John Murphie

About John

A rare combination of sector knowledge and leadership experience

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John Murphie is one of the most experienced and well-connected figures in the independent schools sector. His career spans nearly 30 years in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Captain, followed by a highly successful transition into independent school leadership and sector-level advisory roles.

John served as Chief Operating Officer of the Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA) from 2017 to 2025, where he was responsible for providing training, advice and guidance to over 1,200 member schools. During his tenure he significantly increased ISBA's membership and annual turnover, and played a central role in supporting the sector through major national challenges.

Before ISBA, John served as Bursar at Twyford School and Haslemere Prep, giving him first-hand operational experience of running a school's non-teaching functions, from financial strategy and facilities development to HR and health & safety.

John now brings this depth of experience to ISCC clients, helping schools and leadership teams navigate complex operational, strategic and governance challenges with clarity and confidence.

30
Years Royal Navy service, Retairing as Captain

1,200+
ISBA member schools supported as COO

8
Years at ISBA, Director of Finance then COO

How John Works With Schools

Strategic and operational support for school leadership teams

John works with Heads, Bursars, Governors and senior leadership teams across independent and state schools, providing the independent perspective, sector knowledge and leadership insight that helps schools make better decisions.

Operations & Risk

Reviewing and strengthening operational management, from facilities and procurement to risk frameworks and business continuity.

Governance & Leadership

Supporting Governors and Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities — including Board effectiveness, committee structures and governance review.

Coaching & Mentoring

One-to-one support for school leaders navigating change, transition or new roles, drawing on John's extensive experience across military and school leadership.

Finance & Strategy

Financial strategy, planning and review. Helping schools understand their position and make confident, evidence-based decisions.

Senior Appraisals

Independent appraisal of Bursars, Directors of Finance and senior non-teaching staff, structured, confidential and constructive.

Supplier Advisory

Helping suppliers understand the independent schools market, how decisions are made, what bursars need to see, and how to gain meaningful traction in the sector.

Career History

A career built on leadership, expertise and trust

2025 — present

ISCC / JSL Consultancy

Senior Consultant & Independent Advisor

Working with ISCC clients on school strategy, operations and governance. Running JSL Consultancy independently. Vice Chair and Chair of Finance for school trustee boards. Host of the Education Periscope podcast.

2017 — 2025

Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA)

Chief Operating Officer (from 2017); Director of Finance & Operations (Feb–Dec 2017)

Responsible for training, advice and guidance to 1,200+ member schools. Significantly grew membership and annual turnover. Led the organisation through major national crises and sector-defining events.

2015 — 2017

Haslemere Prep School

Bursar

Leadership and management of all non-teaching functions including financial strategy, facilities, project planning, risk, health & safety and business continuity.

2009 — 2014

Twyford School

Bursar

Full operational responsibility for the school's non-teaching functions. Financial planning, facilities development and project management.

1993 — 2007

Royal Navy

Captain (retired)

30-year career including command of HMS Cattistock, command of a 7-vessel mine countermeasures squadron (350 personnel), Director of the Iraqi Coastal Defence Force, Director of Naval Shore Training and Ministry of Defence policy advisor. Two deployments into live minefields.

The Education Periscope

John produces and hosts the Education Periscope, a podcast exploring the challenges, opportunities and ideas shaping independent school leadership today. It is one of the most thoughtful and well-regarded voices in the sector.