Gemma Gwilliam

Multi-award-winning strategic digital transformation and AI leader with extensive experience delivering large-scale change across education, local government and wider public sector environments. My career spans classroom teaching through to senior leadership roles, providing a unique understanding of both frontline delivery and system-level transformation. Most recently, I led Portsmouth's award-winning Digital City project and the Department for Education's RISE Universal SE Digital Partnership, supporting 19 local authorities to embed technology, AI and workforce development at scale.

Through this work, I have designed and delivered city, regional and national digital strategies that drive organisational performance, build workforce capability and improve outcomes for learners and communities. I have a strong track record of translating emerging technologies, including AI, into practical, scalable solutions that reduce workload, increase efficiency and support sustainable innovation. Shaped by my lived experience of dyslexia and ADHD, I am particularly passionate about responsible, inclusive and accessible technology adoption, ensuring that digital transformation creates opportunities for everyone.

Head of Digital Learning, Education and Innovation - “Portsmouth: The Digital City” Project, Portsmouth - Portsmouth

(2022-09 - 2026-08)

• Spearheaded Portsmouth’s “Digital City” initiative: the UK’s first city-wide digital transformation strategy spanning education and business sectors.
• Scaled digital strategy nationally, supporting schools, colleges, and local authorities across Walsall, Sandwell, Hampshire, Dorset, and Cambridge and as of January 2026, the RISE Universal SE Digital Partnership.
• Delivered professional learning programmes and strategic consultancy across the UK and internationally, partnering with companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Arbor, Canva and Cricksoftware.
• Worked directly with the Department for Education (DfE) on consultations, policy development, and national digital inclusion initiatives.
• Represented Portsmouth and UK education at global conferences, podcasts, and research events focused on AI, digital inclusion, and future-ready learning.
• Led cloud migration, infrastructure audits, and equitable access strategies for diverse educational settings across regions.
• Built and sustained STEM and adult learning networks in collaboration with national bodies and international partners.

Cross-Phase Educational Technologist - United Learning Trust

(2021 - 2022)

Strategic digital technologist supporting 26 schools with cloud migration, curriculum design, and CPD delivery. Supported national EdTech Demonstrator Programme (DfE) and designed infrastructure for Net Zero School.

• Supported 26 schools with digital strategy and cloud migration.
• Supported National Ed Tech Demonstrator Programme nationally.
• Designed IT infrastructure for Net Zero School.
• Created computing curriculum and led Primary Computing Leads.
• Delivered CPD and strategic support across the trust.
• Provided strategic support to 26 schools across phases and settings.
• Worked with Technical Team and Network Managers on cloud migration and serverless strategies.
• Delivered CPD sessions on remote learning, catch-up, feedback, and assessment.
• Managed relationships with senior leaders and central office.
• Led E-Safety policy development and platform trials.
• Supported ITTs through United Teaching with Teams integration.
• Led design and procurement for Gen Zero School IT infrastructure.
• Wrote Primary Computing Curriculum and led Primary Computing Leads meetings.
• Supported schools nationally through EdTech Demonstrator Programme.
• Developed online catalogue of digital resources for SEND and inclusion.

Curriculum Leader & Teacher - Beacon View Primary Academy - Portsmouth

(2019 - 2020)

Curriculum leader and teacher responsible for whole school curriculum development plus individual subject leader of computing, music, PSHE, and SRE. Led continuity of learning plans and supported IT department and communications.

• Designed and implemented continuity of learning plans.
• Created computing, music, PSHE, and SRE curricula.
• Supported IT department and managed school communications.
• Led curriculum development across multiple subjects.
• Seconded to support another local United Learning School.
• Curriculum Leader supporting development at Beacon View and Victory Primary School.
• Led computing, PSHE, music, KS2 science and history.
• Created and shared computing curriculum across UL Academy Chain.
• Created music and PSHE/SRE curricula shared with Curriculum Manager and Regional Director.
• Designed continuity of learning materials for UL schools during lockdown.
• Delivered online learning materials and supported staff facilitation.
• Introduced new communication methods and ran Aspirations Week.
• Delivered staff training on Office 365 tools.

