#TheFeed Issue 8 | Page 5

BY JULIAN BLAKE DIRECTOR AND EDITOR

One of the most respected figures on the UK edtech scene , Ian Fordham , the co-founder of the Education Foundation and chief executive of Edtech UK , is leaving the twin roles he helped create to join Microsoft UK as its new director of education .

Across five years , Fordham has helped put UK education technology on the global map . Julian Blake says Fordham ’ s success has been built on his ability to convene educators , startups and government alike .

Fordham , an ex-teacher , set up the Education Foundation five years ago with Ty Goddard after the pair had worked together at the designfocused

British Council for School Environments . They established the Education Foundation as a cross-party think tank dedicated to education reform , technology and innovation .

In 2015 , Fordham took the helm at Edtech UK to help accelerate the UK ’ s education technology sector and become a voice for edtech , in much the same way that Innovate Finance had done for UK fintech .

A convenor and an educator who can draw on the knowledge of tech innovators , Fordham has become a highly respected figure on the UK digital scene . He has helped to bring the word ‘ edtech ’ itself to a common centre ground for UK educators , policymakers and startups alike .

Fordham joins Microsoft UK this month , taking responsibility for all of Microsoft ’ s work in education in the UK , across schools , colleges , universities and other learning organisations .

Goddard , currently Edtech UK ’ s chair , becomes chief executive of both the Education Foundation and Edtech UK . Fordham will keep a role with his former employer by sitting on Edtech UK ’ s advisory group .

Over five years of work under the pair ’ s joint leadership , the Education Foundation has built a reputation of its own as a convenor and thought leader – working with policymakers , education leaders and startup businesses .

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