If there is one message that seems to be central to government thinking on schooling it is the issue of efficiency. The message is everywhere – national and local government are looking for efficiencies in education.

The problem is, that is the only part of the message there is – government is not very good at telling anyone how to make schools more efficient.

With this in mind, the School of Educational Administration has been working on a number of projects which are now coming to fruition.

Firstly there’s the Certificate in Management Practice: Educational Work Management and Administration course.

This course consists of one module from the QCA-recognised National Certificate in Educational Administration. It is taught by distance learning and lasts approximately two months. The course is taught at level 3 (A Level equivalent) and is aimed at school administrators and bursars.

The course comprises three units: Time Management; Stress Management; Dealing with School Visitors. You can see the prospectus on-line at www.admin.org.uk/prospectus.pdf or you can obtain it in printed form by calling 01536 399 007, or by emailing prospectus@admin.org.uk Most students find that the course takes about four hours a week study time.

The next intake closes on 4 June and the course starts on 14 June. If you are interested in encouraging any of your staff to do the course, there is more information at http://www.admin.org.uk/shortcourse.html

Secondly, there’s the School Efficiency Newsletter, which is a free weekly publication available by email to everyone interested in school efficiency. You can sign up to receive it at www.schools.co.uk/subscribe.html - and we give the guarantee that your email address will never be given to anyone outside the School of Educational Administration.