected to be in sympathy with the School’s Christian ethos as a member of MIST. This role, which is the most senior nonteaching position in the School, is an important strategic appointment and the Bursar will be closely involved in the School’s strategic planning and the delivery of its operational excellence.

The Bursar reports directly to the Head, with a dotted line to the Chair of Governors. The Bursar works closely with the Governors, particularly the Chairs of the Finance, Property and Health and Safety Committees.

The Strategic Role

The Bursar will play a major role in the School’s strategic direction, working with the Head to fund, implement and evaluate the School Strategic Development Plan 2020-2025.

The strategic priorities of the school fall into four key areas: 

Learning and Curriculum – to continue to improve the quality of teaching and learning to help each pupil achieve their full potential in both the curriculum and co-curriculum. 

People and Wellbeing – to further develop the resilient, ambitious and forward-thinking School community.

Resources and Facilities – to continue to invest and maintain the outdoor and built environment, ensuring that high quality education, cocurriculum and boarding facilities are available to all pupils.

Growth and Sustainability – to grow the School to no more than 350 pupils whilst retaining a dedicated focus on each individual.

The Operational Role

The Bursar’s tasks are wide ranging and varied  across the support functions of the School. While the job description summarises the main responsibilities, it is anticipated that the role and reports will quickly evolve to suit the particular strengths of the successful candidate and the burgeoning needs of the School.