Teachmate CEO Dr Jon Chippindall shortlisted for BESA Person of the Year 2026
Recognition for a former primary teacher turned founder — and for the community building responsible AI alongside him.
The British Educational Suppliers Association has shortlisted Teachmate CEO Dr Jon Chippindall for Person of the Year 2026, recognising his work bringing responsible, classroom-first AI to UK schools.
Jon taught in Manchester primary schools for a decade before founding Teachmate, and still teaches computing one morning a week. That classroom grounding shapes the company’s approach: build with teachers, publish the evidence, and never trade safety for speed.
“Any recognition here belongs to the teachers who tell us — bluntly and brilliantly — what to build next,” Jon said. Winners are announced at the BESA Awards ceremony in London this July.