1. What are the eligibility criteria for the ADSBM Programme?
Before submitting an application for the ADSBM pilot programme, applicants must read the following information carefully.
The following statements represent the NCSL application requirements for the ADSBM programme. You must be able to answer yes to all of the following statements:
2. Who should attend the ADSBM programme?
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has commissioned the College to develop and deliver this pilot programme for practising SBMs in England within the maintained sector, working at or imminently intending to work at an advanced school business manager level.
3. Will 'Fast Track' teachers have access to ADSBM?
No, the programme is not aimed at teachers.
4. Do applicants have to have Qualified Teacher Status?
No, the programme is not aimed at teachers.
5. Does my headteacher have to recommend me for this programme?
You should have the full support of your headteacher. All applicants will have to submit a reference from the supporting school for their application to be considered. It is very important that your headteacher reads the supporting documents prior to your applying for the programme.
6. Pupil Referral Units do not have headteachers or governor. Who do I ask to complete my reference?
The chief executive of the Unit must provide your reference.
7. Currently I do not work in a school. Can my application be considered?
External applicants are senior managers who work outside of the education sector. Government-funded places may be available for a small number of external applicants within this pilot programme.
You must feel that you possess the skills and attributes that could make a significant contribution to the leadership of schools. If you would like to be considered for the ADSBM pilot programme, please email a summary CV (one side of A4 only) detailing your professional background and future aspirations. Please entitle your email 'ADSBM External' and send to the Bursar Development Programme team at sbm@ncsl.org.uk.
This information will help us to gauge how to assist you further in your application to the programme and should not be considered as an application in itself.
8. I do not quite meet 100% of the eligibility criteria - will you still consider my application?
Depending on your level of experience it may still be possible to apply. For further details, please contact the help desk on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
9. Are there any pre-requisite programmes I must complete before I can apply for the ADSBM programme?
All ADSBM applicants must hold a related level 5 qualification, (eg the DSBM or other similar qualifications). In addition to this all applicants must be a full member of their school's senior leadership team (SLT).
10. Is the ADSBM programme a pre-requisite for any other programmes?
The programme has been developed at Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework. The programme will be accredited once the pilot has been completed and a thorough evaluation of the programme's content and delivery approach has been assessed. The College will seek to ensure that any accreditation arrangements are backdated to accommodate pilot participants.
11. I'm not sure this is the right programme for me. Who can advise me?
Please contact our help desk on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
12. How computer literate do I need to be?
You should be comfortable with using a computer and the internet for research work. The minimum specification for a personal computer (PC) is a Pentium II at 233MHz or higher. You will also need:
13. I need more information about eligibility for ADSBM, where can I get this?
Full details of the eligibility criteria can be found on the ADSBM home page.
The application round for the ADSBM pilot programme has now closed.If you are interested in undertaking the ADSBM programme in the future, please send an expression of interest to the SBM team at sbm@ncsl.org.uk. We will keep your details on file so that we can contact you with relevant information regarding the programme.
3. Can I submit a hard copy application instead of an online application?
We strongly recommend that you word process your ADSBM programme application form, so that you can email it to us. However, if this is not possible, please contact our help desk on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk to discuss your circumstances.
4. Does this programme accept applications from both groups and individuals?
This programme can only accept applications from individuals and each application must be supported by a reference. We are unable to accept a reference that covers a number of applicants from one school.
5. Can I apply for any of the listed national programmes, or am I restricted to the venues that are supplied by the delivery provider for my area?
As this is a pilot programme we are only running one national programme, and all residential sessions will take place at NCSL in Nottingham.
6. What happens after I've submitted my application?
An email will be sent out to confirm receipt of the application and the reference. All applicants will be notified as to the outcome of their application. Refer to the website for exact dates.
7. When does the next application round begin?
Following the pilot programme, the ADSBM will be fully evaluated and if it is agreed that this will be rolled out nationally, details of the first national cohort will be communicated via the website.
8. When is the deadline for submitting applications for ADSBM?
The closing date for applications to the ADSBM Pilot programme is available How to apply page.
9. What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you have not submitted your application form and reference by the closing date your application will not be considered for the ADSBM Pilot.
10. Are the number of places available restricted and if so, is there a waiting list?
There will be 100 places allocated to the pilot programme.
If you meet the eligibility criteria but do not gain a place on the pilot programme due to demand, we will contact you if the programme is rolled out nationally so that you can apply.
11. I would like to work with a colleague school business manager, is this possible?
If you are both accepted onto the pilot programme, then you will be able to work together. However we are unable to guarantee that both yourself and your colleague will be offered places.
12. I have just completed the online registration for the ADSBM pilot programme. Does this application mean I am registered or will I have to undergo any further assessment?
