At the Thinking School Academy Trust, we take pride in nurturing the talent and professional growth of our staff, and we are excited to share the journeys of key individuals whose stories will inspire and inform both our current team and schools joining our Trust in the future.
Starting as a Network Manager at Plympton Academy, Chris’s journey highlights not only the career growth opportunities available within the Trust but also the essential, often unsung role that IT professionals play in enabling both staff and students to thrive.
Here, Chris shares his experiences, insights, and the impact of technology on education.
What drew you to your role within the Trust?
When I was at school, we did not have computers. I went to university to study Energy Studies and Geography, but I soon realised that what really interested me were the computers there. After university, I pursued every IT course I could – from web design to HTML5 and C++. That led me to my first job in Brighton as a school IT technician where I was fortunate to be working alongside a very inspiring Network Manager (shout out to Sue Barnard). I eventually moved to Devon, my wife’s home county, where I started as a Network Manager at Plympton Academy in 2016.
What were your responsibilities as a Network Manager at Plympton Academy?
As the Network Manager, I was responsible for absolutely everything with a wire coming out of it. Even if something wasn’t strictly within my remit, I would always step in and help where I could. It was a broad role, which prepared me for many of the challenges I face today.
How did your role at Plympton Academy prepare you for your current position?
Working in an educational environment taught me how to fit in and support the school’s needs. IT professionals do not always feel like they are fully integrated into the education system, but our role is vital. We are there to support the whole school community.
What does your role as Regional Engineering Manager entail?
I now support the IT teams across several schools within the region. I work closely with the SW Regional Technology Managers, who communicate with the schools to understand their specific needs. Then, it is my job to implement those requirements and ensure everything runs smoothly.
How has working across multiple schools influenced your approach to technology management?
Working across schools has taught me that there is not always one single solution to a problem. Often, the users – whether staff or students – help guide the solutions more than the technology itself. I have learned to constantly reassess whether the tools we are using are the best for the job at hand. Sometimes, even the simplest manual approach can be the most effective.
What kind of support or development opportunities have you received from the Trust?
The Trust has been fantastic in terms of offering leadership development. I have been on some great courses that were not just about technical skills but also about managing people and leadership.
I have had the opportunity to meet other leaders within the Trust, which has helped me develop stronger connections and understand how to lead more effectively. This kind of support wasn’t as easy to come by before we joined the Trust.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to progress within the Trust or a similar field?
Experience as many different technologies as you can and focus on the areas where you excel. There are always parts of the job you may not enjoy as much, but those experiences are just as valuable in helping you grow.
Looking ahead, what are your goals within the Trust?
For now, I am focused on becoming even better at what I do. I am not thinking about the next role. I am thinking about how to improve the way I communicate and how I can better support the schools I work with. Everyone in education relies on IT in some way, so making sure it is working well is central to what I do.