Head of IT

Head of IT

Full-Time 55764 - 62235 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Kent Catholic School Partnership

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead digital strategy and IT services across 32 Catholic schools.
  • Company: Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership, a mission-driven organisation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and staff wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education through innovative IT leadership.
  • Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills.

The predicted salary is between 55764 - 62235 £ per year.

Lead Digital Strategy Across a Growing Catholic Trust

Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership (KCSP) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of IT to provide strategic and operational leadership for IT, digital infrastructure, and cyber security across our Trust of 32 Catholic schools (and growing). This is a senior leadership role with real influence, collaborating closely with the Executive Team, Headteachers, and Business Managers to shape a secure, modern, and resilient digital environment that supports teaching, learning and operational excellence.

Location: KCSP Barham Court Teston Kent ME18 5BZ

Salary: £55,764 - £62,235 (inclusive of September 2026 pay award)

The Role

  • Lead the development and delivery of a Trust-wide IT and digital strategy, aligned to school improvement and future growth.
  • Drive standardisation and transformation of systems, infrastructure, and support models across multiple sites.
  • Provide expert leadership on cyber security, safeguarding systems, GDPR and risk management.
  • Improve the consistency, quality, and responsiveness of IT services for staff and pupils.
  • Ensure value for money, strong financial oversight, and effective supplier management.
  • Build and lead high-performing IT teams and foster collaboration across the Trust.
  • Report clearly and confidently to the Executive Team and Board.

You will play a key role in supporting our school rebuilding programme and preparing the Trust for planned growth to 41 schools.

About You

  • You will be a credible senior IT leader with proven experience leading IT services in a complex, multi-site organisation.
  • A strong track record of standardising systems and delivering digital transformation at scale.
  • Deep understanding of cyber security, compliance, and risk.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical complexity into clear strategic advice.
  • A values-led approach and sympathy with the Catholic mission of the Trust.
  • Experience in education or the public sector is welcome, but not essential.

Why Join KCSP?

  • The opportunity to shape digital strategy across a large and growing Trust.
  • A role with genuine strategic influence and Board-level engagement.
  • A supportive, mission-driven organisation rooted in collaboration and service, and dedicated to providing continuous professional development for all colleagues.
  • Competitive salary and long-term professional opportunity.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our Trust and our schools are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment where all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality across all areas of employment and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of our staff—including a strong focus on mental health, family-friendly policies, and inclusive practices that reflect the richness of our school communities. Together, we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children and families we serve.

Head of IT employer: Kent Catholic School Partnership

Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership (KCSP) offers an exceptional opportunity for the Head of IT to lead digital strategy across a growing network of 32 Catholic schools. With a strong focus on collaboration, professional development, and a supportive work culture, KCSP is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. This role not only provides strategic influence but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape in Kent.
Kent Catholic School Partnership

Contact Detail:

Kent Catholic School Partnership Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of IT

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the education and IT sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at KCSP. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading IT services and digital transformation. Share specific examples of how you've improved systems and security in previous roles to demonstrate your value.

✨Prepare for Interviews

Do your homework on KCSP and their mission. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth. Practise answering common interview questions, especially around stakeholder engagement and cyber security.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through the KCSP website! It shows your genuine interest in the role and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT

Strategic Leadership
Digital Strategy Development
Cyber Security Expertise
GDPR Compliance
Risk Management
IT Service Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Digital Transformation
System Standardisation
Financial Oversight
Supplier Management
Team Leadership
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Understanding of Educational Environments

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading IT services, especially in multi-site organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at KCSP!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered collaboration in your previous roles.

Demonstrate Your Cyber Security Knowledge: Given the importance of cyber security in this role, make sure to include any relevant experience or certifications you have. We need to know you can keep our digital environment safe and secure!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Catholic School Partnership

✨Know Your Digital Strategy

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the digital strategy of the Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping a secure and modern digital environment.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a senior IT leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed IT services in complex, multi-site organisations and how you've driven digital transformation at scale.

✨Understand Cyber Security and Compliance

Given the emphasis on cyber security and GDPR in the role, brush up on your knowledge in these areas. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to enhance security and compliance in previous roles.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your stakeholder engagement skills during the interview. Share experiences where you've effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical audiences, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding IT initiatives and their impact on teaching and learning.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>