Join Our Team as an IT Strategic Lead

Are you an experienced IT leader ready to make a meaningful impact in education? Do you want to work within a forward-thinking Partnership that truly understands the critical role technology plays in safeguarding, operational excellence, and unlocking life-changing opportunities for children and young people?

We are seeking an exceptional IT Strategic Lead to drive our digital vision across the Polden Bower & Avalon Federation, in partnership with Willow Vale School. This is a unique opportunity to lead IT in a values-driven organisation where systems, infrastructure, and innovation are central to keeping our communities safe and enabling every learner to thrive.

Permanent | 37 hours per week | All year round
Grade 9: £41,771 – £46,142 per annum (dependent on experience)

Why Join Us?

We are more than a group of schools, we are a collaborative Partnership with a clear vision for the future. We recognise that high-quality IT systems are fundamental to:

• Safeguarding and data security, ensuring our children and families are protected
• Operational effectiveness, enabling staff to work efficiently and confidently
• Innovative teaching and learning, giving our pupils access to the very best opportunities

As our IT Strategic Lead, you will be at the heart of this work—shaping systems that don’t just function, but actively enhance outcomes and experiences across our settings.

You’ll work alongside ambitious leaders and dedicated staff who value technology as a driver for improvement, not just a support function.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Our Digital Strategy
  Develop and deliver a forward-thinking IT strategy aligned with our Partnership priorities and long-term vision.
• Drive Innovation Across Education and Operations
  Champion the use of modern platforms, AI, and emerging technologies to transform teaching, learning, and business systems.
• Oversee Infrastructure and Systems
  Ensure our IT environment is secure, resilient, and scalable—supporting multiple sites and evolving needs.
• Strengthen Safeguarding Through Technology
  Play a key role in protecting sensitive data and embedding robust cybersecurity practices across all systems.
• Champion Specialist and Inclusive Technology
  Build expertise in assistive and immersive technologies, supporting staff to use them effectively within the curriculum to enhance pupil outcomes.
• Collaborate and Influence
  Work closely with leaders, staff, and external partners—translating technical solutions into practical, user-friendly systems.

Who We’re Looking For

• A Strategic IT Leader with a proven track record of delivering impact across complex organisations
• Experienced and Future-Focused, with strong knowledge of cloud technologies, cybersecurity, data protection, and emerging trends such as AI
• A Flexible approach to meeting the needs of the Partnership’s schools, with a willingness to provide support when required and the confidence to deliver high-quality training across all settings.
• Collaborative and Influential, able to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• A Problem Solver, who thrives on improving systems and finding innovative solutions
• Ideally experienced in education or multi-site environments, though strong transferable experience will be considered

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in IT, Education Technology, or a related field
• Leadership experience across IT strategy, systems, and teams
• Knowledge of educational platforms and systems (desirable)
• Relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, or project management) are advantageous

What We Offer

• A full and supportive induction programme
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• A collaborative and welcoming staff team
• A strong commitment to wellbeing, including access to support services
• Occupational Health provision
• Access to our on-site café at Polden Bower (Bower Lane Campus)

Find Out More

We warmly welcome enquiries and visits. To arrange this, please contact:
Jo Stamford, Assistant HR Manager
01278 496386
HR@poldenbower.org.uk

Safeguarding Commitment

The Polden Bower & Avalon Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, medical clearance, right to work verification, and satisfactory references.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be conducted following shortlisting.