Head of IT

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., 1. Design and develop, implement and regularly review the School's IT and Digital Strategy in alignment with the overall School Strategic Plan.

2. Lead digital transformation initiatives that enhance teaching, learning and administrative efficiency.
3. Chair or contribute to digital roadmap planning, ensuring clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
4. Advise the Executive Team and Governors on emerging technologies, risks, opportunities and sector trends.
5. Ensure digital infrastructure supports future growth, resilience and innovation.

IT Operations & Service Delivery

1. Oversee the delivery of effective, responsive and high-quality IT support services to staff and pupils.
2. Ensure appropriate service levels, performance monitoring and continuous improvement of IT support.
3. Maintain robust IT infrastructure including networks, servers, cloud services, devices and telephony (mobile and fixed line).
4. Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place, tested and regularly reviewed.
5. Monitor system performance and uptime to ensure minimal disruption to teaching and operations.

Cyber Security & Risk Management

1. 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.

2. Ensure compliance with recognised security standards and best practice.

3. Oversee risk assessments, penetration testing, patch management and incident response planning.

4. Report cyber risks and mitigation strategies to senior leadership and Governors.

5. Guide the Executive on incident management planning and lead on SAR requests and IT Cyber breach.

Data Protection & GDPR (DPO Function)

1. Act as the School's Data Protection Officer (DPO).
2. Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
3. Maintain oversight of data processing activities and the School's Data Protection Policy.
4. Manage data breaches and report incidents as required.
5. Provide training and guidance to staff on data protection responsibilities.
6. Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).

AI integration and oversight

1. The Head of IT is responsible for overseeing the strategic implementation, governance, security, and ethical use of AI technologies within the school.
2. 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

1. Develop and manage the annual IT budget.
2. Lead long-term IT financial planning and capital investment proposals.
3. Ensure cost-effective procurement of hardware, software and services.
4. Monitor contracts and licensing to ensure value for money and compliance.
5. Present budget updates and investment proposals to the Finance, IT & Estates Committee.

Supplier & Contract Management

1. Manage relationships with external IT support providers (including IO or equivalent).
2. Oversee third-party contractors, cyber security providers and website managers.
3. Negotiate contracts, service level agreements and renewals.
4. Ensure suppliers meet performance, compliance and safeguarding expectations.

Team Leadership & Line Management

1. Line manage the IT team, including:

• Help Desk Technician
• Database (MIS) Officer

2. Set clear objectives, performance standards and professional development plans.
3. Foster a culture of service excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
4. Ensure appropriate cover arrangements and succession planning.

Teaching & Learning Innovation

1. Work closely with academic staff to support digital learning initiatives.
2. Promote effective use of educational technology in classrooms.
3. Support staff training and digital upskilling.
4. Identify opportunities to enhance pupil digital literacy and innovation.

Governance & Reporting

1. Member of the Digital Strategy Group.
2. Work closely with the Executive Team.
3. Provide reports and updates to the Finance, IT & Estates Committee and Board of Governors.
4. Contribute to risk registers and compliance reporting.

Cross-School Collaboration

Collaborate with:

1. Senior Leadership Team
2. External Relations (CRM, digital marketing, website)
3. Finance (systems integration and compliance)
4. HR (systems, payroll interfaces, staff data)
5. Estates (infrastructure, cabling, physical security)
6. Commercial operations
7. External website managers & third party contractors, Head of Credit & Analytics up to £140,000 basic Location: UK (Hybrid - North West) Reporting to: CEO A fast-growing UK fintech is seeking a Head of Credit & Analytics to lead its end-to-end credit strategy and portfolio analytics. The company is developing a..., Chief Executive Officer The Green House - Location:Bristol (BS1) + hybrid - Salary:c £63k The Green House is seeking an inspiring, values-led CEO to lead this highly respected charity into its next chapter. Supporting children, young people and families affected by sexual..., Job Title: Head of Building Surveying Location: Cambridge Office Salary:Starting salary £90k+ and benefits About the Role The firm is seeking an experienced and driven professional to lead its Building Surveying team based in Cambridge. This is a senior leadership role..., The role: Software Engineering Lead Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum Location: Milton Keynes / Hybrid VIQU IT have partnered with a growing but established SaaS organisation who are hiring a Software Engineering Lead to play a key role in shaping technical direction of..., Job Role: IT Service Desk Lead Location: Barrow In Furness, Cumbria Salary: £35,000 PA + Benefits About the Role: Technology & Risk Recruitment (TRR) is supporting our client in their search for an experienced IT Service Desk Lead. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a..., Housing Officer - 6 Month Contract - Hampshire Panoramic is supporting a local authority in the search for an experienced Housing Officer to join its Housing Team. This is a hands-on role where you'll take ownership of a defined patch, playing a key part in supporting...

