ETIH Innovation Awards 2026: judges spotlight on Neil Almond
We’re pleased to welcome Neil Almond to the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 judging panel, bringing expertise in curriculum design, teacher development, and evidence-informed practice.
As part of our ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 spotlight series, we’re announcing the judges who will be reviewing entries across this year’s categories. Each judge has been selected for their practical experience and sector insight.
We’re pleased to welcome Neil Almond to the judging panel, whose work spans teacher development, curriculum design, and the thoughtful integration of AI into classroom practice.
Judge profile
Neil Almond is a UK-based teacher educator specializing in curriculum design and evidence-informed professional development. He is currently seconded to the STEP Ahead Teaching School Hub within STEP Academy Trust, where he serves as Senior Lead for Teacher Development. In this role, he supports the delivery and administration of the Early Career Framework for schools across East Sussex and London, alongside leading curriculum and professional learning development for staff across the trust.
Prior to this, Almond served as Deputy Head Teacher and previously worked as a classroom teacher across upper primary year groups. During his time in the classroom, he led subject areas including music and humanities, grounding his work in practical, classroom-based experience.
Almond is also the author of Teacher Prompts, a widely read newsletter that supports educators in harnessing AI intelligently and ethically. His current interests focus on the role of AI in education, including how knowledge space theory and intelligent tutoring systems can strengthen traditional schooling rather than replace it. His work centers on helping teachers integrate technology in ways that are rigorous, evidence-led, and aligned with curriculum intent.
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, researchers, and sector specialists, including judges such as Neil Almond.
To enter, download an entry form or submit via the entry link. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 27 March 2026, with winners announced in April 2026.
For questions or further information, please contact Director of Content Emma Thompson.
