Academy IT Lead
Thornhill Academy, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7NA14 days remaining to apply
Start date details
April 2026
Closing date
16 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
2 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- IT support
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- NJC Grade 7 - £32,061 - £34,435
Additional allowances
NJC Grade 7 - £32,061 - £34,435
Academy IT Lead job summary
Academy IT Lead
Salary: NJC Grade 7 - £32,061 - £34,435
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Start date: April 2026
Join Our Team
Consilium Academies is seeking an experienced and proactive Academy IT Lead to join our Trust-wide IT team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting digital infrastructure and technology that underpins teaching, learning, and operational excellence across our schools.
You will be primarily based at Thornhill Academy, working closely with school leadership and staff to ensure reliable, secure, and effective IT services for both staff and students.
As part of a growing Trust IT team of 13 technical professionals, you will contribute to delivering high-quality IT support across our academies while acting as the on-site IT lead for your school.
About the School
Thornhill Academy is an 11-16 secondary academy located close to Sunderland city centre with over 600 students.
The school is proud of its diverse and vibrant community, representing 14 ethnicities and 35 languages. Thornhill has recently been graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted (May 2024) and is continuing on an ambitious improvement journey.
An exciting new school building is also planned, with construction beginning in April 2026 as part of the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
About Consilium Academies
Consilium Academies is a multi-academy trust operating across Salford, South Yorkshire and the North East of England.
Our mission is simple:
Excellence and Equity with Integrity
We are committed to:
- High quality teaching and learning
- Strong professional development for staff
- Collaborative school improvement
- Ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed
We support staff through our Centre for Professional Learning, providing development opportunities that enable colleagues to thrive in their careers.
The Role
As Academy IT Lead, you will take ownership of all on-site IT operations, ensuring systems, infrastructure and services support the needs of staff and students.
You will provide both proactive and reactive technical support, maintain infrastructure, manage helpdesk tickets, and work closely with stakeholders to ensure IT services run smoothly.
You will also implement Trust-wide IT policies and act as the key link between the school and the central IT team.
Key Responsibilities
Infrastructure & Hardware
- Install, configure and maintain IT equipment including PCs, laptops, printers and AV systems
- Maintain the school’s VoIP phone system
- Troubleshoot and maintain PC and server hardware
- Liaise with external suppliers for repairs and maintenance
Software & Systems
- Install and test new software and updates
- Ensure anti-virus protection and security measures are maintained
- Support users in the safe and effective use of technology
- Manage application updates and software lifecycle
Network & Security
- Support network management including VLAN changes and maintenance
- Assist with infrastructure upgrades and troubleshooting
- Ensure cyber security practices and Trust policies are followed
- Maintain accurate documentation of infrastructure and passwords
Service Delivery
- Manage helpdesk tickets and ensure SLA targets are met
- Provide support and guidance to staff and students
- Deliver staff training where required
- Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
Resource & Asset Management
- Maintain IT asset registers and carry out audits
- Ensure equipment and consumables are stored securely
- Set up IT and AV equipment for events and activities
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone with strong technical knowledge and excellent customer service skills who enjoys working in a fast-paced school environment.
Essential
- Experience supporting a wide range of ICT systems and devices
- Experience supporting Windows environments, networks and cloud technologies
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage workload and prioritise tasks effectively
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong customer service mindset
Desirable
- Experience working in an education environment
- Knowledge of school systems such as SIMS
- Relevant IT qualifications (Level 3 or equivalent)
- Vendor certifications
A full UK driving licence is desirable as occasional travel between academies may be required.
Why Join Us?
At Consilium Academies we believe people are our greatest asset. We are committed to supporting our staff through:
⭐ A strong professional development programme
⭐ Access to our Centre for Professional Learning
⭐ A collaborative and supportive Trust network
⭐ Opportunities to work on Trust-wide IT projects
⭐ The chance to make a real difference to students’ learning experiences
Applications and Information
For further information about the role please see attached recruitment pack including, job description and person specification.
If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange a visit to Thornhill Qcademy, please contact harry.quartermaine@consilium-at.com
Closing date for applications is 9.00am Monday 16th March 2026
Interviews will take place on a date to be arranged
Please ensure that within your application you provide the names, addresses, and contact details for two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.
We look forward to welcoming a new team member who shares our commitment to excellence in education!
Consilium Academies is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments are made subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
The Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, the Public Sector fluency duty requires state funded schools to ensure candidates for their customer facing roles have the necessary standard of spoken English.
Further information about the job
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.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Thornhill Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 564 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Thornhill Academy website
School location
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