Digital Strategy with Brendan O'Keeffe
Guest: Brendan O'Keeffe
Intro / Episode overview
Most schools use a lot of technology. Far fewer have a clear digital strategy that explains why they’re using it, how it fits together, and who’s accountable.
In this episode of EdTechStuff, I’m joined by Brendan O'Keeffe, Director of Digital Strategy at Eaton House Schools and author of The Digital Strategy for Schools: A Simple Guide. We talk through what a digital strategy actually is, why most schools struggle with it, and how to move from ad-hoc decisions to something deliberate and sustainable.
This one’s about clarity, structure, and making technology work for schools rather than the other way round.
What you’ll get from this episode
A clear definition of what a digital strategy really means in schools
Why technology should be treated as core infrastructure, not a bolt-on
Practical steps to move from scattered decisions to a joined-up plan
How leadership and IT teams can work better together
Simple ways to keep a digital strategy alive over time
Key discussion points
Brendan’s journey from classroom roles to digital strategy leadership
Why most school development plans barely mention digital strategy
Treating technology as a system, not “magic”
The value of involving SLT and IT teams together
Running effective digital audits of systems, software, and infrastructure
The purpose of a Director of Digital Strategy role
Clearly explaining the “why” behind digital change
Timelines for implementation in single schools and groups
Accountability, review cycles, and transparent documentation
Managing software and technology requests sensibly
Why training is often the missing piece
The Think, Connect, Secure framework for digital citizenship
Practical takeaways
If you only do one thing after listening:
Carry out a proper digital audit before buying or renewing anything.
Other actions worth considering:
Bring SLT and IT staff into the same strategy conversations
Write down your digital intentions, even if they’re imperfect
Assign named owners to every part of the strategy
Review progress at least once a year and share it openly
Use a clear framework to assess new technology requests
Treat training as essential, not optional
Who this episode is for
Headteachers and senior leaders
Heads of IT and Network Managers
MAT and group school leaders
Anyone responsible for digital planning
Schools feeling reactive rather than strategic with technology
About the guest
Brendan O'Keeffe is Director of Digital Strategy at Eaton House Schools. He has worked across a wide range of roles in education, from supply teaching to senior leadership. Brendan is the author of The Digital Strategy for Schools: A Simple Guide, which aims to demystify digital strategy and help schools take a structured, realistic approach to technology.
Related episodes
Episode 6: Primary Goal and apprenticeships in education
Episode 5: EdTech chat with Al Kingsley MBE
Episode 4: Getting ready for Microsoft Copilot in education
Have a question or want to suggest a topic?
If digital strategy is something you’re wrestling with right now, get in touch.
Future episodes of EdTechStuff are shaped by real challenges from real schools, not theory.