Interim school bursar
An interim bursar takes substantive cover for a defined period, normally between a resignation and a permanent appointment, or to lead a specific intervention. Day rates in 2025/26 typically run from £350 to £600 for an experienced interim, with agency margin of 15 to 25 percent on top where applicable.
Day rate
The £350 to £600 band is for an experienced interim with a track record across maintained or independent schools. Highly specialised interims (post-ESFA notice, post-FRA, MAT consolidation) command rates above the band. Agency margin is normally 15 to 25 percent on top.[1]
Typical scenarios
Interim cover is most often engaged to bridge a resignation, to lead an audit response, to respond to an ESFA Notice to Improve, or to take a school through a single capital project. Placements normally run for three to nine months.[2]
Placement agencies
ISBA's recruitment service, Dovetail and a number of specialist education recruiters maintain interim bursar rosters. Most ISBA member schools approach ISBA first for an interim before approaching a commercial agency.[3]