Biography:

Trudi Barrow is an influential voice in design education, known for her innovative approach to teaching, curriculum development, and strategic advisory roles. Currently serving as an advisor at CLEAPSS and editor of the Futureminds digital magazine, Trudi is known for championing creativity, applied learning, sustainability, and the thoughtful integration of AI into education. She was recognised with the James Dyson Award for Outstanding D&T Teacher by the Design and Technology Association in 2022.

Trudi’s journey began in theatre design, holding positions such as Assistant Design Associate at the National Theatre, before moving into education. She holds a first-class BA (Hons.) in Scenography from Aberystwyth University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Design from RADA, and trained in education at Goldsmiths, University of London. Her educational leadership experience includes roles at Sandringham School and Head of Design and Technology at Kensington Aldridge Academy.

Trudi champions creative tools in education, she is a Canvassador and a member of the Padlet educator group. Trudi co-authored a paper on AI in D&T for the PATT41 Conference in Nanjing, China, and was a speaker at the AIducation ’25 Conference in Bucharest. She has actively contributed to curriculum and training initiatives with major educational organisations including AQA and the V&A.  Trudi is an author of the upcoming DfE training materials on the safe and effective use of AI in Education with Chiltern Learning Trust and The Chartered College of Teaching.

Trudi regularly provides professional development and training for leading education trusts and institutions across the UK, such as Pioneer Learning Trust, Coop Academies Trust, Meridian Academies Trust and the Inspiration Trust, She also shares her insights widely through podcasts, webinars, and speaking engagements, including Teachers Talk Radio, Ctrl-Alt-Teach, The Tattooed Teacher podcast, the Big D&T Meet at the University of East Anglia, and the AI in Education Summer Conference at the Open University.

Passionate about driving forward-thinking, sustainable, and inclusive educational practices, Trudi continues to inspire educators through her vision for the future of design and technology education.