ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 Judging Panel
Expertise from across education, technology and industry in the EdTech sector
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 Judging panel, sponsored by Thesis SM, Bett UK and Retail Technology Innovation Hub
The ETIH Innovation Awards are assessed by a multidisciplinary judging panel bringing together experience across education, EdTech, AI, school leadership, higher education, workforce development, digital transformation and responsible technology.
Our 2027 panel includes returning judges from the inaugural ETIH Innovation Awards, with additional judges to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Our 2027 sponsors
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are proudly sponsored by Thesis SM, Bett UK and Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH). We’re hugely grateful for their continued support of the awards and their commitment to recognising the people, companies and technologies making a meaningful impact across education.
Judging panel
Al Kingsley MBE, Group CEO at NetSupport and Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust, brings over 30 years of experience across EdTech, school governance, and SEND, with a focus on implementation and impact.
Catherine Buckler, Digital Innovation Lead and Head of Geography at Sydenham High School, combines classroom practice with AI research and whole-school digital strategy, with a focus on evidence-informed technology adoption in schools.
Emma Cate Thompson, Director of Content at Paxton Media and Co-founder and Editor of ETIH, combines classroom leadership experience with ongoing analysis of EdTech, AI, and workforce skills.
Jack Dowling, Independent Consultant and Operating Partner at Hullabaloo Consulting, specializes in strategy, operations, and AI-led transformation, with a focus on implementation, scalability, and measurable outcomes.
Kate Owbridge, Educational Consultant and former Executive Headteacher, brings extensive experience in school leadership, inspection, and evidence-led school improvement.
Neil Almond, Senior Lead for Teacher Development at STEP Ahead Teaching School Hub, focuses on curriculum design and integrating AI into classroom practice.
Richard Govada Joshua, Project Manager at TEKsystems, focuses on AI adoption, workforce development, and building practical skills across enterprise environments.
Saira Khan, Head of Innovation and Partnerships at first direct (HSBC), specializes in workforce capability, digital transformation, and AI-driven skills development.
Scott Thompson, Executive Director at Paxton Media and Co-founder of ETIH, brings extensive experience in technology journalism and digital transformation.
Tina Austin, AI ethics consultant and educator, focuses on responsible AI adoption, AI literacy, and faculty development across global education systems.
