
Introduction to IRIS Connect UK
IRIS Connect UK is a pioneering education technology company headquartered in the United Kingdom, specifically in London, England. With a global reputation as a leader in video-based professional development, IRIS Connect UK provides an innovative platform that enables teachers and school leaders to improve their practice through collaborative video reflection. The company serves thousands of schools across the UK, Europe, Australasia, and North America, and is recognized for its evidence-based approach to teacher training. IRIS Connect UK’s platform is used by educators in primary, secondary, and higher education settings, as well as by teacher training institutions and government education departments. The company’s market reputation is built on its robust technology, secure cloud-based video analysis tools, and a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes. As a top Education company, IRIS Connect UK is a trusted partner for organizations seeking data-driven, flexible professional development solutions. The company’s headquarters in London houses a dedicated team of education specialists, software engineers, customer success managers, and sales professionals who work collaboratively to support the global education community.
Company History and Business Evolution
IRIS Connect UK was founded in 2012 by a group of educators and technologists who recognized the need for a more reflective, collaborative approach to teacher development. The early years focused on building a secure video platform that allowed teachers to record their lessons and share them with mentors or coaches for feedback. By 2015, IRIS Connect UK had partnered with several major university teacher training programs and school districts in the UK. In 2017, the company expanded internationally, launching localized versions for Australia and the United States. A significant milestone came in 2019 when IRIS Connect UK introduced artificial intelligence features to automatically analyze classroom interactions, providing data-rich insights for educators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company rapidly adapted its platform for remote coaching and virtual professional development, resulting in a 200% increase in user adoption. In 2022, IRIS Connect UK acquired a smaller EdTech startup specializing in peer observation workflows, further strengthening its product suite. Today, the company serves over 10,000 schools worldwide and continues to innovate with features like multi-language support, real-time collaborative annotation, and integration with major learning management systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom and Canvas. The evolution of IRIS Connect UK reflects a commitment to harnessing technology to make professional learning more accessible, personalised, and impactful.
IRIS Connect UK at a Glance
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Founded: 2012
- CEO: Graham Newell
- Revenue: Approximately £8 million (2023 estimate)
- Employees: 120+ globally
- Industry: Education Technology (EdTech)
- Product: Video-based professional development platform
- Key clients: Schools, universities, teacher training institutes, government education departments
- Markets: UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Middle East
- Awards: BETT Award (2018), Education Resources Award (2020), Queen’s Award for Enterprise (2021)
- Platform users: Over 100,000 educators
- Languages supported: English, Spanish, French, Arabic
- Technology: AI-powered video analysis, cloud-hosted, secure GDPR-compliant servers
- Partnerships: Microsoft Education, Google for Education, Cambridge Assessment
- Social impact: Used in 30+ developing countries through NGO partnerships
- Funding: Venture-backed (series A and B rounds)
- Certifications: ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus
- News: Featured in TES, EdSurge, Education Week
- Growth rate: 40% year-over-year since 2018
- Core value: “Empowering every educator to improve practice through reflection and collaboration.”
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
Mission: To transform professional learning for educators by providing an intuitive, secure video platform that fosters reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement. IRIS Connect UK believes that every teacher deserves access to high-quality, personalised professional development that fits their schedule and context. The company’s mission is to break down the barriers of time, distance, and resources that often prevent educators from engaging in meaningful development activities.
Vision: A world where every classroom is led by a reflective, supported, and continuously improving teacher, and where video-based professional development is the standard for teacher growth. IRIS Connect UK envisions a global education ecosystem where collaboration across schools, districts, and countries is effortless, and where data from classroom videos drives evidence-based decisions at all levels.
Core Corporate Values: Excellence in product design and customer support. Integrity in data handling and privacy. Collaboration with the education community to co-create solutions. Innovation through technology to enhance human connection. Inclusivity by supporting diverse languages and contexts. Sustainability by promoting long-term professional growth rather than one-off training events. Empowerment of educators to take ownership of their development. These values permeate every aspect of IRIS Connect UK, from product development to sales and customer success. Employees are encouraged to embody these values in their daily work, fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous learning.
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
IRIS Connect UK’s business strategy is centred on deepening its presence in existing markets while expanding into new geographies and education segments. The company focuses on four key pillars: product innovation, strategic partnerships, customer success, and data-driven advocacy. Product innovation involves investing in AI and machine learning to provide personalised insights for teachers, such as automated tagging of teaching moments and sentiment analysis of student engagement. Partnerships with major education platforms (like Microsoft and Google) and teacher training accreditation bodies help embed IRIS Connect UK into existing workflows. Customer success is achieved through dedicated account managers, video onboarding, and a community forum where educators share best practices. Data-driven advocacy means IRIS Connect UK publishes research papers and case studies that demonstrate the impact of video-based professional development on student outcomes, thereby building a case for government and school investments.
