Behind the scenes: The ICT Team

In the bustling corridors and behind the scenes, there are dedicated teams who ensure that our school functions smoothly. From managing administrative tasks and keeping our buildings safe and secure, to providing essential classroom support, these unsung heroes play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment at Priory.

In the fourth part of this series, we’re shining a spotlight on the ICT team as we explore their contributions and learn more about the people who ensure we stay connected and have the most up to date technology to carry out our work efficiently, every day. 

Technology and computer usage is an ever-evolving and increasing demand in modern society and the workplace.  Priory has around 750 pupils and 100 staff and, behind the scenes, there is a small ICT Team that ensure everything runs smoothly every day whilst also looking to the future for new technologies that can help school life.

The ICT team is part of the Facilities Management team at Priory which is headed up by Strategic Estates Development Manager, Mr Bolton.

In his ICT Team is Senior ICT Technician Mr Eccles who has been at the school for over 20 years, and ICT Technicians Mr O’Connor and Mr Oakes.

Each team at the school has a strategic mission with the ICT team’s being: "Empowering all staff and pupils to engage in the very best teaching and learning through the use of cutting edge technologies."

“Every day is different,” said Mr Bolton, who has been at Priory for 22+ years. “We deal with the ICT issues all around school which, day-to-day, usually means password changes, login issues or printer problems. The team deals with everything that uses technology in the school.

“The role has changed a lot as originally it was about computers physically based in school whereas now everything is in the cloud so it’s about making sure the connectivity is everywhere for the pupils and staff. We also have to make sure everything is safe and secure to reduce any attempts at hacking accounts and systems.
“We are always trying to improve what we do and we have a lot of pride in our work at Priory, which is why we have an in-house team. Our staff also help other schools and we work closely with Lostock Hall Academy so it’s about supporting our community and sharing our skills.

“ICT in a school has obviously grown a lot over the years. Technology is a major part of our lives nowadays much more than it was 22 years ago when I started here at Priory.

“We are always looking for more ways to adapt and improve what the ICT can do for the school. We have recently introduced digital signage, and now have two big TV display screens where we advertise, for example, clubs, house events, diary dates, menus and the school newsletter. It’s important to keep everyone informed and these act as a reminder and are an outlet for information, broadcasting in real-time.

“The team attends strategic meetings each month with Principal Mr Eastham to continue looking ahead at what the team needs to focus on to keep Priory advancing its technical systems. We recently reviewed the school’s requirements for firewalls and broadband connectivity as the contract expired in the summer. We are looking to the future to improve the technology we currently use to make sure it is fit for purpose for the incoming years. We have seen an increase in use of systems and technologies that use the internet more. Subsequently, the school has moved its services into the cloud, embracing the Microsoft Office 365 environment. As technology advances, we are making sure we are moving with it by assessing what we are using now and what we may need in the future. We know AI will feature heavily so we are currently reviewing how this can be of use to the education sector for teachers, support staff and students alike.”