ISBA BURSARCAST // The Art of the Bursar: Redefining Leadership in Independent Schools ft. Heather Styche-Patel + the week's headlines (6th June 2025)

In this episode, we explore The Art of The Bursar — a timely and insightful new report from the ISBA and RSAcademics. As schools face increasing complexity, financial pressure, and a fast-changing educational landscape, the role of the bursar is evolving beyond operations into strategic leadership.

Our guest, Heather Styche-Patel, CEO of RSAcademics, joins us to unpack the report’s key findings. Together, we examine how the bursar’s role is evolving, what this means for the future of school leadership, and how Heads and Governors can foster stronger, more collaborative relationships with their bursars.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why this research matters now
• What’s changing in the role of the bursar — and what’s not
• The skills and mindset needed for next-generation bursars
• How school leadership teams can better support operational leaders
• Key recommendations for Heads, Chairs, and HR leads

We also have the week's headlines, covering 

• ISC Census
• Teachers pay rise 
• HSBC webinar
• Covid-19 enquiry
• Year 11 attendance - Post exams

📄 Resources & Links:

• Download the report: The Art of the Bursar via the ISBA Reference Library for members or head to the RSAcademics website: https://www.rsacademics.com

Contact the podcast at [email protected]
Tune in to the ISBA Bursarcast Podcast for a comprehensive exploration of the latest in independent school finance, legal developments, and their direct relevance to UK-based institutions.

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Independent schools vary widely in terms of their size, pupil population, location, provision and practice. Documents are offered as guidance only, in order to help schools prepare their own in a way that suits their own circumstances and reflects the needs of their own community, and the ISBA and our partners who have assisted in the production of the documents accept no liability for any claims or losses arising from their use. Before using documents from the ISBA library, and particularly after adapting them, schools should take specific legal advice

The ISBA Bursarcast is a RAFIKI STUDIO production

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