Julie Carson

Julie Carson is Deputy CEO and Director of Education at Woodland Academy Trust, where she leads school improvement, curriculum development and digital transformation across five primary schools in Bexley and Kent. With over 30 years’ experience in education, including two decades in senior leadership roles such as Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and Local Authority School Improvement Advisor, she brings extensive expertise in leading sustained improvement across diverse contexts.Julie has a strong commitment to inclusion and innovation, specialising in the use of AI and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create inclusive, technology-enhanced learning environments. She has led the development of a Trust-wide pedagogical framework grounded in UDL, contributing to schools within the Trust being recognised as Apple Distinguished Schools and to the Trust’s designation as an Apple Regional Training Centre for Bexley and Kent.Her work focuses on the strategic use of technology to improve teaching and learning, including AI-driven lesson design, adaptive approaches and accessibility tools that support high-quality, inclusive practice for all pupils. She leads cross-trust and system-wide collaboration, supporting schools through inspection, strategic planning and curriculum development.Julie contributes regularly to national and international conferences, panel discussions and professional networks, sharing her work on AI in education, digital transformation and equity. She is recognised as a leading voice in the responsible and impactful use of technology to support both staff development and pupil outcomes.In recognition of her impact, Julie received a Silver Award for Transformational Use of Digital Technology in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards and was named Digital Leader in the Global EdTech Awards. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (with distinction) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).