Why I Decided to Join the Judging Panel for the Global EdTech Awards 2025
Last year, I had the privilege of serving on the judging panel for the Global EdTech Awards, and it was such a rewarding experience that I didn’t hesitate when I was invited back this year.
For me, the value of this competition goes beyond simply recognising outstanding products or schools. It’s a rare opportunity to take a step back and see the incredible innovation happening across education globally. From creative classroom practices to cutting-edge technology solutions, it’s a celebration of what’s possible when educators and EdTech companies push boundaries to support learning.
A Fair and Transparent Process
One of the aspects I really appreciated last year (and again this year) is how fair the judging process is. All submissions are completely anonymised. As a judge, you receive detailed information about each entry, but you are never told the name of the school, company, or educator behind it.
That anonymity matters. It removes potential biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and ensures decisions are based purely on the merits of the work. It’s not about brand recognition, reputation, or geography; it’s about genuine impact. That fairness is one of the reasons I felt confident returning as a judge.
Learning as an Educator
Being part of this panel isn’t just about evaluating others’ work; it’s also about professional growth. Reading about what other educators are doing in their classrooms, or how companies are approaching big challenges in education, sparks ideas for my own practice. Every submission holds lessons, whether it’s a creative way of engaging learners, a new digital workflow, or a reminder of the fundamentals that really make teaching powerful.
For me, judging is a professional development opportunity in itself. It gives me a window into the innovation and creativity of colleagues around the world, and that perspective is invaluable.
Working with Fellow Judges
Another highlight has been collaborating with fellow judges. This year, I had the chance to work alongside respected voices in the field such as Al Kingsley, whose writing and insights on LinkedIn I’ve long followed. Bringing together different perspectives and experiences makes the process richer and deepens the conversations around what impactful EdTech truly looks like.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
The awards will once again be hosted by Mark Anderson (the ICT Evangelist) who I first met many years ago during a CPD session at one of my former schools. His reputation and experience in the field speaks for itself. The live online ceremony is always an inspiring celebration of the finalists and winners, and I’m excited to see which innovations are highlighted this year.
If you care about the future of education and the role of technology in shaping it, this is an event worth tuning into. The ceremony is online, free to join, and is happening this Thursday from 7 pm(BST). You can register here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/globaledtechawardsceremony20257368291718992916480
I’m proud to be part of a competition that not only celebrates innovation but does so with fairness, transparency, and genuine respect for the work happening in classrooms and companies around the world.