Digital Leadership Career Pathway
with AISL Academy, in partnership with Tablet Academy
Ready to start your learning journey? Select your access type to begin.
Accreditation: AISL Academy & Tablet Academy
Programme Fee: GBP £ 299 (Early Bird), GBP £ 350 (Regular Price), and Free for AISL Staff.
Duration: Self-paced (22 hours)
1. Why take this pathway?
Education is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Schools are adopting cloud technologies, digital learning platforms, AI tools, and innovative pedagogical approaches to prepare students for the future. Yet without strong leadership, these initiatives can feel fragmented, overwhelming, or disconnected from a school’s vision.
The Digital Leadership Career Pathway addresses this challenge by equipping educational leaders with the strategic clarity, practical skills, and confidence needed to drive whole-school digital transformation. It provides both the frameworks and the tools to ensure that technology enhances, rather than complicates, teaching and learning.
2. Who is it for?
This pathway is designed for educators and school leaders who are responsible for shaping and implementing digital strategies within their institutions. Whether you are a headteacher, senior leader, department head, aspiring digital leader, or a digital champion in your school, the programme supports you in building the expertise to guide your school through successful digital and AI transformation.
3. What you will Learn
Through a series of eight programmes, you will gain:
- A strategic framework to develop your school’s digital vision and create actionable plans.
- Practical technology expertise, from implementing cloud systems to building cyber-safe communities and ensuring robust data privacy.
- Insight into modern teaching approaches, including blended and remote learning, AI-driven assessment, and strategies for engaging learners beyond the traditional classroom.
- An understanding of emerging trends like ChatGPT, the metaverse, and data-driven digital sustainability – helping your school stay future-ready.
Interested in exploring other Programme?
Click on any of the programmes below to learn more.
NPQH (NPQ Headship)
Teachers and leaders aspiring to lead a school as a head of school or headteacher.
Cost: £3,250
AI Pathway
A structured, research-informed pathway equipping school leaders and teachers to integrate AI responsibly, enhance learning, safeguard students, and develop confident, evidence-based strategies.
Cost: £ TBA
NPQLT (NPQ Leading Teaching)
For teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school.
Cost: £1,375
NPQLBC (NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture)
A teacher who has, or aspires to have, responsibility for leading literacy across a year group, key stage, phase or school.
Cost: £1,375
What’s on offer in the pathway
This pathway invites you to explore 8 in-depth topics, thoughtfully designed to guide you on a comprehensive journey to master digital leadership. Please click on each of the topic name to learn more about the courses in each of the topics:
Digital Leadership with Vision and Strategy
Number of courses: 3
Learning time: 4-5 hours
1. Developing a School Digital Strategy
This course offers educators interested in developing and implementing digital strategy a process for how to effectively initiate sustainable change using new and emerging educational technologies.
2. Developing Your Digital Ecosystem
In this resource, Philippa Wraithmell offers an innovative approach to digital education and strategy.
3. From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology
Join Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith in this course to explore how shifting from EdTech to PedTech can reshape teaching with digital technology. Learn how research, pedagogy, and practical tools can transform classroom practice.
Digital Technology Transformation
Number of courses: 3
Learning time: 2-3 hours
1. Our Responsibilities: Data Protection, Privacy
This course provides an overview of what constitutes personal data, the Six Data Protection Principles, how special care must be taken when collecting data from children, and expectations of all staff with regard to protecting personal data.
2. Digital Technology Transformation
This course offers educators interested in the technology supporting their digital strategy an opportunity to understand the core infrastructure and how to keep it secure.
3. Creating Cyber Safe Communities
In this session, educators will walk away with an understanding of the latest digital trends for young people today and provide an imperative to reflect on their role as an educator in the 21st Century.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Number of courses: 2
Learning time: 1-2 hours
1. Learning Beyond the Traditional Classroom
This video-based short course explores ways in which educational technology can be leveraged to promote personalised, differentiated learning beyond the traditional classroom.
2. Responsive Teaching in Blended Learning
This presentation is a case study-based analysis of the opportunities and challenges of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) in blended learning.
Digital Pedagogical Learning
Number of courses: 2
Learning time: 2-3 hours
1. Education iOS Apps for Primary
In this course, you will explore various applications you can use as an educator to enhance and strengthen your students’ learning experience.
