Independent schools are under growing pressure to strengthen compliance, improve financial control and operate more efficiently.

This episode of ISBA Bursarcast covers the latest operational developments for independent schools, including safeguarding updates, AI governance, attendance guidance, inspection changes and VAT considerations.

Leo then speaks with Neil Cufley of Royal Russell School and Ben Johnston from Alii about digitisation and automation in school finance.

They discuss the sector’s reliance on manual processes, inconsistent purchase-order use, limited visibility and the pressure on small finance teams. Neil also shares Royal Russell’s experience of replacing paper-based systems with Ally to improve control, security and efficiency.

The conversation makes clear that digital transformation is not just a software project. It depends on clear goals, strong leadership, good data, effective communication and changes in behaviour across the organisation.

The episode also explores invoice fraud risk, process mapping and the need for schools to operate with greater commercial discipline in a more challenging financial environment.

GUESTS:

Neil Cufley, Royal Russell School

Ben Johnston, Alii

Request a Demo | Alii

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.

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New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

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In this special guest episode, we are joined by Laura Mitchelson from Veritas Wild to discuss teacher retention in international schools — and why the retention story often begins long before a teacher reaches the end of their first contract.

Together, we explore the transition into a new school, a new country and, often, a new culture. The conversation looks at how early communication, practical preparation and the first few weeks after arrival can shape whether teachers feel confident, connected and likely to stay.

For international schools, recruitment is only one part of the staffing challenge. Once an appointment has been made, the quality of the teacher’s early experience can have a lasting impact on morale, belonging and long-term commitment.

Laura shares her perspective on the human side of relocation, highlighting why cultural adjustment is different for every individual and why schools should avoid treating induction as a purely administrative process.

The episode considers what teachers most need before they arrive, how schools can reduce uncertainty, and why small details in the first few weeks can make a significant difference to how welcome and supported a new colleague feels.

Key themes include:

• Why retention begins before arrival

• The role of clear and reassuring communication

• How cultural adjustment varies from person to person

• The importance of the first few weeks in-country

• How schools can help teachers feel genuinely welcomed, not simply processed

• The connection between belonging, confidence and long-term retention

• Why transition support is a leadership and culture issue, not just an HR process

This conversation is particularly relevant for heads, senior leaders, HR teams, recruitment leads and anyone involved in supporting international staff through relocation and induction.

GUEST

Laura Mitchelson

Veritas Wild

EPISODE FOCUS

Teacher retention in international schools: communication, cultural adjustment and the first few weeks.

LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

By the end of the episode, listeners will understand:

• Why early transition support matters for long-term retention

• How communication before arrival can reduce uncertainty and build trust

• Why schools need to recognise individual experiences of cultural adjustment

• What makes the first few weeks so important for confidence and belonging

• How international schools can take practical steps to improve the teacher transition experience

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 & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 pressures

Resources 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 website

Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected]

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 investment
• DfE call for evidence on children’s screen use
• Future scrutiny of EdTech, generative AI, filtering and monitoring
• Inspection readiness and recurring compliance themes
• Decommissioning of the ISBA Inspection Toolkit on 31 August 2026
• Safeguarding policy updates linked to draft KCSIE 2026
• Government consultation on zero and low hours contracts
• Supreme Court appeals relating to VAT on school fees
• Energy renewal risk and market volatility
• Guest segment with Helen Woods on the latest ISBA Annual Conference
• Key conference learnings for operational planning, governance and sector priorities

Resources Mentioned:

• ISBA Technology Survey 2026 Report
• DfE call for evidence on children’s screen use
• ISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspections
• ISBA Inspection Toolkit/App notice
• ISBA Template Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updates
• Draft KCSIE 2026 consultation material
• Government consultation on zero and low-hours contracts
• Supreme Court VAT legal challenge updates
• Mindful Energy renewal price forecast
• ISBA Annual Conference reflections with Helen Woods

Subscribe & Follow:

New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Get in touch at: [email protected]

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on safeguarding, security, complaints, estates compliance and end-of-year operational readiness for independent schools.

We cover the DfE consultation on the new information-sharing duty under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, including the potential implications for safeguarding practice, policy, training, local partnership working, record-keeping and professional judgement.

We also flag the Home Office’s statutory guidance on Martyn’s Law, now the main source of information on requirements for premises in scope. Education-specific guidance from the DfE is still awaited, and the law is not expected to come into force until spring 2027.

For schools managing parental complaints, we look at the growing use of AI-generated correspondence, including the risk of longer, more legalistic and sometimes inaccurate complaints. The episode highlights the importance of proportionate processes, clear communication boundaries and inspection-ready complaints handling.

