News and Thought Leadership
Explore the latest news, insights and thinking from the Centre for Education Operational Excellence, alongside research, commentary and perspectives from across the wider education sector.
From emerging challenges and new ideas to practical approaches, research and expert opinion, discover insights that inform, challenge and inspire those working to improve education systems and outcomes.
How finding your trust's blind spots can help it grow
Trust improvement isn’t just about addressing your weaknesses – it’s also about finding ways to enhance your strengths, says this senior MAT leader, who explains the benefits of inviting external scrutiny
Operational excellence is the next frontier for school improvement
We are entering a new phase for the sector which is not just defined by educational excellence
Operational excellence in education: How ISBL’s framework strengthens teaching environments
An exploration of how ISBL’s Operational Excellence (OpEx) Framework can strengthen teaching environments by aligning effective school operations with educational priorities and pupil outcomes.
Key Ingredients for Success
The five core elements that underpin organisational effectiveness and long-term performance.
Addressing England’s Special Educational Needs Crisis: Key Priorities and Solutions
Examining the drivers of the SEND crisis and the key actions needed to create lasting change.
Why Organisational Ingredients Matter Most in Education
Exploring how culture, people, and systems drive productivity and long-term effectiveness in education.
"OpEx" practices a major opportunity for schools
Education Business explores new research into the potential of Operational Excellence (OpEx) to transform how schools and trusts operate, creating greater capacity and reducing waste across key functions.
OpEx a “game-changing” opportunity for schools and trusts – ISBL report
How operational excellence can unlock capacity and drive more efficient, high-performing schools and trusts.
A study into the applicability of Operational Excellence to education systems
Exploring the potential for Operational Excellence to improve the effectiveness of school and trust operations, creating capacity and supporting better educational outcomes.
Operational Excellence Framework for Schools and Trusts
A practical, education-specific framework designed to help schools and trusts understand what operational excellence looks like and identify opportunities for improvement across ten key areas of operational capability.
It's time for education to embrace the power of OpEx
A big prize is waiting for schools and trusts that follow the operational excellence approach, says Institute of School Business Leadership chief Stephen Morales
How can education overcome the barriers to joined-up leadership? CEO Stephen Morales investigates.
Exploring the barriers to joined-up leadership and how greater alignment can improve outcomes across the education system.
ISBL Exploring Ethnicity: School Business Leadership in England Report 2020
Examining representation, lived experiences, and the need for more inclusive pathways in school business leadership.
ISBL School Business Professional Workforce Survey Report 2020
Exploring workforce trends, challenges, and the steps needed to support a more sustainable profession.
The Negotiation of Professional Identity (October 2016)
How the SBM role continues to evolve as the profession navigates complexity and change.
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