Assistant Headteacher – Digital Strategy & AI Lead

Assistant Headteacher – Digital Strategy & AI Lead – Furness Academy
Required for January 2026
(earlier start date possible)
Job Reference Code: FET 050/2306
Salary scale: L10
Full time, permanent contract

Furness Education Trust is a multi-academy trust based in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria serving the Furness Community, located near the centre of the historic shipbuilding town, we are close to the southern boundary of the Lake District National Park. Currently comprised of seven schools including Furness Academy, Walney School and five primary schools, the Trust aims to develop best practice by collaborating and working together to give the best of everything to every child.

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and innovative colleague to join our ambitious and highly collaborative Senior Leadership Team in this key role. The Assistant Headteacher will take strategic leadership on Digital Strategy and AI development across the school, while playing a key role in advancing wider whole-school priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the digital direction of the Academy, build digital capability, and ensure our staff and students are equipped for a tech-rich, AI-enhanced future. The successful candidate will oversee the Academy’s digital infrastructure, ensure strong e-safety and inclusion and design and deliver impactful CPD to build staff confidence in EdTech and AI.

Furness Academy operates a one-to-one laptop scheme and prides itself on fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion and innovation. We are committed to embedding digital competencies and AI literacy across the curriculum to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.

We are:
•    A seven school multi-academy Trust with over 2600 students, four schools rated Ofsted Good and two rated Ofsted Outstanding, with excellent potential for the future;
•    A family of schools with a comprehensive intake, playing a key role in our local community and a strong foundation of moral purpose;
•    A Trust that has at its heart a sense of ambition and determination to deliver excellent teaching, care and holistic school experience.
•    A Trust whose work is underpinned by the values of collaboration, aspiration, excellence and integrity to deliver the best possible education and opportunities for all students.

We will offer you:
•    A very welcoming Trust where the development of every person matters.
•    Hard-working, committed and aspirational staff and students.
•    An extensive induction programme with an allocated mentor and extensive programme of subject specific and whole school CPD programme.
•    The whole-hearted support of Furness Education Trust’s Leadership Team.
•    An employee benefit scheme.
•    Opportunities to work across the Trust in different phases.

You will:
•    Be an experienced school leader with a passion for digital learning and innovation.
•    Have a strong understanding of digital learning, emerging technologies and AI in education
•    Be visionary, strategic and able to deliver whole-school improvement.
•    Have strong interpersonal skills and be confident working at a Senior Leadership level.
•    Work collaboratively with other schools in our Multi-Academy Trust.

Furness Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students.  All applicants are subject to the requirements of the Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education guidelines.  This will include checks with past employers and the need for the successful applicant to hold or undergo a suitable enhanced DBS disclosure.  This is a permanent post.
 
Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025
Interviews: W/C Monday 6th October 2025

For further information or enquiries regarding this post, please contact the HR Manager on 01229 484277 or via email to hrrecruitment@furnessacademy.co.uk, or alternatively you may download an information package and application form from our website at www.furnessacademy.co.uk. Please note we only accept CVs with a fully completed application form.