The end-of-year checklist is another major theme, with finance, payroll, HR and compliance tasks now coming into sharp focus. We cover charity reporting, P11Ds, PAYE Settlement Agreements, audit planning, budget finalisation, payroll updates, National Minimum Wage and mileage-rate checks, SORP preparation, VAT, employment contracts, staff accommodation documents, SCR checks, policy review and strategic risk-register updates.

We also look at inspection readiness on water supplies, including drinking water, scalding risk, washing facilities, legionella risk assessments, flushing records, temperature monitoring and maintenance evidence.

Digital risk features too, with the launch of the DfE Cyber Security Hub and ISBA’s updated guidance on parent WhatsApp groups, covering data protection, reputation, safeguarding and parent communications.

A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs, DSLs, HR leads, estates teams and compliance leads preparing for the final weeks of term and the start of the next academic year.

Resources Mentioned

• DfE consultation on the information-sharing duty under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act — available via GOV.UK
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 — available via GOV.UK
• Home Office statutory guidance on Martyn’s Law / Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — available via GOV.UK
• Security Industry Authority consultation on Martyn’s Law regulatory guidance — available via GOV.UK
• Stone King guidance on AI and parental complaints — referenced in the ISBA bulletin
• ParentKind guidance on effective complaint resolution and AI use — available via ParentKind
• ISBA end-of-academic-year advice and guidance checklist — available in the ISBA bulletin and member resources
• Charity Commission annual return and accounts filing services — available via GOV.UK
• Charity Commission for Northern Ireland annual reporting guidance — available via CCNI
• OSCR annual reporting guidance — available via OSCR
• HMRC P11D and P11D(b) guidance — available via GOV.UK
• HMRC PAYE Settlement Agreement guidance — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA template employment contracts — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• ISBA staff accommodation contracts — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• ISBA Bursar’s Guide to ISI Inspection — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• HSE guidance on Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease — available via HSE
• Standards for school premises — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA Approach to Parent WhatsApp Groups guidance — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• DfE Cyber Security Hub for schools — available via GOV.UK
• DfE AI support materials for schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK
• Chartered College of Teaching AI case studies and research articles — available via the Chartered College of Teaching

Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4 pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Bursarcast focuses on the compliance, safeguarding, staffing and financial governance developments most likely to affect independent school operations.

We cover the EHRC’s draft updated Code of Practice, now presented to Parliament, and the connected safeguarding and equality implications for schools as they monitor proposed KCSIE updates on pupils questioning their gender.

We also flag safeguarding policy readiness following the updated Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance, including the importance of keeping policy references current and ensuring school practice matches published procedures.

For schools providing staff accommodation, we note ISBA’s updated assured periodic tenancy and prior notice of grounds templates, linked to the Renters’ Rights Act. The episode also covers updated reserves and investment policy guidance, HMRC’s approved mileage rates from 6 April 2026, and warnings about business rates agents and cold calling.

Digital risk is another theme this week, with practical issues around smart glasses, image capture, acceptable use, exams, visitors and reasonable adjustments. We also look at the wider debate on social media access for under-16s and the direction of travel on mobile phone policy scrutiny.

We highlight two senior recruitment opportunities: bursar roles at The King’s Bruton Foundation and Dover College.

A focused update for bursars, heads, governors, COOs and senior teams tracking the issues that could shape compliance, safeguarding, staffing, finance, property and operational risk planning.

Resources Mentioned

• EHRC draft updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations — available via GOV.UK
• KCSIE 2026 proposed revisions — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA webinar: KCSIE on gender questioning pupils – a new statutory safeguarding lens
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA safeguarding policy template amendments — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• National Minimum Standards for Boarding — available via GOV.UK
• Independent School Standards Guidance — available via GOV.UK
• Digital and technology standards in schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK
• Children Missing Education guidance — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA updated assured periodic tenancy agreement and prior notice of grounds templates — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• ISBA Reserves and Investment Policy Template and Guidance — available in the ISBA Reference Library
• HMRC travel mileage and fuel rates and allowances — available via GOV.UK
• Valuation Office Agency guidance on choosing a business rates agent — available via GOV.UK
• HSE workplace temperature guidance and checklist — available via HSE
• DfE hot weather and heatwaves guidance for schools and education settings — available via GOV.UK
• Government consultation and policy material on children’s use of social media — available via GOV.UK
• ISI consultations on inspection complaints and significant strengths — available via ISI
• DfE call for evidence on antisemitism in schools and colleges — available via GOV.UK
• ISBA recruitment: Bursar at The King’s Bruton Foundation
• ISBA recruitment: Bursar at Dover College

Subscribe & Follow

New episodes every Friday at 4pm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Acast.

Email: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO

www.rafikistudio.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.