JULIA Adamson, Managing Director (Education and Public Benefit) at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has received an MBE from Princess Anne at a 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.

Julia Adamson and family at Windsor Castle.
Julia Adamson and family at Windsor Castle. (submitted)

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 it was so special to be accompanied by my husband and daughters – an occasion we’ll never forget.”

Julia Adamson - with MBE.
Julia Adamson - with MBE. (submitted)

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 more than 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.

Originally from Newton in Chester, Julia 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, and is now Managing Director, Education and Public Benefit.

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”.