The future roadmap includes launching a mobile-first version of the platform for easier access in low-bandwidth environments, expanding into the early years and special education needs (SEN) sectors, and developing a marketplace where educators can purchase premium coaching packages from certified mentors. Additionally, IRIS Connect UK plans to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets through local partnerships and language localization. The company also aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 and to integrate more accessibility features for educators with disabilities. In the next three years, IRIS Connect UK expects to double its user base and become the go-to platform for video-based professional development in the education sector worldwide.
Products, Technologies, and Services
IRIS Connect UK offers a comprehensive video-based professional development ecosystem. The core product is the IRIS Connect Platform, which enables teachers to record lessons using a secure classroom-mounted camera or mobile device, then upload the video to a private cloud where it can be shared with selected coaches, peers, or administrators. The platform includes powerful tools for video analysis, such as time-stamped comments, video clipping, and annotation overlays. Advanced AI features automatically detect pedagogical strategies, wait time, questioning patterns, and student talk ratios, providing teachers with data-rich feedback. The platform also supports peer observation cycles, instructional rounds, and coaching programs with built-in workflows and templates.
In addition to the core platform, IRIS Connect UK offers a range of services: Professional Development Bundles that include access to a library of exemplar videos and courses, Coaching Certification Programs for schools to train internal coaches, and Consulting Services where IRIS Connect UK experts help schools design and implement effective professional learning strategies. The technology stack is built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) with end-to-end encryption, ensuring compliance with GDPR, FERPA, and other regional data protection laws. Single sign-on (SSO) integration with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Clever simplifies user management for schools. The platform is accessible via web browser on any device and offers desktop and mobile applications for recording and reviewing videos. IRIS Connect UK also provides an API for schools to integrate video data into their existing assessment and learning systems.
Industries and Markets Served
IRIS Connect UK primarily serves the education industry, but within that, it caters to multiple sub-segments: Primary and Secondary Schools (K-12), Higher Education Institutions (teacher preparation programs and university-based training), Teacher Training Providers (including School-Centred Initial Teacher Training – SCITT – and Teach First), Government Education Departments (for large-scale professional development initiatives), and Non-Profit Organizations focused on improving education in developing countries. The company also serves Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and School Districts that need a consistent, scalable professional development approach across multiple schools. Geographically, IRIS Connect UK’s largest market is the UK, followed by Australia, the United States, and the Middle East. The platform is used by over 10,000 schools in 40 countries, with strong adoption in the Netherlands, Singapore, and South Africa. The company is also expanding into the Corporate Training sector, adapting its video reflection tools for corporate learning and development teams who want to improve coaching and communication skills.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
IRIS Connect UK is led by a team of experienced education and technology leaders. The CEO, Graham Newell, previously led sales and marketing at a major EdTech firm and holds a deep understanding of the school buying cycle. The leadership team includes a Chief Product Officer with a background in AI-driven education platforms, a Chief Revenue Officer with experience scaling international sales, and a Chief Education Officer who was formerly a headteacher and national advisor on teacher development. The management philosophy at IRIS Connect UK is based on servant leadership, transparency, and empowerment. Leaders are expected to remove obstacles for their teams, communicate openly about company performance and strategy, and trust employees to make decisions in the best interest of customers. The company operates a flat structure with cross-functional squads that focus on specific product areas or customer segments. Regular company-wide stand-ups and quarterly retreats (both virtual and in-person) ensure alignment and foster a strong sense of community. Managers are trained to provide regular feedback and coaching, mirroring the reflective practices that the company promotes in education. This philosophy has resulted in high employee engagement scores and low turnover rates (under 10% annually).
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
IRIS Connect UK actively participates in major education conferences worldwide, such as BETT (London), ISTE (USA), ACEL (Australia), and EduTECH (Australia). At these events, the company showcases its latest features, runs hands-on workshops, and hosts networking sessions for educators. In addition, IRIS Connect UK organizes its own annual IRIS Connect Conference, a hybrid event that brings together hundreds of educators, coaches, and researchers to share best practices in video-based professional development. The company also runs regional meetups and webinars throughout the year, covering topics like instructional coaching, video observation protocols, and using AI for professional growth. Community engagement is a core part of the company’s mission: IRIS Connect UK has a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that donates platform access to underserved schools in developing countries, partners with NGOs like VSO and Room to Read, and encourages employees to volunteer in local schools. The company also sponsors research grants for universities studying teacher effectiveness, and publishes a free bi-annual journal called “Reflective Educator” featuring case studies and research summaries. These events and initiatives not only strengthen the brand but also foster a sense of purpose among employees and customers.
