Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) is proud to launch its Digital Education Strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to modernise the technological infrastructure across all schools within the Trust. This strategy marks a significant step forward in enhancing digital access, inclusion, and opportunity for both students and staff.
As part of this initiative, the Trust has undertaken critical infrastructure upgrades, including the removal of on-site servers, migration to cloud-based systems, and substantial improvements to Wi-Fi connectivity and broadband speed. These upgrades lay the foundation for a more connected and technologically advanced educational environment. The success of this project has been made possible through the invaluable contributions of Computeam, the Trust’s IT managed service provider, as well as central team members and dedicated working parties comprised of individuals from the Trust’s schools.
Digital Strategy Aims and Investments
The core objectives of the Digital Education Strategy are to improve Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity. Over the next three years, the Trust plans to make significant investments in digital devices for students and staff, with a particular focus on helping those students that most need our support, to enhance their access to and engagement with learning. Additionally, the strategy will prioritise the enhancement of ‘front of classroom’ technology to improve teaching effectiveness, upskill all staff in Microsoft tools (including educational applications), and improve cybersecurity awareness among both students and staff. Furthermore, the Trust will ensure that all schools have access to a wide range of EdTech tools to better prepare students for life in an increasingly digital world.
Professional Development and Training Initiatives
As part of the Digital Education Strategy, the Trust is proud to be collaborating with Primary Goal and Microsoft to offer a series of three specialised training courses designed to empower staff:
- Digital Champion Education: This course is designed to equip educators with the confidence to integrate technology into teaching and learning, reduce workload, support accessibility and inclusion, and bridge the digital divide. Digital Champions will also have the opportunity to earn additional Microsoft accreditation.
- Digital Professional Services: Tailored for back-office professionals, this course aims to maximise the effective use of digital technologies within administrative functions.
- Senior Leader Digital (Education): This course supports senior leaders in developing, implementing, and measuring the impact of a digital transformation strategy that enhances teaching and learning. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain a Level 5 Innovation module.
To date 10 of the LAAT tribe — including admin, central, and finance officers—have started their journey on the Professional Services course. While, 12 others, including executives, heads, and EDAs, along with three educators, have embarked on the Senior Leader Digital programme.
“The Digital Education Strategy represents a bold move toward creating a more equitable and technologically proficient educational environment across LAAT.” Says LAAT CEO, Jackie Waters-Dewhurst. “By investing in our digital infrastructure and the professional growth of our staff, we are committed to preparing our students for success in an increasingly digital world.”
