Louise Campton from Primary Goal (Digital transformation in education using apprenticeships)
Guest: Louise Campton,
Intro / Episode overview
Schools know digital skills matter. What’s harder is finding the time, funding, and people to make real progress.
In this episode of EdTechStuff, I’m joined by Louise Campton, founder of Primary Goal. We talk about how apprenticeships, trust-wide programmes, and corporate support can help schools build digital capability in a way that actually works day to day. This is about people, confidence, and long-term change, not quick fixes.
What you’ll get from this episode
A clear explanation of what Primary Goal does and why it works
How apprentices can support IT teams and classrooms at the same time
Practical ways schools can overcome funding barriers
How the apprenticeship levy and CSR can unlock new opportunities
Why digital transformation has to start with leadership and culture
Key discussion points
Louise’s journey and the growth of Primary Goal
Why apprenticeships work so well in school settings
The teacher apprentice and digital champion model
Support for IT infrastructure, security, and classroom practice
MAT-wide programmes funded through corporate partnerships
Barriers to apprenticeships and how sponsorship can help
How the apprenticeship levy is misunderstood and underused
The role of CSR and ESG funding in education
Leadership, vision, and the foundations of digital transformation
Practical takeaways
If you only do one thing after listening:
Start a conversation about how apprentices or sponsored roles could support your digital strategy, not just your staffing gaps.
Other actions worth considering:
Review how your trust is using, or not using, the apprenticeship levy
Explore partnerships with organisations that can sponsor apprentices
Involve senior leaders early in digital strategy discussions
Tackle infrastructure basics before introducing new tools
Use apprentices to free up specialist staff for higher-value work
Who this episode is for
Trust leaders and executive teams
Heads of IT and Network Managers
Schools struggling to fund digital roles
MATs planning long-term digital transformation
Anyone interested in apprenticeships in education
About the guest
Louise Campton founded Primary Goal over a decade ago to help schools close the digital skills gap. She has recently stepped back from the CEO role to focus on the Future Ready Foundation, a charity aimed at unlocking funding and opportunities for schools through corporate sponsorship and social responsibility.
Related episodes
Episode 5: EdTech chat with Al Kingsley MBE
Episode 4: Getting ready for Microsoft Copilot in education
Episode 3: One-to-one devices at PKAT and the iLearn 2.0 project
Have a question or want to suggest a topic?
If you’re exploring apprenticeships, digital transformation, or new funding models, get in touch.
Future episodes of EdTechStuff are shaped by real challenges from schools and trusts across the sector.