2026 Judging Panel

Paul is recently retired from being Director for Policy and UK Sales at Hachette Learning, one of the largest educational publishers in the UK, delivering teaching-and-learning solutions, assessment materials and professional development. Paul has spent almost 40 years working in journals and educational publishing, firstly at The Royal Society, then Collins Education, with a brief spell running his own consultancy business. Paul sat on the Board of the Educational Publishers Council and have worked as a trainer with Publishing Training Centre. He is also a school governor at a secondary school in east London.

Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE is a renowned figure in the field of education – described as both “Jean-Jacques Rousseau meets Willy Wonka” and as “standing along Antoine de Saint Exupéry and Gianni Rodari as the best broadcasters of the children’s voice”. He was the first Global Director of Education at KidZania, the founding CEO of the Children’s University, and an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Adelaide, Australia. In 2019, Ger became a Visiting and Associate Professor at the National Research University in Moscow, Russia. He is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, and a Member of the PhD Advisory Council at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Ger is a frequent keynote speaker at some of the world’s leading education conferences. Driven by his famous mantra that “Children can only aspire to what they know exists”, Ger champions the cause of equity, progress, purpose, creativity, and innovation in children’s learning and their futures.

Born in the Netherlands, Ger Graus moved to the United Kingdom in 1983 where he began his teaching career, later becoming a Senior Inspector, and Education Director.

Ger is a member of Bett’s Global Education Council, DIDAC India’s Advisory Board, and Junior Achievement’s Worldwide Global Council. He advises the Childbase Partnership’s Board and chairs their International Development Advisory Board, United Kingdom. He also chairs the Beaconhouse School System’s Advisory Board, Pakistan, and advises the Fondazione Reggio Children, Italy. Globally Ger supports a range of education start-ups. In 2018, he was invited to help shape the future of education in Dubai as a member of the Dubai Future Councils and in 2024, Ger was invited onto the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Education Academy by Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah. In 2023, he joined the Global Teacher Prize Judging and the World’s Best School Prize Academies as a judge.

In the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List Ger was made an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children, two years after he received an Honorary Doctorate from Staffordshire University, United Kingdom. In 2018 he received the Global Education Leadership Award at the World Education Congress, India and in 2022, he was granted the award of Iconic Leader Creating A Better World For All by the Women’s Economic Forum (WEF). The following year, in 2023, Ger was made a Companion of the Harry Volker Genootschap in The Netherlands. In 2025 and 2026, Ger was named Education Thought Leader of the Year by Acquisition International.

Ger’s professional autobiography, Through a Different Lens – Lessons from a Life in Education, was published by Routledge in 2025, in hardback, paperback and audio versions.

For further information please visit www.gergraus.com, contact consulting@gergraus.com or +44 795 887 6191.

Phillip Hedger is the Chief Executive Officer of LEO Academy Trust, a leading multi-academy trust serving over 7,500 pupils across South West London and Surrey. He has led LEO since its formation in 2015 and was named CEO of the Year at the 2025 #MATExcellenceAwards for his leadership and national impact.

Phillip began his career in education in 2001 and has held senior roles across a range of school settings. He is a respected voice on school improvement, digital strategy, EdTech and inclusive education. A Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Educators, Freeman of the City of London and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, he also serves as Chair of Trustees at Sutton United Foundation. Phillip regularly contributes to educational thought leadership through Bett UK, LGfL, EdTech UK, the Foundation for Education Development (FED) and Challenge Partners.

Gill Budgell is an educationalist who is highly experienced in UK and International markets. She is Co-Director of Frattempo Limited, which provides publishing and EdTech services and has done so for over 25 years. She is a specialist in Early Years and Primary publishing and an award-winning author and content provider. Gill is also a school governor and a MAT board trustee.

Sir Mark Grundy has been the CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since 2007, after previously serving as the Principal of Shireland Collegiate Academy, the Trust’s founding school. He has also held the position of Executive Principal at both Shireland Collegiate Academy and George Salter Collegiate Academy.

Sir Mark has had a distinguished career in education and has been recognised with several prestigious awards and achievements. His career has included serving as an advisor to the West Midlands Regional Schools Commissioner from 2012 to 2022, and being knighted in 2006 for his contributions to education and technology. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2022. Sir Mark gained his Masters qualification from Loughborough University.

