The School Business Leadership Immersive Programme

About the Programme

CFOs in education spend most of their time running complex organisations including budgets, estates, compliance, staffing and operational systems. The most effective leaders recognise the importance of occasionally stepping back to examoine how those systems are designed and how they might evolve.

The School Business LeadershipImmersive Programme has been created to provide that opportunity.

Over two days, participants will engage in structured discussions, explore practical leadership frameworks and share experiences with peers operating at a similar level.

The programme is intentionally small to ensure open discussion, meaningful connections and practical insight.

Join our 2026 founding cohort at a discounted price (including accomodation, meals and CPD) and help shape the future of this valuable and unique programme.

Programme Themes

The programme is structured around three core leadership themes:

Strategy

Understanding the strategic challenges shaping education organisations and the role of the CFO in navigating them.

Systems

Exploring how operational systems, governance structures and financial frameworks interact to support effective organisations

Sustainability

Considering long-term organisational resilience, including workforce wellbeing, financial stewardship and environmental sustainability

Who This programme Is For?

This programme is designed for experienced leaders working at a senior level within education organisations, including:

• Chief Financial Officers in academy trusts
• Senior School Business Professionals
• Directors of Operations and senior operational leaders

The programme is designed for those already operating at a strategic level who want to refine their thinking, strengthen their networks and invest time in leadership development.

The Venue

The programme takes place at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, one of the UK’s oldest agricultural universities.

Set within the historic surroundings of the Cotswolds, the university campus provides a distinctive environment for learning and professional dialogue, offering the space and perspective needed for focused strategic thinking.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants will leave with:

• clearer strategic perspective on school business leadership
• practical frameworks that can be applied within their organisations
• strengthened professional networks with peers
• dedicated time to think about long-term organisational leadership

Cohort Size

Places are intentionally limited to create a high quality peer cohort and meaningful discussion. The programme is peer funded and education sector suppliers have not been invited. Early booking is recommended

Info: Understanding how strategy, governance, finance and operational systems interact within education organisations.
Sessions include:
• Strategic operational leadership
• Operational excellence at system level
• Risk, resilience and governance
• Leadership Challenge Forum – exploring real strategic challenges from the cohort
Optional performance reset session with a professional trainer before dinner.
Evening cohort dinner.

Info: Exploring how senior school business leaders shape organisations and influence the future of the profession.
Sessions include:
• Sustainability and long-term system thinking
• Leadership influence and career development
• Practical frameworks for strategic operations
Optional morning movement session before the programme begins.
Programme closes mid-afternoon.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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