School business leader’s dissertation research praised

Andrea Howard, 49, from Cornwall, has spent the last four years studying a range of courses at the University, fitting them around her full-time job as a school business leader. 

Having initially completed the Certificate in Strategic Educational Leadership, followed by studying the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Educational Leadership (EL), Andrea decided to undertake the dissertation and complete her Master’s. 

This move resulted in the soon-to-be graduate earning a very high mark of 88 for her dissertation research on school business professionals, titled An Exploration of the Heterogeneity in Attitudes Towards the Role of School Business Professionals.  

Andrea explained: “I explored the diverse roles and experiences of school business professionals using a mixed methods approach. The research emphasised the need for supportive leadership and collaborative school environments to improve the recognition, support and career pathways for these professionals, ultimately enhancing school effectiveness. There is very limited research on the role and therefore I hope my research can help fill this gap.” 

University Senior Lecturer in Education Dr Mark Whalley added: “Andrea’s dissertation research, which I supervised, was excellent, receiving a mark of 88. It is genuinely original work exploring the work of school business leaders. The research is excellent and the findings are of a standard to be published. This work will impact the experiences of school business staff across the UK.” 

Andrea was able to achieve her academic success thanks to the University’s flexibility on its part-time distance learning offering. She said: “Graduating really does give me a huge sense of achievement. I really enjoyed the part-time distance learning; there were a couple of occasions that due to prior commitments I was unable to attend the weekend sessions, but they were all recorded so I was able to catch up in my own time. 

“But it is important to be disciplined when undertaking this method of study as it really is very self directed. Balancing the workload with my full-time job as a school business leader was the greatest challenge at first. However, the part-time module that Chester offers allowed me to undertake modules termly, but skip a term if I knew I had a particularly busy time at work coming up. 

The University and the method of study has been instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals, one I did not know I had when I first enrolled. My dissertation supervisor in particular played a crucial role in my success. His guidance, encouragement and insightful feedback were invaluable, allowing me to delve deeply into my research and produce a piece of work which I am truly proud of.” 

Mark added: “Andrea was a part-time distance learning student, showing that this mode of study and the course itself are valuable ways to learn. Often those who do this course are school leaders who come from the teaching side of school management, whereas Andrea’s career route is different and she shows that our MA EL is suitable for anyone in educational leadership, not just teachers.” 

• For more information on the Educational Leadership MA course, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/educational-leadership-ma.