Head of IT

Package Description: Role Purpose 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