Sustainable Income Generation for Schools Masterclass

Course introduction

Many schools around the UK are feeling the pinch. Financial difficulty caused by wider socioeconomic and political issues is an ever-present issue. School finances are, unfortunately, a juggling act. Squeezed budgets are met with the demands of increased pupil numbers and issues that need resources.

The sustainable income generation masterclass is designed to equip delegates with the most effective fundraising methods to meet their school needs and how to prioritise those initiatives most worthy of their efforts. The masterclass will cover grant funding, crowdfunding, business sponsorship, gift aid and much more, with insight into how best to assemble a compelling story to engage supporters and potential donors.

Simple and quick wins will enable delegates to make an immediate impact on their return to school – swiftly demonstrating a return on their investment. There will also be opportunities to discuss specific challenges with the trainer and network with others.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand the key principles of fundraising in school;

• Identify passive income streams and introduce essential quick wins;

• Know the 9 routes to school funding;

• Identify and prioritise projects in school;

• Assemble a Fundraising Plan;

• Identify and communicate effectively with volunteers, supporters and stakeholders;

• Locate, researching and select appropriate funding streams;

• Access on-going support and free resources.

Target audience

Ideal course for School Business Managers, Headteachers, Heads of Year, Heads of departments, Finance leads and Governors.

Trainers for this course

Justin Smith

Following a career spent in private sector business development and marketing, Justin moved into the education sector over 20 years ago and has worked as a senior leader in 3 large second...ary schools in East Anglia. A vastly experienced bid writer, Justin has secured over £8 million in additional income for schools, from a variety of sources including conventional grants and trust funds, commercial sponsorship and donations. In 2020 Justin became an assessor with Best Practice Network, assessing school leaders with the ILM Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship. Justin was awarded the Guardian/ISBL Marketing Award in 2015 and is a Fellow of the Institute of School Business Leadership. Read more

See what others have to say about us

“I feel the training today has left me fully prepared to launch the Scheme to impact positively on the school community as a whole – an excellent day and very worthwhile. I would fully recommend.”

“Partnership working is an outstanding feature of the school. There are well established, excellent partnerships with parents and carers. The ‘learn with me’ days are very effective and parents are very positive about their worth. The ‘Family Values’ scheme is highly successful and encourages parents to undertake worthwhile activities with their children at home.”

“Excellent course – incredibly well delivered and really interesting and thought provoking. Looks to be a really good scheme and loads of help, ideas and activities to launch the scheme within the school. Will enhance the work I do as a parent support advisor. I know some of my families will love to do this.”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 12:30pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please note – the cost is per person