Mike Briscoe, director, IET Associates

Mike is known for leading change, building networks and providing excellent programmes for leadership in education and technology. He has over 37 years of experience and is an enthusiast for learning and how technology supports great learning. Previously, Mike was a director at Becta. Former roles include leadership of ICT services for Birmingham and director of the national SLICT programme, Self Review Framework, ICT Mark and ICT Excellence Awards. Mike has led developments in e-safety, supported safeguarding boards and schools, and is passionate about technology to improve parental engagement. Mike is a director of IET Associates, a not-for-profit company operating as a social enterprise specialising in technology in education.

Louise Robinson, head, Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School

Louise is head of Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School and also president of the Girls’ Schools’ Association, a national body representing 200 leading girls’ schools in the country. In her second headship, Louise is a maths and computer science graduate from the North West. Her passion is providing opportunities for girls and ensuring they receive the best preparation for their future lives.

Andy Hutt, initial teacher trainer and independent ICT consultant

Andy left school at 16 and worked for several years before going on to gain an English degree, PGCE and early teaching experience in Canterbury. Andy taught English at secondary level for 16 years. He went on to become head of ICT and literacy tutor for a community of young autistic adults and completed a masters degree in information technology. Andy also spent some years working for an educational supplier, developing the use of ICT in primary and secondary schools. He now teaches on the PGCE programme at the University of Bath and works independently with schools and educational organisations in the UK and internationally. His focus is on creative, efficient and effective use of ICT.

Peter Banks, assistant headteacher, director of ppecialism and new technologies manager at Broadgreen International School

Peter has been  instrumental in Broadgreen attaining the ICT Mark, being awarded runner up in the Becta ICT Excellence Awards in 2006 and 2008, and finally winning the best whole school category in the Becta awards in 2009. Peter is an active member of the Leading Leaders network, an Online Reporting Advocate and an active promoter of the self-review framework. He helped to develop the toolkit for the online reporting and parental engagement initiative and is passionate about providing real-time information to parents and pupils.

Neil Clayton, ICT teacher and online developments, Cardinal Allen Catholic High School

Neil joined the teaching profession after working in IT management, his last post was with Blackburn Rovers Football Club. His main interest lies in the use and development of online technologies to enhance teaching and learning. Neil has worked closely with the local authority to help develop an online parental reporting system and to pilot the open source e-portfolio Mahara. He is also involved with the testing and trialling of new software for a number of IT companies.