Head of Primary English and Class Teacher - Regents International School (Nord Anglia) - Pattaya, Thailand

(2018 - 2019)

Head of Primary English. Led curriculum innovation, strategic planning and support senior leadership.

• Implemented Talk for Writing across Primary phase.
• Designed online tracking system for Reading, Writing, and Maths.
• Led Book Week and STEAM initiatives.
• Worked with EYFS Team to develop Early Years Centre of Excellence.
• Year 2 Teacher and Head of Primary English (Pre Nursery to Year 6).
• Strategic action planning and budget management.
• Implemented moderation process and CPL workshops.
• Collaborated with Secondary English Lead and STEAM Coordinator.
• Supported marketing and recruitment video production.
• Led summer camp.

Assistant Principal, Head of Lower Boarding and Class Teacher - Bromsgrove International School - Thailand

(2015 - 2018)

Assistant Principal for Business Development and Head of Lower Boarding. Increased enrolment, led strategic planning, and developed enrichment programmes.

• Increased boarding enrolment by 57%.
• Restructured boarding provision and improved systems.
• Led curriculum development and enrichment programmes.
• Created a successful Saturday School programme.
• Organised TISAC Battle of the Bands and directed Lion King production.
• Led boarding provision and business development across all phases.
• Implemented financial and safeguarding systems.
• Designed finance system for student deposits.
• Directed Saturday School and marketing initiatives.
• Developed English curriculum and supported SLT with timetabling.
• Organised TISAC events and school productions.

Curriculum & Academics Manager - Prestige Education Centre - Beijing

(2014 - 2014)

Curriculum and Academics Manager. Designed British curriculum adaptation, implemented iPad learning, and led school productions.

• Designed alternative British curriculum.
• Implemented iPad learning programme.
• Directed school productions and marketing events.
• Taught across KS1–KS5 and adult learners.
• Designed curriculum, tracking, and assessment procedures.
• Recruited and interviewed new teachers.
• Introduced iPad learning and homework systems.
• Directed Christmas production and open days.

English Leader & Class Teacher - Stamshaw Junior School, Portsmouth City Council - Portsmouth

(2012 - 2013)

English Leader and classroom teacher. Led curriculum planning and received recognition from Ofsted.

• Graded Outstanding by Ofsted.
• Led English curriculum improvements.
• Built links with local businesses and football club.
• Developed writing moderation team city-wide.
• Led English curriculum and pupil progress meetings.
• Mentored trainee teachers and those on capability.
• Directed Global Rock Challenge and Sports Day.
• Delivered TA training and intervention programmes.
• Improved reading and writing outcomes across school.

Acting Assistant Head & Literacy Leader and Class Teacher - Northern Parade Junior School, Portsmouth City Council - Portsmouth

(2009 - 2012)

Acting Assistant Head and Literacy Leader. Led EAL and School Council initiatives and received Ofsted recognition.

• Graded Good with Outstanding by Ofsted.
• Led literacy and EAL initiatives.
• Organised extracurricular events and residential trips.
• Led literacy, EAL, and School Council.
• Organised Global Rock Challenge and themed events.
• Supported SEND pupils and built community links.
• Delivered curriculum planning and staff training.

Global Master in Business Administration (MBA) - Business management and leadership in education - Oxford Brookes University (2016-03 - 2019-02)

BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching with QTS - Maths - University of Chichester (2007-09 - 2009-07)

1st year of BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching - University of Brighton (2006-09 - 2007-09)

A Levels and AS Level - Business Studies A Level – B; Psychology A Level – C; Pure Mathematics with Statistics A Level – E; Accounts AS Level – C - South Downs College (2003-09 - 2005-07)

GCSEs - Purbrook Park Secondary School (1998-09 - 2003-07)