VIP Travel Consultant, Media & Entertainment - UK, London, Office, EUROPE

BCD Meetings and Events

VIP Travel Consultant, Media & Entertainment - UK, London, Office, EUROPE We work with some of the biggest names in the Media & Entertainment Industry. Do you have what it takes? Travel Beyond Limits and audition today! VIP Travel Agent, Media & Entertainment...

Head of Operational Resilience - Purposed Led Investment

1. Honours degree (or equivalent professional experience) in IT, Computer Science or related field.
2. Recognised IT professional qualifications.
3. Significant experience in senior IT leadership.
4. Experience managing cyber security frameworks and risk.
5. Experience managing budgets and external suppliers.
6. Strong team management and leadership capability.
7. Demonstrable knowledge of GDPR and data protection compliance., 1. Experience in the education sector.
8. Experience acting as DPO.
9. Experience leading digital transformation programmes.
10. Cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CEH)., 1. Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery capability.
11. Calm and decisive under pressure.
12. Excellent communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
13. Highly organised with strong governance awareness.
14. Committed to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing., Head of English | Barnet | September 2026 An exemplary secondary school in Barnet is seeking an exceptional Head of English to lead its vibrant English Department this September. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of English to drive academic excellence...

Job Description Change Needs You Become a Met Police Officer with a starting salary of over £40k The Met is working hard to drive more trust, reduce crime, and maintain high standards for London and its communities. The Met is made up of officers and staff from all...

St Leonards delivers the inspiring, globally-recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum (which has been praised by university admissions officers for its focus on deepening learning learning, offering wider subject options, and enriching minds) for pupils aged five to 18, and was the first school to be accredited as an all-through IB school in Scotland. It is one of just two schools in the UK to actively offer all four IB programmes, ensuring a seamless learner journey. The youngest pupils follow the Primary Years Programme, which goes hand-in-hand with the vibrant Outdoor Learning programme at St Leonards. This is followed by the Middle Years Programme and (I)GCSEs. In the Sixth Form, pupils choose between the Career-related Programme and the Diploma Programme. St Leonards enjoys a rich sporting heritage, and continues to boast a strong record of achievement with pupils representing the school nationally in golf, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, horse riding, and small-bore rifle shooting. The leading five-tier Golf Programme continues to go from strength to strength, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is the fastest growing of all Scottish independent schools, and an exciting calendar of trips and activities ensures pupils leave St Leonards equipped with the skills required to succeed in today's ever-changing world. Truly an education 'Ad Vitam' (for life). #J-18808-Ljbffr Similar jobs, Io Associates LEAD STRESS ENGINEER (FEM) FILTON, UK (HYBRID) 12-MONTH CONTRACT (EXTENSION POSSIBLE) UP TO £52 PER HOUR INSIDE IR35 Lead Stress Engineer (FEM) is required for a leading global aerospace organisation renowned for shaping the future of commercial and military aviation. The..., Astute's Power team is partnering with leading with a Power Generation company to recruit an Area Leader for its Energy unit at their site in Newark The Energy Area Lead role comes with a starting salary of up to £74,000 + benefits package. If you're an experienced DCS...