We are pioneers in girls’ education, committed to ensuring our schools have the robust, modern and resilient digital infrastructure they need to thrive. As our ITS Technical Architect, you’ll shape the technology foundations that enable teaching, learning and operational excellence across the Trust. Working at the forefront of our technical delivery, you will design, develop and implement the systems on which our schools depend every day.
What you’ll be doing
You will take the technical lead on the design, build and enhancement of core IT systems across the GDST. Working closely with the Technical Delivery Manager, project teams and school-based colleagues, you will translate operational needs into robust and scalable solutions, ensuring the best possible digital environment for our staff and students.
This role will see you evaluating and implementing system changes, undertaking impact analysis, and ensuring all developments follow agreed technical strategies, standards and change management processes. You will prepare high-quality documentation, oversee the go-live phase of projects, and ensure that School Support teams have the training and resources needed to maintain new systems. You will also oversee system resilience, backup arrangements and ongoing maintenance, helping us deliver a highly available, secure and future-ready infrastructure.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
- Strong experience managing complex enterprise environments, including Azure AD, Office 365 and core Microsoft infrastructure.
- Advanced skills in PowerShell and scripting, with confidence delivering technical solutions at scale.
- Experience managing SCCM, including updates, OS deployment and application rollouts.
- A background in delivering complex technical projects and supporting large-scale system change.
- Knowledge spanning networking (LAN/WAN), servers, virtualisation, cloud platforms, security, backup technologies and device ecosystems (Windows, Apple, Google).
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to work collaboratively across schools, project teams and third-party suppliers.
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 24 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:
- We put girls first
- We think and act fearlessly
- We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
- We are a family of schools
- We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.