King of school support

VISIONARY . . . school business manger Michael Unsworth

FORMER banker Michael Unsworth has been nominated for education’s version of an Oscar.

The 37-year-old business manager at Kingfisher School, Chadderton, will represent the borough and the region at the National Awards for School Support Staff.

He is in the running for a special achievement accolade which recognises the work of school business managers and bursars.

Mr Unsworth was a former corporate banker at a successful branch in Manchester when his boss was head-hunted.

“The next step on the career ladder for me in banking was one I did not particularly want,” he explained.

“I just started looking around for other options and saw a job for a bursar at Kingfisher School.

“I didn’t even know what a bursar was or what Kingfisher School was but thought I needed some interview practice.”

But Michael decided to go for it when he was offered the job at the school — at a time when school business management was in its infancy.

He has gone on to complete courses with the National College for School Leadership and is now the organisation’s regional school business managers advocate. “I love coming to work and the fact that my job is totally different every day.

“One day I can be looking at health and safety policies, the next day I can be doing a grant applications and working to improve the school facilities,” he added.

Kingfisher head teacher Anne Redmond nominated Mr Unsworth and said: “Michael is a key member of the school’s leadership team and a significant asset to the school.

“His creative and visionary approach bring another dimension to Kingfisher.”