ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: judges spotlight on Al Kingsley MBE
We’re delighted to welcome Al Kingsley MBE to the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel, bringing deep expertise across EdTech, education leadership, and SEND.
As part of our ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 spotlight series, we’re pleased to announce the judges who will be reviewing entries across this year’s categories. Each brings first-hand experience of education, technology, and system-level change. We’re delighted to welcome Al Kingsley MBE to the judging panel, whose work spans EdTech leadership, multi-academy trust governance, SEND advocacy, and national advisory roles.
Judge profile
Al Kingsley MBE brings more than 30 years of experience across education and EdTech, combining senior leadership roles in technology with hands-on governance within the UK school system. He is Group CEO of NetSupport Limited, a global provider of education and enterprise software used across schools, higher education, and corporate environments.
The NetSupport portfolio spans classroom management, assessment, safeguarding, IT asset management, remote access, service desk, and notification tools, with the business having received more than 300 industry awards.
Alongside his executive role, Kingsley plays an active part in education leadership and policy. He serves as Chair of a community-focused Multi-Academy Trust and also chairs his regional SEND Board, supporting provision and outcomes for learners with additional needs. He sits on the Regional Schools Director’s Advisory Board for the East of England and is Chair of the BESA EdTech Special Interest Group, contributing to sector-wide dialogue on effective and responsible use of technology in education.
Kingsley is a well-known international voice in EdTech, regularly contributing through speaking, writing, and advisory work. He is the author of several books on education and technology, including The Awkward Questions in Education, which explores leadership, innovation, and accountability in modern education systems. His work has been recognized through multiple industry honors, including Edufuturist of the Year and BESA Inspirational Leader.
In the 2025 New Year’s Honours list, Al Kingsley was awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Majesty the King for services to education. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and serves as a UK Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, supporting international growth and collaboration across the education and technology sectors.
Enter the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
Entries for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open. Submissions are reviewed by an independent judging panel made up of education leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and sector specialists, including judges such as Al Kingsley MBE.
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the entry link. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 27 March 2026. Winners will be announced in April 2026.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.
