School Business Manager Award

2025 Winner: Lesley Colbert - Maritime Academy Trust

Finance Manager at the Maritime Academy Trust, Lesley exemplifies exceptional dedication and expertise in educational finance. With over 20 years of experience as a School Business Manager, she now plays a pivotal role in supporting schools within the Trust's central finance team. Her outstanding contributions were recognised when she was honoured as Business Manager/Bursar of the Year at the 2024 Education Today School Awards. Lesley's commitment to excellence ensures that the Trust's financial operations run smoothly, directly benefiting the educational experiences of countless students. Her colleagues and the wider educational community hold her in high esteem.

Commended

Duncan Marshall - St Edburg’s CE Primary School, Oxford

Duncan exemplifies dedication and excellence in his role. His commitment extends beyond administrative duties, as he actively engages with both colleagues and students, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Recognised for his outstanding contributions, Duncan was honoured as a Silver Winner in the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards. His proactive approach has also led to the successful management of significant capital projects, including the development of the school's second site on Ludlow Road, enabling the school to serve more families in the local area. Duncan's unwavering dedication significantly enhances the educational experience at St Edburg's, making him an invaluable asset to the school community.

Paula Holbrook - Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Executive Business Manager at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust has made significant contributions to school business leadership. With over 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Paula has held roles as a director and chief officer of finance and operations. Her academic achievements include a PhD, MBA, and Chartered FCIPD status. In recognition of her exceptional work, Paula was recognised with the prestigious ISBL Award for Exceptional Contribution to School Business Leadership. Paula's dedication and expertise have been instrumental in advancing TSAT's mission to transform life chances for young people.

Laura Patey-Smith, Wren Spinney School

Laura's leadership has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment for both staff and students, contributing to the school's outstanding reputation. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing atmosphere ensures that every student receives the care and attention they deserve. Laura's unwavering dedication and exceptional skills make her an invaluable asset to Wren Spinney School and the wider educational community. Her dedication was recognised when she won the School Business Manager of the Year award at the Northamptonshire Education Awards 2024.

Mark O’Brien, Marjory Kinnon School

With over 25 years of experience supporting children and vulnerable adults, Mark has held senior roles in the education sector for the past 15 years. His expertise encompasses strategy, organisational development, change management, and operational delivery. A Fellow of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL), Mark contributed to research on applying Operational Excellence to education systems. He also serves on the government advisory Schools and Academies Funding Group. Recently, he initiated support for children displaced due to domestic violence, reflecting his commitment to social mobility and aiding organisations with a social purpose.

Akvile Taylor, Brooke Weston Academy

With over 11 years at Brooke Weston Trust and two years in her current role, Akvile leads initiatives that foster a supportive work environment. She spearheaded the creation of an internal "Wellbeing Hub," providing staff with resources, recognition programmes, and support services. Her proactive approach includes implementing 'Wellbeing Days' and 'Brooke Boost' periods, allowing staff time to recharge. Akvile's commitment ensures that colleagues feel valued and supported, contributing to a positive and productive atmosphere at Brooke Weston.

Presented to Sue Blackwell

After joining Wensley Fold Primary in Blackburn as an administration assistant in 1999, and later taking on the School Business manager role, Sue Blackwell has witnessed major change over the last quarter of a century. She has been instrumental in helping the school adapt to the pressures of becoming a two-form school and its transition to become an Academy in 2013, which brought with it major renovations to the site and a doubling of the pupil intake. She retires with the school in an outstanding condition.

2024 nominees

Duncan Marshall - St Edburg’s CE Primary School, Oxfordshire
Mark Barnes-Moran - Stansfield Hall Church of England | Methodist Church Primary School, Lancashire
Fran Hedges - Wootton Park School / Northampton Free Schools Trust
Jacqueline Dwyer - Stony Dean School, Buckinghamshire

2023: presented to Wayne Allsopp New College Leicester

Wayne Allsopp has introduced several new income strands which are now generating £500K in additional income each year. Key organisations like the NHS West Leicester Childrens Mental Health Team now lease office accommodation while an onsite Coffee Shop turns over £100k per year. Alongside the additional income through lettings and catering, Wayne is experienced at bringing in capital and revenue funding. To date, he has attracted over £11 million to improve facilities and opportunities for the students and the local community. New College Leicester is now over subscribed school and has recently increased admission to cope with the demand. Much of this success can be attributed to projects that Wayne has been instrumental in developing.