Head of IT
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
The Head of IT provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all IT and digital services across St Leonards School.
The postholder will lead the School through a period of strategic digital development, ensuring that technology effectively supports teaching and learning, operational efficiency, cyber security resilience and long-term growth.
The role combines strategic planning, operational management, cyber security leadership and data protection accountability.
The Head of IT will ensure that IT services are robust, secure, innovative and aligned with the School's wider strategic objectives.
Strategic Leadership & Digital Development
Design and develop, implement and regularly review the School's IT and Digital Strategy in alignment with the overall School Strategic Plan.
Lead digital transformation initiatives that enhance teaching, learning and administrative efficiency.
Chair or contribute to digital roadmap planning, ensuring clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
Advise the Executive Team and Governors on emerging technologies, risks, opportunities and sector trends.
Ensure digital infrastructure supports future growth, resilience and innovation.
IT Operations & Service Delivery
Oversee the delivery of effective, responsive and high-quality IT support services to staff and pupils.
Ensure appropriate service levels, performance monitoring and continuous improvement of IT support.
Maintain robust IT infrastructure including networks, servers, cloud services, devices and telephony (mobile and fixed line).
Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place, tested and regularly reviewed.
Monitor system performance and uptime to ensure minimal disruption to teaching and operations.
Cyber Security & Risk Management
Lead the development and continuous improvement of the School's cyber security framework.Work with internal colleagues and external suppliers to strengthen cyber defences and system resilience.
Ensure compliance with recognised security standards and best practice.
Oversee risk assessments, penetration testing, patch management and incident response planning.
Report cyber risks and mitigation strategies to senior leadership and Governors.
Guide the Executive on incident management planning and lead on SAR requests and IT Cyber breach.
Data Protection & GDPR (DPO Function)
Act as the School's Data Protection Officer (DPO).
Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
Maintain oversight of data processing activities and the School's Data Protection Policy.
Manage data breaches and report incidents as required.
Provide training and guidance to staff on data protection responsibilities.
Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
AI integration and oversight
The Head of IT is responsible for overseeing the strategic implementation, governance, security, and ethical use of AI technologies within the school.
Ensures that AI systems support educational objectives while protecting data, maintaining compliance with regulations, and promoting responsible AI use among staff and students.
Budget & Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual IT budget.
Lead long-term IT financial planning and capital investment proposals.
Ensure cost-effective procurement of hardware, software and services.
Monitor contracts and licensing to ensure value for money and compliance.
Present budget updates and investment proposals to the Finance, IT & Estates Committee.
Supplier & Contract Management
Manage relationships with external IT support providers (including IO or equivalent).
Oversee third-party contractors, cyber security providers and website managers.
Negotiate contracts, service level agreements and renewals.
Ensure suppliers meet performance, compliance and safeguarding expectations.
Team Leadership & Line Management
Line manage the IT team, including:
Help Desk Technician
Database (MIS) Officer
Set clear objectives, performance standards and professional development plans.
Foster a culture of service excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
Ensure appropriate cover arrangements and succession planning.
Teaching & Learning Innovation
Work closely with academic staff to support digital learning initiatives.
Promote effective use of educational technology in classrooms.
Support staff training and digital upskilling.
Identify opportunities to enhance pupil digital literacy and innovation.
Governance & Reporting
Member of the Digital Strategy Group.
Work closely with the Executive Team.
Provide reports and updates to the Finance, IT & Estates Committee and Board of Governors.
Contribute to risk registers and compliance reporting.
Cross-School CollaborationCollaborate with:
Senior Leadership Team
External Relations (CRM, digital marketing, website)
Finance (systems integration and compliance)
HR (systems, payroll interfaces, staff data)
Estates (infrastructure, cabling, physical security)
Commercial operations
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Requirements
Honours degree (or equivalent professional experience) in IT, Computer Science or related field.
Recognised IT professional qualifications.
Significant experience in senior IT leadership.
Experience managing cyber security frameworks and risk.
Experience managing budgets and external suppliers.
Strong team management and leadership capability.
Demonstrable knowledge of GDPR and data protection compliance.
Person Specification - Desirable
Experience in the education sector.
Experience acting as DPO.
Experience leading digital transformation programmes.
Cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CEH).
Personal Attributes
Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery capability.
Calm and decisive under pressure.
Excellent communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
Highly organised with strong governance awareness.
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