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., Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations and supporting the wider Executive Team, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the School's IT and Digital Strategy
• Drive digital transformation across teaching, learning, and administration
• Oversee all IT operations, infrastructure, and service delivery
• Take ownership of cyber security, risk management, and data protection (DPO)
• Lead and develop a small, dedicated IT team
• Manage external suppliers and third-party IT support partners
• Oversee IT budgeting, procurement, and long-term investment planning
• Guide the responsible and strategic use of AI technologies within the School, * Strategic IT leadership aligned with School objectives
• Reliable, high-quality IT services for staff and pupils
• Robust cyber security and compliance frameworks
• GDPR compliance and data protection oversight
• Budget management and supplier performance
• Supporting digital innovation in the classroom

You will be a confident and strategic IT leader with, * Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles

• Strong knowledge of cyber security and risk management
• Experience managing budgets and third-party suppliers
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Solid understanding of GDPR and data protection

Desirable:

• Experience in the education sector
• DPO experience
• Track record in digital transformation
• Cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CEH), * Strategic thinker with hands-on delivery capability
• Calm, decisive, and solutions-focused
• Strong communicator across all levels
• Organised with excellent governance awareness
• Committed to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing