AN EDUCATION programme to increase the number of bursars in schools is proving a success, with several local people taking advantage of the scheme.

They have shown that the Bursar Development Programme's Certificate of School Business Management is an exciting and innovative programme for the development of school bursars and school business managers.

The programme has been piloted by the National College of School Leadership as part of the Government's strategy to increase the number of bursars in schools.

The hope is that the course will equip bursars and school business managers to carry out their roles to a high degree of competence, so that their schools can benefit from this expertise.

In particular, the course emphasises the ways in which they can support effective school leadership and management. The first pilot has provided evidence that the course is already having a positive impact on schools and school bursars.

Jackie McGeady, the bursar at Beardwood School, Preston New Road, Blackburn, is an on-line tutor for the programme and to date 14 of her students have been awarded the Certificate of School Business Management.

The latest success stories include Wendy Bell, from St Mary and St Joseph's RC Primary School, Blackburn; Hilary Fenton from Newfield School, Blackburn; and Susan Smith from St James The Less Primary School, Rossendale.

Jackie said: "I am very proud of them all as they have worked so hard and been so dedicated to the programme. This is an excellent achievement and their success will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony in November."

Peter Morgan, Director of Education and Lifelong Learning said: "Business management skills are key elements of successful school management and this award recognises the acquisition and application of those important skills.

"Jackie McGeady, their tutor, was one of the first school bursars in the country to gain the MBA in Education Management and I am very pleased that she is sharing her extensive knowledge, experience and skills to support others to become more effective school bursars and school business managers."