Head of IT & Digital Strategy
Full time | £63,472–£68,051 | Anthem Schools Trust

Home-based with requirement to travel across Trust schools (East Midlands, Thames Valley and London) and attend Head Office in London as required

Lead the Digital Future of Anthem Schools Trust

Are you a visionary IT leader ready to shape the digital landscape of a national multi‑academy trust? Anthem is searching for a strategic, innovative and people‑centred Head of IT & Digital Strategy to drive transformation, strengthen our digital foundations and deliver excellent, user‑focused IT services across 15 schools and our central team.

This is not “business as usual.”

This is a rare opportunity to influence how technology supports teaching, learning, safeguarding, operations and leadership for more than 7,000 pupils and hundreds of staff.

What This Role is Really About

This is not a maintenance role.
This is a build it, elevate it, future‑proof it role.

You will:

• Lead Anthem’s Trust‑wide digital strategy and set an ambitious roadmap for the years ahead.
• Drive digital transformation and embed a consistent, digital‑first culture across diverse school communities.
• Oversee IT governance, cyber security, AI adoption, cloud platforms, Microsoft 365, identity and access management and infrastructure.
• Operate a Trust‑wide IT service model that delivers excellent customer experience and measurable service performance.
• Work directly with headteachers, senior leaders and professional services teams to ensure reliable, safe and resilient IT.
• Lead multi‑year investment planning, device lifecycle management and procurement to deliver value and sustainability.
• Coach, develop and empower our Trust IT team to be high‑performing, collaborative and solutions‑driven.
• Lead a proactive rhythm of IT communication across the Trust

Your leadership will shape the digital experience of every learner and colleague across Anthem.

About You

You are an accomplished IT leader with the strategic vision, credibility and expertise to drive digital excellence at scale. You recognise how technology can transform teaching, learning, safeguarding and operations — and you know how to turn that vision into reality.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience across multi‑site or complex environments, with a strong grasp of how to deliver consistency, resilience and trust‑wide alignment.
• Deep expertise in modern IT ecosystems, including Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, cyber security and identity & access governance.
• A proven track record of delivering digital transformation, introducing new technologies, improving services and building digital confidence across diverse teams.
• Strong influence and relationship‑building skills, with the presence and communication style to engage headteachers, senior leaders and technical specialists alike.
• A calm, customer‑focused mindset, able to simplify complexity, solve problems quickly and lead with empathy, clarity and professionalism.
• A commitment to safeguarding, operational excellence and driving improvements that positively impact pupils, staff and school communities.
• A proactive, future‑focused approach, always scanning for opportunities in EdTech, AI, automation and innovation that can add value and reduce friction.
• A leadership style that inspires teams, builds capability, nurtures talent and encourages collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Confidence in governance, risk and compliance, ensuring that digital safety, data protection and cyber resilience are at the heart of all decisions.

If you thrive on innovation, delivering meaningful change and shaping digital systems that genuinely make schools better places to work and learn, this role offers outstanding scope, influence and challenge.

Why Join Anthem?

We are committed to attracting and retaining high‑quality leaders. Our offer includes:

• Competitive salary within our senior professional pay framework
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes, including TechScheme, Home & Living, and Cycle to Work
• Flexible working arrangements
• Trust‑wide wellbeing and employee assistance support
• Extensive professional and leadership development through the Anthem Institute
• The opportunity to shape digital strategy across a national multi‑academy trust

At Anthem, you will be part of a values‑driven organisation where collaboration, integrity and ambition underpin everything we do.

Employee Benefits

Cycle Scheme
Tech & Home Scheme
Corporate Health Cash Plan
Eye Care support
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Referral Scheme
Anthem Institute CPD and leadership development

Safeguarding & Equality

Anthem Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and appropriate safeguarding vetting.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.

It is an offence for anyone barred from working with children to apply for or undertake regulated activity. This role involves regulated activity. Anthem will undertake an online check for all shortlisted candidates.