2. Using Technology Better
This course examines strategies for enriching classroom practice through contemporary assessment methods and fostering intrinsic motivation.
AI in Education
Number of courses: 2
Learning time: 1-2 hours
1. Introductory Panel Discussion with AISL AI Leadership
This panel discussion aims to provide learners with insights into integrating AI into educational settings.
2. Integrating Artificial Intelligence in K-12 education
This course aims to develop an understanding of generative AI and build a framework for integrating it into K-12 education.
Digital Literacy Curriculum
Number of course: 1
Learning time: 1.30 hours
1. Digital Literacy EY Curriculum
“The Digital Literacy Curriculum” is designed to equip students with essential digital skills and knowledge in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Digital Sustainability and Innovation
Number of course: 2
Learning time: 1-2 hours
1. Cultivating a Data Driven Culture Through Data Dashboards
In this session Darren shares his experience and approach to promoting the use of data as a powerful and supportive tool for teachers and school leaders.
2. Preparing for the Metaverse with Brett Salakas
In this fast-paced ‘Inspire Session’, participants will get a taste of what the metaverse is, how it will affect schools and what technologies we can incorporate into our lessons right now.
Driving Digital Transformation in Education
Number of course: 3
Learning time: 2-3 hours
1. EdTech Self-Review
This course aims to answer the question: ‘How is EdTech currently contributing to the vision and values of my school?’
2. Change Management
This course helps learners to lead effective change in educational technology by exploring practical strategies to reduce resistance and engage stakeholders.
3. Digital Strategies and Plans
This course guides learners through the key components of an effective strategy and action plan. Using a five-step strategic planning process, learners will explore how to align their actions with their vision.
Interested in exploring other Programme?
Click on any of the programmes below to learn more.
NPQH (NPQ Headship)
Teachers and leaders aspiring to lead a school as a head of school or headteacher.
Cost: £3,250
AI Pathway
A structured, research-informed pathway equipping school leaders and teachers to integrate AI responsibly, enhance learning, safeguard students, and develop confident, evidence-based strategies.
Cost: £ TBA
NPQLT (NPQ Leading Teaching)
For teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school.
Cost: £1,375
NPQLBC (NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture)
A teacher who has, or aspires to have, responsibility for leading literacy across a year group, key stage, phase or school.
Cost: £1,375
Pathway Instructors
The pathway is co-certified by AISL Academy and Tablet Academy, a leading global education consultancy specialising in digital transformation for schools. Courses are developed and delivered by experienced practitioners with deep expertise in digital leadership, technology integration, pedagogy, and AI in education.
This collaboration ensures that your learning is not only credible and current but also grounded in the realities of school contexts worldwide.
Instructors from AISL Academy
Dr Neelam Parmar
Director of Digital Learning at AISL Academy
An award-winning EdTech leader, author, and speaker. She advises national education bodies, judges Bett Awards, and has led digital strategy across UK schools. Her published works include Digital Literacy in the Primary and Digital Parenting.
Philippa Wraithmell
Head of Digital Education at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
A GESS award-winning educator and Apple Distinguished Educator. With 12+ years’ experience, she led the school’s 1:1 device rollout and digital curriculum. She supports educators across the UAE in embedding digital learning and improving digital literacy.
Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith
A bestselling author, award-winning educator, and founder of PedTech. She advises schools, EdTech firms, and universities, and sits on multiple boards. Recognised among the UK’s most influential educators, she champions digital pedagogy and professional learning through research, leadership, and strategic consultancy.
James Garnett
Founder of James M Garnett Consulting
A digital strategist with 30 years’ experience in education, IT, and cyber security. Former Director of IT at United Learning, he now advises schools on secure, sustainable digital strategies and sits on national EdTech panels.
Trent Ray
Co-Founder of the Cyber Safety Project
A former teacher and digital wellbeing advocate. He partners with Microsoft Australia and leads national programmes promoting cyber safety and future-ready skills. Through Collective Education, he supports schools with community-focused digital education across Australia.
Cila Warncke
World Literature and English Language Teacher, at Le Sallay Academy
With international experience across the US, UK, Spain, and Scotland, she has taught both in classrooms and online. She is also a published author and contributor to various magazines and publications.
