Garry Drinkall

“Technology can become the ‘wings’ that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before – if we allow it.” Jenny Arledge

Following a career as a Quantity Surveyor, Garry pursued a new path as an IT technician in a school where he enjoyed the challenge and the difference that can be made to the lives of young people. Fast forward 20 years and Garry has supported numerous schools at individual school, Trust and Local Authority level.

After leaving the Local Authority where he had been a member of the Schools IT Support team and Senior IT and Broadband Implementation Officer, Garry joined The St Lawrence Academy in 2008 as Network Manager. His role has been varied and has included the integration of new IT systems in the management of the school building and also becoming the Data Protection Officer following the introduction of GDPR.

To further his career at the Trust was an easy decision, particularly as Garry loves to work with different schools who each have their own unique identity. He will be assisting partner schools to ensure they have the most effective and innovative systems in place, which will enable the students to maximise their potential and leave with the knowledge and skills that will best serve them in the future.

Garry also has a number of years’ experience within primary governance helping to establish a new primary school; and is hoping to use this experience when new schools join the Trust.

“The support I have received from the senior team has been invaluable, helping me to develop professionally and personally over the years. The Trust’s value of hope is therefore important to me and I wish to give students and staff within our Trust hope for the future.”