Hosted by our Assistant Head (Head of Digital Strategy), Kevin Murphy, the visit brought together principals, vice principals, STEAM leaders, IT heads and curriculum leads from a wide range of schools across Hong Kong. The delegation visited Croydon High specifically to learn from our whole-school digital strategy, including our iPad rollout and our embedded use of Goodnotes to enhance teaching, learning and assessment across the curriculum.
We are one of a small number of UK schools recognised as a Goodnotes Showcase School, reflecting our strategic, research-informed approach to educational technology and our commitment to impact rather than novelty. Digital tools at Croydon High are implemented thoughtfully, with learning, wellbeing and safeguarding at the heart of every decision.
The programme included presentations from senior leaders and teaching staff across English, Mathematics, Science and Design, alongside live classroom-focused demonstrations of how Goodnotes, Nearpod and collaborative tools such as FigJam are used to support creativity, engagement and deep learning. Sessions explored our digital journey in detail, from early stakeholder consultation and staff training to student deployment, ongoing professional development and our emerging work around artificial intelligence in education.
Our Head, Annabel Davies, welcomed delegates and reflected on the school’s philosophy around innovation:
“Digital strategy at Croydon High is never about technology for its own sake. It is about equipping our girls with the confidence, creativity and skills they need to thrive – now and in the future.”
Kevin Murphy added:
“We were delighted to welcome colleagues from Hong Kong and to share openly what we have learned along the way. Being recognised by Apple and Goodnotes as a school they want to learn from is a real endorsement of the work our staff and students have done together.”
The visit was also warmly praised by Goodnotes. Matthew Kwok, Product Manager at Goodnotes, commented:
“Thank you so much for welcoming us to Croydon High School. The visit exceeded all our expectations. The Hong Kong teachers were hugely impressed by the openness and detail with which your staff shared their classroom practice – from specific workflows to creative ways of engaging students. Many are already taking ideas back to their own schools, inspired by the generosity and expertise of your team.”
Representatives from both Apple and Goodnotes noted the strength of Croydon High’s strategic approach, particularly the way digital tools are embedded consistently across subjects while remaining responsive to teacher voice and student wellbeing.
This visit reinforces our position as a leader in digital education within the UK independent sector and internationally, demonstrating how a thoughtful, values-led approach to technology can enhance learning, collaboration and creativity in a girls-only environment.