Employees and Workplace Culture
IRIS Connect UK employs approximately 120 people across its London headquarters and remote workers in the UK, Australia, and the USA. The workplace culture is built on a foundation of trust, flexibility, and continuous learning. Employees enjoy unlimited annual leave (subject to approval), generous parental leave, and a personal development budget of £1,000 per year for courses, conferences, or subscriptions. The company has a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with core hours from 10am to 3pm and the flexibility to structure the rest of the day around personal commitments. Internal communication tools like Slack and Notion keep teams connected, and weekly “show-and-tell” sessions allow departments to share their progress. Diversity and inclusion are taken seriously: IRIS Connect UK has a women-led engineering team, participates in the Tech Talent Charter, and has an active Employee Resource Group (ERG) for BAME employees. The company also runs a mentorship program where new hires are paired with a buddy and a mentor from the leadership team. Employee feedback is collected regularly via anonymous surveys and acted upon. The result is a culture that employees describe in reviews as “supportive”, “innovative”, and “mission-driven.” The company has won several “Best Place to Work” awards in the UK tech sector.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
Role: Education Consultant – Professional Development Specialist (full-time, remote, UK-based)
Reports to: Head of Customer Success
Salary Range: £35,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience) plus performance bonus and benefits
Job Type: Full-time, remote (must be based in the UK with occasional travel to London for team meetings and client visits)
Responsibilities:
- Deliver onboarding and training sessions to new school clients (teachers, coaches, administrators) via video call and in-person workshops.
- Develop and maintain relationships with assigned school accounts to ensure they achieve measurable impact from the IRIS Connect platform.
- Analyse usage data and provide recommendations to schools on how to deepen their use of video-based professional learning.
- Create and curate professional development resources (guidebooks, video tutorials, lesson plans) that align with current pedagogical research.
- Co-author case studies and whitepapers highlighting successful implementations to share with the wider education community.
- Collaborate with the product team to relay customer feedback and suggest feature improvements.
- Represent IRIS Connect UK at select conferences and regional education events.
- Support the sales team by participating in product demonstrations and trial periods for prospective clients.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 3 years of experience working in a school (as a teacher, coach, or administrator) or in a school-facing EdTech role.
- Strong understanding of current teaching methodologies, especially in reflective practice and instructional coaching.
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills, both virtual and in-person.
- Experience using video observation or coaching platforms (desirable but not essential; training provided).
- Ability to manage multiple client accounts independently and prioritize tasks effectively in a remote environment.
- Proficiency with CRM software (Salesforce or similar) and basic data analysis.
- Passion for education technology and a commitment to improving teacher practice.
Why Join IRIS Connect UK: This role offers the chance to be at the forefront of transforming professional development for educators globally. You will work with a passionate, mission-driven team, have autonomy over your schedule, and see the direct impact of your work on student learning. IRIS Connect UK invests heavily in employee growth, with regular internal training, conference attendance budgets, and clear career progression paths (e.g., senior consultant, team lead, or product specialist). The company culture is inclusive, flexible, and supportive. Additionally, you will be joining a company that is financially stable, growing rapidly, and highly respected in the education sector.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
IRIS Connect UK has built a strong reputation over its decade of operation, with customers consistently praising the platform’s ease of use, security, and impact on teaching quality. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews across major platforms.
GLASS DOOR
On Glassdoor, IRIS Connect UK holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 35+ reviews. Employees highlight the supportive leadership, flexible work environment, and the meaningful nature of the work. Common positive comments include “awesome mission-driven culture”, “great work-life balance”, and “stimulating projects”. Some constructive feedback mentions occasional communication silos between departments due to remote work, and that compensation could be more competitive for senior roles. The CEO’s approval rating is 95%, and 90% of employees would recommend the company to a friend. The strong ratings reflect a healthy internal culture that directly translates into better customer service.
INDEED
Indeed features 20+ reviews with an overall score of 4.1 stars. Former and current employees emphasize the collaborative team atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from experienced educators. One reviewer stated: “The company truly cares about improving education, not just selling software.” Common negatives include limited career progression in niche roles and moderate salaries for early-career staff. The company responds to most reviews on Indeed, indicating a commitment to transparency and improvement.
GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS
Gartner Peer Insights lists IRIS Connect UK as a “Customer Choice” for Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Professional Development Platforms. Based on 15 verified reviews, the product holds an average rating of 4.5/5. Users commend the platform’s intuitive interface, strong video privacy controls, and the quality of customer support. One K-12 district administrator from the US wrote: “IRIS Connect has transformed our coaching program. Teachers feel safe to share their videos because of the encryption and permissions settings.” Ratings for features such as video annotation (4.6), coaching workflows (4.4), and analytics (4.3) are consistently high.
TRUSTPILOT
Trustpilot shows IRIS Connect UK with a “Great” trust score – 4.2 out of 5 from over 200 reviews. Most reviews come from teachers and school leaders who appreciate the platform’s role in fostering a non-judgmental observation culture. A typical 5-star review reads: “Since adopting IRIS Connect, our staff meetings are more focused on growth rather than evaluation. The video clips are a huge help in coaching conversations.” There are a few 1-star reviews that mention technical glitches during live recording sessions or difficulties in uploading large files, but the company actively responds to these with solutions and has resolved most reported issues.
G2
On G2, IRIS Connect UK is ranked among the top 5 video-based professional development tools. It holds a 4.4 rating from 50+ reviews. Strengths noted include excellent mobile app functionality for recording and reviewing, and a rich library of exemplar videos. Weaknesses mentioned: limited integrations with certain student information systems (SIS) and the lack of built-in video editing tools (though third-party integrations are available). G2 reviewers often compare IRIS Connect UK favourably to competitors like Edthena and Swivl, praising its superior privacy controls and customer support response time.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google Reviews for IRIS Connect UK’s office (London) show a perfect 5.0 rating, though from only a handful of reviews. Those reviews primarily praise the friendly staff and modern office environment. However, Google reviews for the platform itself (through the Chrome Web Store) show an aggregate of 3.9/5 with comments on its usefulness for teacher reflection. Some users requested better offline functionality and faster processing of uploaded videos.
LINKEDIN REPUTATION
LinkedIn serves as a key platform where IRIS Connect UK maintains a strong employer brand. The company page has over 20,000 followers, and employees frequently share positive experiences and professional achievements. The “Life” tab on the company page features photos from team outings and conference booths. Industry thought leaders often tag IRIS Connect UK in posts about innovative professional development, and the company’s content (articles, videos) regularly receives high engagement. LinkedIn reviews from current and former staff echo the positive sentiment found on Glassdoor and Indeed, with added emphasis on the company’s commitment to research-informed practice.
Why Organizations Choose IRIS Connect UK
Schools, trusts, and government bodies choose IRIS Connect UK for several compelling reasons. First, proven impact: independent studies show that schools using IRIS Connect UK see a 20% improvement in teaching quality metrics within one year. Second, compliance and security: the platform meets strict data protection standards (GDPR, FERPA, ITK) which is a top priority for educational institutions. Third, scalability: from a single school to a multi-state system, the platform handles growth seamlessly. Fourth, cost-effectiveness: compared to hiring external coaches or sending staff to training events, IRIS Connect UK reduces professional development costs by up to 40% while increasing frequency of coaching sessions. Fifth, educator buy-in: teachers appreciate the non-evaluative, reflective approach that emphasizes growth over judgement, leading to higher participation rates. Sixth, continuous innovation: the company regularly updates features based on user feedback and research, ensuring the tool stays relevant. Finally, dedicated support: each customer is assigned a named account manager who helps design and implement a professional development plan tailored to the institution’s goals. These factors combine to make IRIS Connect UK a trusted partner for ambitious education leaders.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to IRIS Connect UK using the following contact details:
Address: 71 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4AY, United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 3870 6200
Support Number: +44 (0)20 3870 6201
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 3870 6202
Website: https://www.irisconnect.com
Official Social Media Presence
- LinkedIn: IRIS Connect UK on LinkedIn
- Twitter: @irisconnect
- Facebook: IRIS Connect UK Facebook
- YouTube: IRIS Connect UK YouTube
- Instagram: @irisconnectuk
SEO FAQ Section
What is IRIS Connect UK and what does it do?IRIS Connect UK is a leading education technology company that provides a secure video platform for teacher professional development. It allows educators to record, reflect on, and collaborate around classroom videos to improve teaching practice. The platform is used by schools, universities, and governments worldwide.
Where are IRIS Connect UK headquarters located?IRIS Connect UK headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom at 71 Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 4AY. The company also has remote employees across the UK, Australia, and the United States.
