ITS School Data Systems Specialist

Ready to move beyond single-school SIMS support? As the ITS School Data Systems Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting the effective use, development and governance of data systems across all 24 GDST schools. Working closely with schools, the Data Team, ITS and external suppliers, you’ll act as the subject matter expert for SIMS and wider school data systems, providing third-line support to resolve complex queries, while helping to embed best practice and strengthen data quality across the Trust.

This is more than a support role. You’ll contribute directly to the delivery of the GDST’s Data and Systems Strategies, supporting integrations, reporting infrastructure and data governance, and helping build the reporting and dashboards that inform decision-making across the organisation. It’s a genuine opportunity to step up from school-level SIMS expertise to Trust-wide influence, working alongside Data Managers, Directors of Finance and Operations, and colleagues across HR, Legal and Innovation and Learning.

What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role

You’ll bring in-depth knowledge of SIMS and hands-on experience working with data sets and business intelligence tools such as Excel and Power BI in a professional setting, ideally within a school or similarly complex, service-focused environment. Customer-focused and solutions-driven, you’re comfortable resolving complex technical queries while explaining new concepts clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of data confidence. You’re collaborative, calm under pressure, and committed to continuous professional development, with a genuine interest in how data and systems can improve outcomes across a large, multi-site organisation.

Why join us

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.

As part of the GDST, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

How to apply

For further information, the full job description and person specification please click the apply button.

Closing date: 21st September 2026 at 10am.

Interviews will be taking place Thursday 24th September 2026.

Our commitment

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

You’ll bring in-depth knowledge of SIMS and hands-on experience working with data sets and business intelligence tools such as Excel and Power BI in a professional setting, ideally within a school or similarly complex, service-focused environment. Customer-focused and solutions-driven, you’re comfortable resolving complex technical queries while explaining new concepts clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of data confidence. You’re collaborative, calm under pressure, and committed to continuous professional development, with a genuine interest in how data and systems can improve outcomes across a large, multi-site organisation.

As part of the GDST, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.