What skills and experience we're looking for
Job Overview
Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of education through innovative IT, data and systems strategies? Do you aspire to play a key role in a nationally and internationally recognised Trust at the forefront of PedTech and digital excellence? This is your chance to join LEO Academy Trust as Head of IT, Data & Systems, driving transformative change across our growing family of schools.
The Role
As Head of IT, Data & Systems, you will lead on the development and implementation of innovative IT, data and systems strategies that align with the Trust’s strategic vision, values, and aims. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and other senior leaders, you will:
• Develop and deliver a Trust-wide IT, data and systems strategy to enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, and educational outcomes.
• Drive innovation through emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and data visualisation tools.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Oversee the integration and optimisation of core systems, ensuring consistency and quality across all schools.
• Establish robust data governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with GDPR and other regulatory standards.
• Deliver impactful training programmes to build data literacy and analytical capabilities across the Trust.
• Promote the positive outcomes and impact LEO Academy Trust locally, regionally and nationally.
This is a senior appointment, with the exciting potential for the role to evolve as the Trust continues its ambitious growth.
What the school offers its staff
LEO Academy Trust champions continuous professional development and delivers a programme of in house CPD. We also work with a range of partners to offer accessible training for all staff.
We believe in the importance of succession planning, and that we are well placed to support you in your next challenge. We offer opportunities to work across different academies within the Trust, and a commitment to promotion opportunities, encouraging ‘home grown’ talent.
Informal conversations are welcomed and a visit to our team is encouraged.
Please contact the Trust’s dedicated HR Team on 020 8066 7130 ext 1015 or via email at recruitment@leoacademytrust.co.uk
All candidates should detail how you meet the aspects of the person specification for the role. You should describe your suitability against the person specification and ensure that you cover all essential criteria (if not marked as essential, please assume all are essential), by providing evidence and examples of proven experience.
Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff and Trust treat visitors, volunteers, contractors and former staff members.
Please be aware:
• This role can only be worked in the UK from the location(s) provided and not from overseas.
• For this role the Trust would not consider sponsoring a Certificate of Sponsorship/visa. Please note we are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
• Feedback will only be provided upon request if you attend an interview.
• In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidelines, the Trust will use internet searches, including social media searches to perform pre- employment checks on candidates in the course of recruitment. The Trust will act in accordance with its data protection and equal opportunities obligations.
• Employees working in any role that requires them to communicate with pupils, parents, guardians, staff and / or members of the community, must be able to speak fluent English to enable the effective performance of the role and to ensure that they are able to abide by their safeguarding responsibilities.
Reasonable adjustments
Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, or at any stage of the recruitment process, please
• contact the Recruitment team via recruitment@leoacademytrust.co.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• External candidates should also complete the appropriate section of the application form to tell us what changes or help you might need.
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. For further information, please refer to our applicant guide on our website.
Please be advised that the Trust reserves the right to withdraw this advert at any time.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.