GLF Schools are seeking an exceptional Director of Digital Innovation to lead how technology improves outcomes, reduces workload and strengthens organisational effectiveness across the Trust. This is a pivotal role, translating emerging technologies into safe, ethical and impactful practice.
Your Opportunity
This role sits at the forefront of digital innovation across GLF, shaping how technology supports education, operations and wider organisational priorities. The successful candidate will drive a clear, evidence-informed innovation strategy, aligned to Trust priorities and sector developments.
The role will lead the identification, evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies, ensuring they deliver meaningful and measurable impact. Responsibility will include designing and leading pilots, using robust evaluation to inform decisions on scaling or stopping initiatives.
Working closely with school leaders and central teams, the successful candidate will build capability, support effective use of digital tools and ensure innovation is practical, scalable and reduces workload. Strong external partnerships and sector engagement will ensure GLF remains informed, ambitious and outward-facing. The role will also ensure all activity operates within robust governance frameworks, including data protection, safeguarding and ethical use.
This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, forward-thinking leader who can bridge education and technology, turning complex ideas into clear, practical solutions that improve outcomes.
This role will be based at The Beacon School, Banstead, with Trust-wide working.
What we are looking for
- Proven experience leading digital innovation that delivers measurable impact in complex organisations
- Strong track record of moving from concept to implementation, including piloting and scaling solutions
- Ability to translate strategy, research and data into clear, practical innovation programmes
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build confidence in digital approaches
- Strong understanding of safe, ethical and compliant use of technology
- Collaborative, strategic and solutions-focused, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly
Join the GLF Schools Community
GLF currently has 35 schools in the primary phase, and 8 secondary schools. Our schools span a wide area, including Oxfordshire, Wokingham, Surrey, Croydon and West Sussex.
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 children
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across Southern England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
Our Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish.
- Access to our highly competitive local government pension scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Healthcare benefits
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Salary: Leadership 3 - £73,416 to £82,329
Hours: 36 hours a week, 52 weeks a year
Location: The Beacon School, Banstead (Surrey), with Trust-wide working.
Start date: 1st September 2026
Advert Closing Date: 14th July 2026
Interview Date: 24th July 2026
Safeguarding Statement:
At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.
GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:
- Everyone is respected and valued.
- Discrimination is never tolerated.
- Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
- Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.
To help us manage applications efficiently:
- We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.