Aarti Malani
Head of Digital Learning at London Prep School
An Apple Distinguished Educator and Learning Specialist. With 15+ years’ experience, she has led impactful digital programmes in the UAE and UK, helping schools achieve Apple recognition and fostering meaningful engagement across school communities.
Adrian Francis
Trainer Development Lead
A creative spreadsheet expert and digital learning designer. Specialising in Microsoft, Google, and Apple tools, he empowers educators to boost confidence and capability. His work focuses on impactful training, innovative pedagogy, and fostering self-driven, tech-enabled learning environments.
Laura Knight
Former Director of Digital Learning at Berkhamsted School
Specialises in digital strategy, AI, and safeguarding. With 20 years’ teaching experience, she advises governments, EdTech firms, and school groups, and serves on advisory boards including EDUtech Europe and the Independent Schools Council Digital Advisory Group.
Jan Dubiel
Director of Early Years at AISL Academy
A leading expert in Early Childhood Education. Formerly Head of Development at Early Excellence, he has advised nationally on EYFS policy, taught across early years stages, and written extensively on pedagogy and practice. TES named him a top UK education influencer.
James Toner
Director of Digital Learning and Information Services, AISL Harrow Schools
An experienced educator and researcher in digital education and information services. With global teaching experience and multiple postgraduate degrees, he advises on library strategy, knowledge exchange, and leadership. He is currently pursuing a PhD in knowledge sharing.
Darren Bastyan
Head of Digital Strategy, Harrow International Schools, Hong Kong
A data-driven educator with a background in maths teaching and leadership. He designs systems to turn complex data into actionable insights, improving digital strategy and support for teachers. Since 2019, he’s led transformative data initiatives across the school.
Edward Lawless
Executive Director, Learning & Innovation, The Qatar Foundation
Has 40 years’ global experience in education. He’s led professional learning at AISL, IB Asia Pacific, and Pamoja Education, and founded Tokyo’s Centre for Innovation. He builds global partnerships to advance educator development and educational innovation.
Brett Salakas
A keynote speaker, author, and founder of #aussieED. A primary teacher and leader with 20 years’ experience across Southeast Asia and Australia, he champions practical pedagogy, collaboration, and digital innovation. He’s led professional learning globally and held curriculum and tech roles in Singapore and NSW.
Instructors from Tablet Academy
Rachel Tilden Walker
Rachel is a former headteacher with experience across primary, secondary and special educational needs schools, and has been involved in the commercial edtech world for over 15 years. Rachel is an accredited executive coach with a passion for facilitating effective change management in schools and trusts.
Phil Burney
Phil is Associate Director of Strategy and Transformation at TA UK and assists Tablet Academy (International) clients from around the world with their with Digital Transformation programmes. He has supported senior leaders, teachers and students from 100s of institutions in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning, and improve individual and organisational effectiveness.
He is a former teacher, IT Manager in education, and corporate trainer.
Andy Murden
Andy is a former secondary school teacher and senior leader, and has been helping teachers and schools get the most out of edtech for over 30 years. He guides schools in how to support, equip and train their staff, enabling educators to develop their own edtech knowledge and apply it in a way that’s best for their learners. Andy is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Microsoft Office Specialist Associate.
Joe Basketts
Joe is a former teacher and local authority consultant and experienced edtech business leader. He has led edtech transformation projects within schools, across trusts and across a local authority of 400 schools. Joe is qualified as a Naacemark assessor and an Online Safety Mark assessor.
Interested in exploring other Programme?
Click on any of the programmes below to learn more.
NPQH (NPQ Headship)
Teachers and leaders aspiring to lead a school as a head of school or headteacher.
Cost: £3,250
AI Pathway
A structured, research-informed pathway equipping school leaders and teachers to integrate AI responsibly, enhance learning, safeguard students, and develop confident, evidence-based strategies.
Cost: £ TBA
NPQLT (NPQ Leading Teaching)
For teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading behaviour and/or supporting pupil wellbeing in their school.
Cost: £1,375
NPQLBC (NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture)
A teacher who has, or aspires to have, responsibility for leading literacy across a year group, key stage, phase or school.
Cost: £1,375