Academy IT Lead

Falinge Park High School; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS 15% employer contributions

Occupational health (Smart Clinic)

Cycle to work

CPD opportunities

Flexible annual leave

Job summary

Watergrove Trust is seeking an Academy IT Lead to oversee IT support across its primary and secondary academy settings. The role involves leading an award-winning IT team, delivering desktop/hardware support, and guiding major IT projects within the Trust.

The ideal candidate will combine strong problem solving and interpersonal skills with technical expertise, and is encouraged to pursue funded level 3/4 or degree-level apprenticeships. A driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in IT support in education is desirable.
• Full driving licence required.
• Willingness to undertake apprenticeships or training.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day troubleshooting and desktop/hardware support.
• Install, configure and maintain software and infrastructure.
• Support one or more academies within Watergrove Trust.
• Ensure data security and comply with safeguarding.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Technical ability

Troubleshooting

Communication

Job description

Permanent

Start Date: ASAP

About this role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Academy IT Lead to work within the Watergrove Trust's dynamic and innovative IT department. We will offer you the opportunity to work as part of an award winning team working across our primary and secondary academy settings, leading the excellent IT support provision for one of our academies.

It is important to us to find the right kind of person for this dynamic role. Your problem solving and interpersonal skills are as important as your technical ability. IT professionals need to be able to interact successfully with others, as well as providing technical support and experience working with machines.

We will be looking for those who are keen to develop and enhance their skills in a wide variety of IT areas. The trust are keen to develop their staff and would support post holders in pursuing fully funded level 3, level 4, or degree level apprenticeships, along with any other training needs identified by the post holder or their line managers. We have a history of developing staff to progress in their careers and motivated staff can typically expect career progression internally or externally within 2 years of employment.

The role will be primarily based at one of our trust secondary schools although you may be required to perform your duties within any of the locations of the Watergrove Trust, and will also have joint responsibility for supporting one or more primary schools, therefore a driving licence and use of your own vehicle is essential.

To arrange an informal discussion with our Strategic IT Director in advance of submitting your application, please email Dave Leonard ([e-mail]) who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the role.

Why Work for the Watergrove Trust?

Watergrove Trust is growing and has a passion for providing more to the communities we work in. IT is a key function and we support our partners through innovation. We endeavour to coach our users and challenge them to try new technologies and look to improve working routines through the use of IT.

You can be part of this by joining us to provide day to day troubleshooting, desktop / hardware support, and be involved in delivering larger projects. Main responsibilities will be to provide effective support, installation, configuration and maintenance of software, hardware and infrastructure as well as ensuring data security. Working in education IT support provides access to a large range of technologies and you will have the opportunity to develop your skills across all of these, whilst being provided with the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you.

Benefits we can offer:

• Access to local government pension scheme with employer contributions of 15%
• Access to occupational health provider (Smart Clinic)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity for CPD
• Flexible annual leave entitlement including all bank holidays

Closing date: Monday, 05 October 2026

Interviews will take place on: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Please be aware that if you are shortlisted for an interview that references (and basic online search checks) will be sought.

Watergrove Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to pre-employment clearances including enhanced Disclosure and Barring and Childcare Disqualification Check.

The Watergrove Trust values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity.

Please note we will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you haven't heard from us by the interview date please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.