The Strategic Digital Leadership for Education (SDLE) programme equips current and aspiring senior leaders with the insight, tools and confidence to design and deliver organisation-wide digital strategies that drive transformation, improve outcomes, and future-proof provision.

Combining visionary thinking with practical application, the programme covers leadership, governance, infrastructure, curriculum innovation, professional development, and cultural change — enabling participants to lead digital transformation with purpose and impact.

Delivered through an engaging blend of in-person workshops and interactive online sessions, SDLE offers a highly collaborative learning experience. Participants benefit from expert input, peer exchange, and real-world application tailored to their organisational context.

SDLE is designed for leaders with strategic responsibility for shaping digital priorities, including:

• Chief Executives and Principals

• Vice Principals, Deputy Principals, and Directors

• Senior and Executive Managers

• Aspiring leaders preparing for strategic roles

The programme runs over five sessions, blending two in-person workshops (Sessions 1 & 5) with three interactive online sessions (Sessions 2–4). Each session is designed for strategic depth and immediate relevance, with leaders actively applying learning to their own organisational priorities.

Session 1 – In Person: Vision, Strategy & Digital Leadership

Setting the foundation for a transformative, future-ready digital strategy.

Session 2 – Online: Curriculum & Digital Innovation

Positioning the organisation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Session 3 – Online: Resources, Infrastructure & Risk

Creating a secure, sustainable and future-ready digital environment.

Session 4 – Online: Professional Development & Cultural Change

Building capability and confidence across the organisation.

Session 5 – In Person: Reflective Practice & Best Practice Exchange

Celebrating progress and setting the path for sustained transformation.

Delivery is flexible and arranged in collaboration with your organisation.

Typical schedule:

• Week 1 – In-person collaborative workshop.

• Week 2 – Online session.

• Week 3 – In-person transformative workshop.

Between sessions, participants will:

• Apply tools and insights directly within their organisation

• Capture reflections, decisions and challenges in a Reflective Learning Log

• Engage in structured peer mentoring and feedback

Throughout SDLE, participants will develop a Digital Strategy Portfolio — a practical, evidence-based toolkit for implementation. The portfolio includes:

• Digital Strategy Map

• Curriculum Innovation Plan

• Resource & Risk Management Framework

• Digital Professional Development Roadmap

• Final Reflective Summary & 12-Month Action Plan

Participants who:

• Attend all five sessions

• Complete reflective practice activities

• Submit their final Digital Strategy Portfolio

will receive the Strategic Digital Leadership for Education Certificate of Completion from Billy Smith Ltd - recognising their strategic capability to lead digital transformation in the education sector.