The OpEx Advantage
How Operational Excellence unlocks capacity, clarity and strategic impact
Across maintained schools and MATs, rising costs and growing demands mean that doing more with less is now essential. In this regard, Operational Excellence (OpEx) isn't a buzzword, it is a proven approach for streamlining non-teaching processes, reducing waste and protecting capacity so your school or trust can stay focused on its mission. Drawing on the latest ISBL research, this session shows how OpEx can deliver real efficiency gains and smarter resource deployment. We translate the theory into everyday contexts - from single school application, small and large trusts - and demonstrate how OpEx builds strong, sustainable operations that support educational priorities.
In this session we explore
Why OpEx matters now than ever as schools respond to tighter funding and rising operational costs
How to use the ISBL OpEx for Education framework as a roadmap for incremental improvement
Practical lean and continuous improvement techniques adapted for schools
How OpEx strengthens the strategic role and influence of school business leaders
Take home points
Clear insight into the most up to date OpEx research and what it means for meaningful application
A practical framework to improve processes and capacity at any scale
Tools for identifying waste, aligning resources and building continuous improvement
Ideas to strengthen professional influence and reinforce your strategic values
This session is for
School business leaders who want to move beyond crisis management, reduce operational friction and build resilient, efficient systems that support outstanding education.
