• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Friday October 13 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

BCS director Julia Adamson receives MBE for services to education

Julia Adamson, managing director (education and public benefit) at Swindon-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has received an MBE from Princess Anne at special Investiture Ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

Julia, who was awarded the honour in recognition of her services to education – travelled to Windsor with her family to collect the prestigious award.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received an MBE, I love what I do, and never thought when I began my career as a primary school teacher over 25 years ago that it would lead to this.

“We had a truly fantastic day and so special to be accompanied by my husband and daughters – an occasion we’ll never forget.”

Julia’s mission at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is to give every young person the digital skills they need to succeed in life and work.

She played a lead role in establishing and managing the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), an £84 million government-funded programme to upskill teachers to deliver world-class computing education in schools.

Under her leadership, the Computing at School (CAS) teachers’ network has grown in influence and now has over 25,000 teacher members. BCS’ Barefoot scheme, which supports primary teachers with learning materials and lesson plans, has so far reached 3.3 million children across the UK.

Julia is a trustee of the Blackdown Education Partnership, in Mid Devon, where she lives with her family. She began her career in education 26 years ago as a teacher in Cheshire. In 2006, she joined Liverpool-based company, MGL, developing her vision for tech in schools, and how it could transform outcomes for learners.

She joined Exeter-based South-West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) in 2009, supporting its work on online safety and education.

Julia joined BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT in 2017, holding a number of leadership roles.

She added: “I’m extremely proud to have received this recognition and want this honour to recognise the work of every educator who brings digital skills and computing education into young people’s lives.

“I feel privileged to have had my career recognised in this way, and I’m really grateful to my family for all their support.

‘I’m excited about the future as I work with BCS and partners to ensure every young person has the skills to thrive in the digital world.”