Please follow the instruction given in the stages of the application process on the How to apply page.
13. Will there be any briefings or taster sessions for ADSBM prior to application?
There will not be any taster sessions for the pilot programme, however if you wish to have an informal chat about the programme, you can contact our help desk on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
1. Do I need to know who my mentor will be before I apply?
No, you do not need to know this before applying, however we strongly recommend that all participants have in-school support/mentoring once they commence the programme.
2. Who should be my mentor and who decides this?
Your mentor should be someone who will be able to support you with the programme and help you to apply your learning to the context of the school you are in.
3. What does the role of the in-school mentor involve?
The mentor should discuss the development and progress of the participant with them on a regular basis and offer advise and support as appropriate.
1. What is the overall time commitment for this programme?
It is anticipated that the ADSBM will require approximately eight hours of study per week.
2. How long is the programme? How many residential days are there?
The ADSBM programme will take approximately 12 months to complete.
The programme consists of a one day induction session, followed by three, two day residential face-to-face sessions.
3. Do I have to attend all sessions?
Yes, in order to successfully complete the programme, you are required to attend all face-to-face sessions.
4. What is the composition and size of the cohorts?
The pilot programme will comprise 2 intakes of 50 participants.
5. What is the structure of the programme?
The ADSBM programme has been designed as a blended learning programme involving a range of learning methods. These include seven days of residential face-to-face sessions, scenario-based e-learning sessions, (delivered via NCSL's virtual learning environment known as the Learning Gateway), school-based projects and research-based private study.
6. Are there phase-specific facilitator groups?
This is highly unlikely in the pilot phase.
7. What support is available throughout the programme?
Participants can track their progress online throughout the programme using NCSL's Learning Gateway. This is a tool that participants use to work through the modules. Progress is also fed back by the facilitators at residential sessions, personal tutorial sessions, the case study and project work.
8. Are there any assessed activities or pieces of work?
Yes, participants progress on the programme will be continuously assessed. This will include reports, presentations, assessed interviews and research activities.
9. What other programmes, events or resources are available to me in this area?
On commencement of the programme a range of materials will be given to participants to support and develop their learning.
10. How do I access the online communities and materials?
Once the participant has been accepted onto the programme, the training provider will send a joining pack detailing dates of the face-to-face events, venue, pre-reading materials, etc.
All of the programme materials are available on the Learning Gateway and you will receive a username and password to access the programme materials. The usernames of successful applicants will be activated approximately three weeks prior to the start of the programme, so that they can access ADSBM programme materials.
11. Do I have to use the online facilities?
Yes, the majority of the programme materials will be accessible via the NCSL online environment. Participants will be expected to engage with these to develop their skills and knowledge.
12. Where can I get technical support for problems with online materials/access?
You should contact the NCSL help desk on 0845 609 0009 or enquiries@ncsl.org.uk.
13. Will the facilitators be there to help me online?
Yes, every tutor group will have its own pages within talk2learn and you can contact your facilitator via these.
14. Do I have to pay for materials?
No, they are provided as part of the programme, however you will be required to meet the printing costs of some materials as these are downloaded from the NCSL Learning Gateway.
15. Can I use the materials afterwards in my school setting?
Yes, however participants have to agree to a declaration that the programme materials remain the intellectual property of the College.
1. How much does this programme cost?
The pilot programme is fully funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) for maintained schools only.
Applicants from outside of the maintained sector should contact the Bursar Development team to discuss programme costs.
2. Can I claim for the costs of supply /release cover?
NCSL will not meet supply/release cover costs.
3. Can I claim for travel expenses?
NCSL will provide accommodation and subsistence for the evening prior to and during the residential face-to-face sessions.
Travel and subsistence will not be met unless under exceptional circumstances. Each exceptional case will be considered individually and will fall under NCSL's external travel and subsistence policy if it is deemed a valid claim. Exceptional circumstances are as follows:
4. What is the policy for charging, supply/release cover and travel for small schools?
NCSL will not meet supply/release cover costs. Small schools with less than 100 pupils are able to claim travel and subsistence costs as per the NCSL external travel and subsistence policy.
1. Can the ADSBM programme contribute any credit towards an MA?
The programme will be accredited once the pilot has been completed and a thorough evaluation of the programme's content and delivery approach has been assessed. The College will seek to ensure that any accreditation arrangements are retrospectively applied to pilot participants.
2. Will I receive any form of accreditation for completing the programme?
See above statement.
3. How can I become a facilitator on this programme?
Becoming a facilitator is not possible at this stage of the project. As soon as this information becomes available we will update the website.
4. Are there any other related opportunities available to me?
NCSL offers a range of professional development programmes.
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