Classroom leadership experience combined with ongoing EdTech research and editorial oversight brings a dual perspective to the judging panel.

We’re pleased to welcome Emma Cate Thompson to the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel, bringing experience across school leadership, EdTech, and curriculum development.

As part of our ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 spotlight series, we’re continuing to announce the judges who will review entries across this year’s categories.

Each judge has been selected for practical experience, sector insight, and the ability to assess impact in real-world environments. Thompson joins Catherine Buckler, Neil Almond, Al Kingsley MBE, Tina Austin, Jack Dowling, Richard Govada Joshua and Scott Thompson onthe panel, with more judges to be announced.

Judge profile

Emma Cate Thompson, ETIH’s very own Director of Content at Paxton Media and Co-founder and Editor of EdTech Innovation Hub (ETIH), will join the judging panel for the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026.

Thompson’s background is rooted in school leadership, having held roles across Early Years and primary education including Phase Leader, Key Stage One Lead, and Early Maths and Reading Lead. Her experience spans curriculum development, phonics implementation, and supporting teaching teams through structured, research-informed practice.

Alongside this, her role as Co-founder and Editor of ETIH places her at the center of ongoing developments across EdTech, AI in education, and workforce skills. Through daily editorial work, she is continuously writing, researching, and analyzing how technology is being applied across schools, higher education, and training environments.

This combination of hands-on classroom experience and continuous sector-wide insight provides a dual perspective, positioning her to assess entries with a clear view of both practical implementation and broader industry relevance.

Thompson is the author of The Power of Words: Vocabulary Development in the Early Years, published by Sage, which explores how educators can embed effective vocabulary teaching in the classroom.

She has contributed to a range of education publications, including TES, Schools Week, The Headteacher, Teachwire, and Teach Primary, and is a regular voice across EdTech, curriculum development, and teacher training.

In addition to her editorial work, Thompson has extensive experience in professional development and coaching. She is an accredited coach (EMCC) and has supported educators through mentoring and instructional coaching.

At ETIH, she oversees editorial direction and content strategy, with a focus on clear, factual reporting across EdTech, AI, and skills development.

Her perspective on the judging panel is informed by both direct classroom practice and continuous engagement with the evolving EdTech landscape. As part of the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, she will lead an independent judging process that brings together educators, researchers, and industry specialists to evaluate submissions based on implementation, adoption, and measurable outcomes.

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 educators, researchers, and sector experts.

The awards are open to EdTech companies, schools, colleges, universities, and organizations working across education and workforce development. Categories span artificial intelligence, digital learning platforms, student engagement, workforce skills, and education-industry collaboration.

The entry deadline is Friday, 27 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced on Monday, 13 April 2026, with winners revealed on Monday, 11 May 2026.

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