Sir Mark was inspired to become an educator because he wants students to have the best possible educational experiences. He strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff and families by valuing everyone and pushing for the very best – he believes that nothing less than outstanding is acceptable.

When he’s not at the Trust, Sir Mark enjoys collecting memorabilia and watching sports.

Carol Allen is an education advisor for ICT and Inclusion currently supporting Alton District, Illinois – previously, London Grid for Learning, Hartlepool LA and North Tyneside LA.

Carol is currently a member of the Dept of Education Assistive Technology Expert Group; a BETT Awards Judge and has been a panel member and contributor to sessions at the House of Lords for the APPGAT committee.

Workshop/keynote presentations include FETC and ATIA Florida, Oregon, Indianapolis, Denmark, BETT, Singapore, Rotterdam, Manchester, Geneva, Cologne, London and two five-city conference/workshop tours round Australia in 2018 and 2019.

Martin Bailey is an experienced educator, consultant and international speaker with almost 30 years’ experience in Primary education. He works as Digital Innovation & Enrichment Leader at Wessington Primary School in Sunderland and Birchwood Primary School in Tamworth, and lectures in Primary Computing at Northumbria University.

Alongside these roles, Martin is the founder and Director of Animate 2 Educate Ltd, through which he has supported more than 1,000 schools in the UK and internationally. He provides strategic guidance, staff training and pupil workshops focused on Primary Computing, educational technology and artificial intelligence.

A regular conference presenter and contributor to the educational press, Martin is particularly recognised for his practical, classroom-informed approach to helping schools use emerging technologies safely, creatively and effectively to enhance teaching and learning, strengthen inclusive practice and reduce staff workload.

Miles Berry is Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton, where he leads the secondary PGCE in computing. Before starting at Roehampton he taught for 18 years, including three years as a head teacher. He is chair of England’s National Centre for Computing Education and serves on the board of Computing At School. Over the years he has contributed to a number of computing related projects including England’s national curriculum computing programmes of study and the Royal Society’s Mathematical Futures project.

Andrea has worked in the education and publishing industries for over 30 years. In 2002 she founded educational publishing company Rising Stars specialising in the creation of books, digital content and online services for schools.  It grew to become one of the largest education publishing businesses in England and it was acquired by Hachette in 2015.  Andrea was BESA chairman from 2010-2013 during which time she oversaw the introduction of the BESA Launchpad service for fledgling edtech companies. She was awarded the BETT Outstanding Achievement Award in 2017.  Andrea continues to support a range of education technology businesses, is director of the Teacher Development Trust and is vice chair of Impact Multi Academy Trust in South London.

Beverly Clarke MBE is an award-winning leader in education, committed to improving outcomes for all by expanding understanding of, and access to, technology and computing education.

Beverly is a tech education expert, published author, writer, speaker and trustee. She is also the founder and CEO of Technology Books for Children, a non-profit organisation that uses technology-themed books to help young people understand the digital world and see themselves reflected within it.

She contributed to the US-based AI4K12 initiative as a standards reviewer, supporting the development of guidance for artificial intelligence education in schools. Beverly has also served on the UK Government’s Task and Finish Group on AI, Digital and Technology.

Her previous roles include National Community Manager for Computing at School (CAS), part of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. In this role, she led, managed and delivered CAS’s community of practice programme as part of the government-funded National Centre for Computing Education, which provides teachers across England with the resources, training and guidance they need to teach computing with confidence.

In 2025, Beverly was named the 15th most influential woman in UK technology by Computer Weekly.

Emma Darcy is Director of Technology for Learning at Denbigh High School in Luton, recognised as an EdTech 50 school and a UNESCO Digital Strategy Best Practice Case Study. For ten years she held the same role at Chiltern Learning Trust, culminating in 2024 with the trust winning the MAT Excellence Award for Digital Innovation. In 2021, Emma joined the BETT Advisory Board and won the Gold Pearson National Teaching Award for Digital Innovator of the Year. In 2023, Denbigh earned the Edufuturists Award for Secondary School of the Year and Emma received the Global EdTech Award for Most Impactful Senior Member of Staff. She is now a Trustee for Apps For Good, a Workstream Lead for the A.I. in Education initiative, a member of the Digital Futures Group and a judge for this year’s Bett Awards.

