While this project was primarily completed while I was IT Operations Officer, it has been categorised here under IT Technical Operations Manager, as a significant portion of the project spilled over into the new role.
Over the summer of 2025 and into September, Dudley Academies Trust embarked on its most ambitious IT transformation to date. This overhaul, driven by the vision of sector-leading digital excellence, has modernised infrastructure, empowered staff and students, and positioned the Trust as a regional leader in educational technology. The following highlights the scale, innovation, and impact of this work.
The Trust’s IT overhaul was prompted by the end of legacy contracts and the need to move away from outdated, restrictive systems. The goal: to deliver a future-proof, cloud-first, and cost-effective IT environment that supports outstanding teaching, learning, and operational efficiency across all academies.
Key Achievements
1. Cloud Migration & Centralisation
- All Trust data, services, and user accounts were migrated to a central Microsoft 365 tenant, enabling seamless collaboration and management across all schools.
- Device management transitioned to Microsoft Intune, allowing secure, remote, and policy-driven control of thousands of devices.
2. Broadband & Connectivity Upgrade
- All academies moved to high-speed, resilient broadband via LGfL, with backup connections (including Starlink satellite) ensuring uninterrupted learning and operations.
- The new network supports true inter-site connectivity, robust filtering, and secure remote access, meeting and exceeding DfE standards.
3. Modernised IT Services & Support
- A new, centralised helpdesk system (that I worked to develop in 2022) was rolled out Trust-wide, streamlining support for all IT queries across. This ensures rapid response and effective escalation from academy to Trust level, prioritising teaching and learning needs.
- The IT team structure was expanded and upskilled, introducing specialist and junior technician roles, and my new IT Technical Operations Manager to oversee the growing complexity of systems.
4. Device Refresh & Classroom Technology
- Over 3,000 devices were reconfigured, 10,000 user accounts migrated, and 15TB+ of data transferred—a logistical achievement made possible by the collaboration between academy and Trust IT teams.
- Most academies’ on-premise phone systems were replaced with Microsoft Teams Voice, enabling flexible, cloud-based communication across the Trust. The remaining two academies will be migrated when their existing contracts end.
5. Enhanced Security & Safeguarding
- Various cloud-enabled Endpoint Protection systems now provide multi-layered endpoint protection to all Trust-owned devices.
- Senso’s safeguarding and filtering tools offer advanced, multi-site monitoring and reporting, supporting the Trust’s commitment to digital safety.
6. Operational Efficiency & Innovation
- Automation and remote monitoring via the Trust’s RMM and bespoke IntraLink Device Agent tools now underpin proactive device management and support.
- New digital forms, financial waivers, and automated reporting have streamlined administrative processes, freeing staff to focus on core educational priorities.
7. Staff and Student Empowerment
- All staff now have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, both at work and at home, supporting creativity and productivity.
- Training and upskilling initiatives, including the Digital Champions and Digital Leader programmes, are building digital confidence and expertise across the Trust.
8. Community and Collaboration
- The Trust’s digital strategy is being shared regionally, with partnerships and support roles in the RISE programme and the West Midlands Education Exchange.