Portsmouth recognised nationally for digital innovation and inclusive education
Portsmouth’s commitment to digital transformation in education has been recognised with multiple national awards, celebrating the city’s collaborative efforts to improve learning outcomes and promote inclusion through technology.
The Portsmouth: Digital City project has received a prestigious Silver Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards for Transformational Use of Digital Technology. The project, which began before the pandemic and accelerated during lockdowns, now includes 61 schools across the city. It is built around a shared vision with three clear strands: technology for children, technology for adults, and technology for all. The initiative is now in the running for a Gold Award, to be announced later this year at a ceremony in London and featured on BBC One’s The One Show.
Cllr Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Portsmouth recognised on a national stage. The work of all involved in the project shows how digital tools can be used creatively to support learning and improve outcomes for young people.”
Gemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education and Innovation for the Portsmouth: Digital City project, added:
“It’s an honour to present not just a Silver Pearson Award, but two Certificates of Excellence that reflect our city-wide mission. This isn’t just a project — it’s a shared commitment to supporting every member of our community through digital innovation.”
Katie Quinn, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Portsmouth College, said:
“Contributing to Portsmouth: The Digital City is at the heart of our mission as an anchor institution. Supporting digital training for adults — many of whom are parents of local students — has been a privilege and a vital part of promoting digital inclusion across our communities.”
In addition to the Silver Award, two local initiatives have been honoured with Certificates of Excellence at a separate national awards ceremony.
City of Portsmouth College and UTC Portsmouth were jointly recognised in the School or College Partnership of the Year category for their work on the Portsmouth: The Digital City project. Their efforts have helped improve digital equity through targeted outreach, increased access to STEM opportunities, and the development of clearer career pathways for students and their families.
A second Certificate of Excellence was awarded to the Digital City Inclusion Project for its Outstanding Contribution to SEND Education. This initiative brings together Google for Education, Canopy for Education, and local schools including Craneswater Junior School, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Springfield School, Solent Junior School, and Priory School.
By embedding assistive technologies, training staff, and supporting families, the project has significantly improved access to learning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Jack Jones, Headteacher at New Horizons Primary School, said:
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked closely with the Portsmouth: Digital City project, and I’m incredibly proud of how one of our staff members has grown into a digital champion for the city. Sophie Kelleher (digital lead for the school and city) has played a key role in developing our computing curriculum and supporting staff across schools. Her work has had a real impact — from embedding digital skills and citizenship into our Key Stage 2 curriculum to receiving national recognition as a finalist for the Edufuturist Digital Skills Champion Award.”
These achievements coincide with National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the vital role of teachers, support staff, and schools in shaping future generations.