Kelly Hannaghan is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant, keynote speaker, and the Founder and Director of Mind Work Matters Ltd, a consultancy dedicated to placing wellbeing at the heart of education.

An award-winning speaker, school improvement adviser, and published author, Kelly works with schools, multi-academy trusts, local authorities, and education organisations to develop practical, evidence-informed strategies that improve leadership, wellbeing, attendance, inclusion, and outcomes for children and young people.

Kelly is an experienced trainer and coach for Senior Mental Health Leads and previously led the Department for Education’s Wellbeing for Education Return programme. Recognised by the Department for Education, the Anna Freud Centre, the National Children’s Bureau, and Education Support, she is regarded as one of the UK’s leading voices in mental health and wellbeing in education.

Kelly is also a recognised judge for a number of national education awards, bringing extensive expertise in innovation, school improvement, and educational excellence.

I have been involved in education in one way or another for all my career. I started in the education section of the Architects Department of the Greater London Council before becoming a Special Needs Assistant at a secondary school while raising my family.

I continued working in the secondary sector in a variety of roles including helping set up and manage the School’s Maths and Computing Specialist School programme, community and family learning, International School Links, Education Business Partnership steering group member and I was instrumental in setting up a local confederation of schools. More recently I was the Learning Resource Centre Manager and Careers Coordinator. I am now a Multi Academy Trust Governor and chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Amanda is the Lead Senior Inspector at Havering Education Services, with over 25 years of experience in primary and secondary education as a teacher, school leader and school improvement adviser.

She specialises in whole-school improvement and leads on computing and education technology across Havering, supporting schools to raise standards through both strategic development and classroom practice. In her role as a School Improvement Professional (SIP) and Local Authority Quality Assurance Adviser, Amanda works closely with primary schools to drive sustained improvement and ensure high-quality provision.

Amanda has played a key role in national initiatives, including co-developing the BETT Award-winning Switched on Computing and Switched on Online Safety series with Rising Stars, and contributing to the Department for Education’s Teacher Workload Reduction Toolkit, specifically on education technology.

As a NaaceMark Assessor, she has supported and evaluated schools across all phases—primary, secondary and special—helping them embed effective use of EdTech to enhance learning and leadership. Amanda also serves as a governor at a primary school in Essex.

Laura’s experience in education spans over 25 years. Her career began as a Learning Mentor where she developed a curiosity for removing barriers to learning through nurture provision. As a PSHE&C development officer, Laura has worked closely with local authorities, co-constructing their personal development curriculum offer as well as providing quality assurance, staff training and resource development. Laura is passionate about the evolution of digital education so that all children are equipped to be successful in their learning and future employment. She has implemented the use of 1:1 devices, AI platforms and developed Computing curriculums across a number of schools.

Laura fundamentally believes that no child, young person or family is unreachable and that schools should provide an environment that fosters belonging and safety to allow pupils to thrive. As an educator and leader Laura is unwaveringly passionate about reducing the digital divide and shaping children and young people’s personal development and academic success so that they have the skills and knowledge needed for an ever changing global climate.

John is The Director of Innovation at the Family of RGS Worcester Schools, a member of the SLT, an Apple Distinguished Educator and a teacher. John ensures that the Four, Apple Distinguished, RGS Worcester Schools remain at the forefront of digital strategy and continue to offer world-leading, award-winning digital teaching and learning.

John regularly delivers presentations on EdTech, CPD, digital strategy, leadership and management and has written for publications such as the TES, BETT Newsletter and Independent Schools Magazine. John has worked in the state, independent and international sectors and continually ensures pupils, parents and colleagues develop and build meaningful digital skills, knowledge and culture.

Nicholas leads the International PGCE at the University of Derby. This online programme enables student teachers all over the world to develop, among other things, a critical and current appreciation of EdTech and its potential to transform their profession.

Rose Luckin is an internationally respected academic and influential communicator across multiple stakeholders about the future of education and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 30 years of experience, she is a recognised expert on AI in education, serving as an advisor to policymakers, governments, and industry globally.