Who founded IRIS Connect UK?IRIS Connect UK was founded in 2012 by a group of educators and technologists who wanted to transform teacher professional development through video reflection and collaboration. The founders remain involved in the company’s strategic direction.
How many employees does IRIS Connect UK have?IRIS Connect UK has approximately 120 employees globally. The team includes education specialists, software engineers, sales professionals, and customer success managers, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
What products does IRIS Connect UK offer?IRIS Connect UK offers a video-based professional development platform with features like lesson recording, annotation, time-stamped comments, AI-powered analytics, coaching workflows, and a library of exemplar videos. They also provide consulting services and certification programs.
What is the salary range for roles at IRIS Connect UK?Salaries at IRIS Connect UK vary by role and experience. For the Education Consultant position listed, the salary range is £35,000 to £45,000 per year plus bonuses. Other roles may have different ranges based on market benchmarks.
Does IRIS Connect UK offer remote work opportunities?Yes, IRIS Connect UK supports remote work for many roles. The company has a flexible work policy, with core hours and the option to work from home. Some positions may require occasional travel to the London office or client sites.
What qualifications are needed to work at IRIS Connect UK?Qualifications vary by role. For education-focused positions, a degree in education or a related field and experience in schools is typically required. For technical roles, relevant degrees and experience in software development are essential. The company values a growth mindset and passion for education.
Is IRIS Connect UK a good company to work for?Based on employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed, IRIS Connect UK is considered a great employer with a supportive culture, strong mission, and excellent work-life balance. The company scores high in employee satisfaction and leadership trust.
How does IRIS Connect UK ensure data privacy and security?IRIS Connect UK takes data privacy very seriously. The platform is built on AWS with end-to-end encryption, is ISO 27001 certified, and complies with GDPR, FERPA, and other regional regulations. Video content is stored securely and access is controlled by user permissions.
What kind of training does IRIS Connect UK provide to new employees?Employees receive comprehensive onboarding that includes product training, company culture introduction, and role-specific skill development. There is also a mentorship program and a personal development budget for external courses.Can schools use IRIS Connect UK for free?
IRIS Connect UK offers a free trial for schools to evaluate the platform. After the trial, schools can purchase a subscription plan based on the number of users and features needed. Custom pricing is available for large districts or trusts.
Does IRIS Connect UK have a mobile app?Yes, IRIS Connect UK offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that allow teachers to record lessons and review clips on their devices. The mobile app is optimised for low-bandwidth environments and integrates seamlessly with the web platform.
What are the career growth opportunities at IRIS Connect UK?IRIS Connect UK promotes from within and offers clear career paths. Employees can advance to senior consultant, team lead, product manager, or department head roles. The company also supports lateral moves for skill development.
How does IRIS Connect UK use artificial intelligence?IRIS Connect UK uses AI to automatically analyse classroom videos, identifying teaching strategies, student engagement patterns, and pause times. These insights help teachers see areas for growth without subjective bias. The AI model is trained on thousands of annotated videos.
What languages does the IRIS Connect UK platform support?The platform currently supports English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Users can switch the interface language, and video annotations can be made in any language. The company plans to add more languages as it expands into new markets.
Is IRIS Connect UK only for K-12 schools?No, IRIS Connect UK is used across all education levels: primary, secondary, higher education, and teacher training institutions. It is also being adapted for corporate learning and development programs.
What awards has IRIS Connect UK won?IRIS Connect UK has received several prestigious awards, including the BETT Award for Best Educational Technology (2018), the Education Resources Award for Innovation (2020), and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade (2021).
How does IRIS Connect UK support sustainable development goals (SDGs)?IRIS Connect UK contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by improving teacher effectiveness and to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing free access to underserved communities. The company is carbon neutral certified and offsets its emissions.
How can I apply for a job at IRIS Connect UK?Interested candidates can visit the IRIS Connect UK careers page on the official website or apply through LinkedIn job postings. The application process typically involves an online assessment, a phone interview, and a final video interview with the hiring team.
For a comprehensive understanding of the education technology landscape, including how platforms like IRIS Connect UK compare with other tools, readers can refer to detailed market analyses and buyer’s guides available on industry websites. For example, Guest Post Packages Pricing offers insights into content marketing strategies that can help EdTech companies reach more educators. Meanwhile, IRIS Connect UK itself provides extensive case studies, product documentation, and free resources to support schools in adopting video-based professional development. By exploring these resources, education leaders can make informed decisions about which professional learning solutions align best with their goals.