Behind the scenes: The Business & Finance Team

In the bustling corridors and behind the scenes, there are dedicated teams who ensure that our school functions smoothly. From managing administrative tasks and keeping our buildings safe and secure, to providing essential classroom support, these unsung heroes play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment at Priory.

In  a  series  of  articles,  we're  shining a  spotlight  on  each  team  as  we  explore  their  contributions  and  learn  more  about  the  people  who  keep  our  school  running  seamlessly.  In this third part, we continue with the Business & Finance Team.

Strategic Business Development Manager Mrs Barker, is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and describes her department as ‘the engine room behind the scenes supporting all departments in many ways.’

Mrs Barker has a team of four who oversee the business and non-academic side at Priory, ranging from budgets and finance, data and exams, to catering, HR and payroll, business contracts and more!

Mrs Barker said: “I have many responsibility areas with the biggest being the financial management of the school, including budgeting and producing the three-year budget forecast, undertaking the statutory returns to Government, and managing HR and payroll, making sure everyone in school is paid and all staff have employment contracts.

“I also manage our energy contracts, GDPR and data protection, the Catering service and cleaning contract.

“I work closely with Strategic Estates Development Manager Mr Bolton in writing bids for additional grant funding, Health & Safety, estates management and facility hire outside of school hours.

Assistant Business Manager, Mrs Cookson said: “I am second to Mrs Barker, dealing with all aspects of finance and human resources and I am more involved in the day-to-day running of the school.”

Mrs Diamond-Bugler has moved into a new role in Mrs Barker’s Team as Assistant Business Manager for Business Services. She said “This is a new role connected with the running of the business side of the school, health and safety responsibilities, GDPR compliance, out of hours facility hire and more. I am still finding my feet in it but I am enjoying it."

Miss Conway is the Exams Officer and said: “There are exams all year round so I am kept busy. There are mock exams in November and February, then the GCSE exams and the Year 10 mocks in the summer term. I also deal with pupil admissions and pupil data.”

Miss Haydock is the Business Support Officer. She said: “My job is a bit of everything, looking after catering, administrative support where needed, supporting Mrs Cookson with finance and organising school trips.”

Mrs Barker believes the work undertaken by the team is fundamental in supporting all pupils and staff, stating “The Business and Finance Team’s daily mission is to provide a professional and personable business service to all, and the team strives to deliver this every day so all Priory pupils can achieve their best outcomes.”