Professor Emerita at University College London and Founder and CEO of Educate Ventures Research Limited (EVR), a company that provides thought leaderships, training and consultancy to the education sector to help them leverage AI ethically and effectively.

Throughout her career, Rose has held key leadership roles in academia, including serving on the Director’s Strategy Group at the UCL Institute of Education from 2011-2015 and as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex, Director of Undergraduate Studies for Science and Technology, and Co-Founding Director of the Human Centred Technology research group all at the University of Sussex.

In recognition of her contributions, Rose was honoured with the Bett Outstanding Achievement Award in 2025, as a Leading Woman in AI EDU at the ASU-GSV AIR Show in 2024 and she received the 2023 ISTE Impact Award, becoming the first person outside North America to receive their top honour. She was also awarded the International Francqui Chair in 2018 by the Francqui Foundation in Belgium, named one of the 20 most influential people in education in the 2017 Seldon List and one of the 50 most influential women in UK tech by Computer Weekly in 2024

A prolific author, Rose has published extensively in academic journals, books, and conference proceedings. Her 2018 book, “Machine Learning and Human Intelligence: The Future of Education for the 21st Century,” available in English and Mandarin, describes how AI can be effectively used to support teaching and learning. Her most recent book, “AI for Schoolteachers,” published in 2022, is an essential and accessible guide to AI for anyone involved in education.

As a highly sought-after speaker, Rose regularly delivers keynotes and public lectures across the globe on AI, ethics, and the future of education. She engages with the public through a monthly column in the Times Educational Supplement and op-eds in the Financial Times, Guardian, and China Daily. Rose has also appeared on various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, ITV News, and CNBC.

In addition to her academic and entrepreneurial roles, Rose serves as an advisor to Cambridge University Press and Assessment and is co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education. She is also President of The Self-Managed Learning Centre in Brighton and sits on a range of advisory boards within the education and training sector.

Rose holds a PhD in Cognitive and Computing Sciences and a First Class Bachelor’s degree in AI and Computer Science, both from the University of Sussex. Prior to her academic career, she achieved Associateship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

In June 2026, Rose was awarded with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) as part of the King’s Honours. This was in recognition of her services to education.

Christine is a former teacher and seasoned senior EdTech leader working with boards and executive teams to deliver purpose-driven growth. She has cultivated partnerships with education stakeholders at all levels, from Presidential Council members and Ministries of Education to B2B partners and classroom teachers alike, working closely to create and deliver groundbreaking EdTech solutions that support their strategic goals. Christine is often called upon as a “voice for the industry,” with the privilege of representing UK EdTech on stages from Camden to Calgary and Birmingham to Beijing. Having previously served as Chair of BESA, she is currently the Managing Director at Doublestruck (part of AQA), Chair of Widgit Software, and a Trustee of TfL’s London Transport Museum

Katy has worked for Islington Council since 1999, developing digital education services to schools and families. Before this she was a primary school teacher for 7 years. Katy specialises in Online Safety and sits on the LGFL Safeguarding and Editorial Board, has been an ICT Mark assessor and facilitated the NCSL Strategic Leadership ICT courses. Katy partners with national organisations championing the rights of children online inc. Beeban Kidron’s 5Rights Charity, Childnet, and Common Sense Media. Katy spearheaded the introduction of Kids Judge Bett nine years ago. She has supported educational projects in Romania, Nigeria, China, Portugal and Japan.

Peter Reeves is the Head of Digital Education Training at the Cavendish Group, where he oversees the development and deployment of technology-based digital training programmes. Originally trained as a primary teacher, Peter now specialises in teaching senior IT and Maths. His extensive experience in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) sector has provided him with a unique perspective on the education system, informing his innovative approach to integrating technology into education.

Peter Reeves led Abingdon House School to become the UK’s first SEND Google Reference School. His efforts in integrating technology in education have earned him opportunities to speak and give keynote addresses internationally. Peter’s main focus in education is on removing barriers to learning for students who need alternative methods to access the curriculum, beyond traditional approaches. His approach emphasises the use of simple, effective procedures and constantly questioning the purpose behind educational practices to ensure they serve the best interests of the students.