Jonathan Noakes

Jonnie Noakes is a forward-thinking educator, based in the UK. A practising teacher, he has since 2015 been the Director of a Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL) at Eton College. CIRL’s work focuses on pedagogical excellence, evidence-informed practice, research into teaching, learning and leadership in education, and innovation in cross-sector partnerships.

Jonnie is an expert in character education, with two decades of experience in teaching emotional intelligence and a deep knowledge of boarding education, having been a boarding housemaster for twelve years. As an English teacher, he led two departments concurrently at Eton and at the London Academy of Excellence, a high performing state sixth form, and has published fourteen texts on contemporary novels for A-Level and undergraduate level, designed to cultivate intellectual independence. As the Director of Teaching and Learning he played a strategic role in developing Eton’s approach to pedagogy for over a decade, promoting a culture of evidence-informed practice and innovation through a rich programme of Professional Development.

He is a director of Neuroscience for Education, which aims to improve cognitive performance and attainment, foster a love of learning and enable a healthy and productive approach to personal development; an editorial board member of the UK Chartered College of Teaching’s journal Impact; and an advisory board member of Rethinking Assessment, a coalition of educators, researchers and business leaders who argue for innovative and fairer assessment for young people. In the past, he has been an education advisor to Edtech start-ups at Emerge Education, a European seed fund investing in EdTech founders, and a member of the global research committee of the International Boys’ School Coalition.

He has been a governor of a number of state and independent schools and a Trustee of the cross-sector United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation. For five years he was Chair of Governors at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham.

Jonnie is a regular speaker and trainer on innovation, evidence-informed practice and the future of education at conferences internationally.

   "What wonderful news that the Varkey Foundation is founding The Global Schools Prize to recognise excellence in innovation and  educational attainment by schools around the world. The most interesting and valuable innovation in education is created by teachers themselves. Especially when innovation has its source outside education, as is happening with AI, it needs to be configured to meet the needs of pupils and educators. Teachers have the experience and expertise to adapt ideas to improve attainment and enhance the experience of education for all involved. This prize will celebrate the best of applied innovation and will encourage purposeful, disciplined."