Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2025
To mark Ada Lovelace Day on 14th October 2025, the National Centre for Computing Education, in collaboration with Isaac Computer Science, hosted two inspiring student webinars that reached thousands of young people across the globe. These events celebrated the legacy of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, and showcased the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the world of technology today.
I Belong: Meet Today’s Tech Heroes!
The first event, part of the NCCE’s I Belong programme, was a vibrant and engaging webinar tailored for Key stage 2 pupils. After learning about Ada Lovelace’s pioneering achievements, attendees were introduced to three Computing Ambassadors who shared their personal journeys into the tech industry:
- Nikki, a DevOps Engineer at TEG Logistics
- Julie, a Database Administrator and SQL Developer at The Exeter Insurance
- Rosie, a Software Developer at CGI
Each ambassador highlighted the flexibility, creativity and resilience that characterise careers in technology. They encouraged pupils to pursue their interests in computing, regardless of background, and answered a wide range of questions from the audience. Topics included coding languages, the challenges and rewards of working in tech, the role of artificial intelligence and practical advice for getting started in computing.
The response was phenomenal—over 15,000 students participated either live or via the recording, representing 160 schools from the UK and as far afield as Spain and South Korea!
Isaac Discovery: Exploring AI with Cisco
The second event was an Isaac Discovery webinar aimed at GCSE and A Level Computer Science students, delivered in partnership with Cisco as part of Women in Tech Week 2025. This session offered a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence and its real-world applications, with expert insights from Louise Mills and Elizabeth Barr of Cisco.
Louise and Elizabeth began by introducing themselves and Cisco’s global mission to securely connect the world. They explained Cisco’s three core technology pillars—AI-ready data centres, future-proof workplaces and digital resilience—and how these support modern organisations.
Louise then detailed how Cisco integrates AI into its products and services, including smart networking, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance and sustainability solutions. The speakers also addressed the benefits and challenges of AI, from automation and efficiency to data privacy and the importance of human oversight.
They also offered students valuable career guidance, highlighting the importance of soft skills, curiosity and continuous learning. Students were encouraged to explore Cisco’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes and to seek out work experience and further training in the tech sector.
Looking Ahead
These two events exemplify the NCCE’s commitment to making computing education inclusive, engaging and forward-looking. By connecting students with real-world role models and industry leaders, we aim to inspire the next generation of digital innovators—just as Ada Lovelace inspired the world with her visionary ideas nearly two centuries ago.
If you missed the live sessions, recordings are available to watch on demand.
Keep an eye on Eventbrite for information about future webinars and activities designed for Key stage 2 and 3 pupils. In addition, upcoming events and resources for students in Key can be found on the Isaac Computer Science website.