Small steps, big impact: Hugh Williams on digital education, motivation and momentum
A passion for tech and purpose
For Hugh Williams – co-founder and Chair of Code for Schools – a career in tech was shaped early. “I grew up in the 1970s and was lucky that my father decided to make a career change and become a computer programmer in around 1977. That gave me access to books on programming as well as a Dad who [was] an electronics hobbyist who could build and program computers,” he shares.
This access led to a lifelong journey through computer science, including senior roles at Microsoft, eBay and Google. But a decade ago, Williams turned his attention to something different: creating opportunity for others.
“I realised about 10 years ago that I’d been fortunate and decided to start something in the charity space. My wife Selina Williams and I decided that creating the opportunity for every Australian student to have a solid digital technology education at school was going to be important for Australia’s future. We also decided that it shouldn’t require smart parents and good fortune, and that school was the right place for it to happen.”
The result was Code for Schools, a registered charity initially launched as CS in Schools. Along with Kristy Kendall, Principal of Toorak College, the team built a program focused on long-term impact by supporting the people who teach.
“Our mission is to help in-service teachers develop the confidence and competence to teach great digital technology in the classroom. We provide everything for free including course materials, training, support, and a website.”
Creating momentum through collaboration
For Williams, one of the most powerful parts of his journey has been seeing what happens when strong partnerships form. A standout moment? “I joined the State Library Victoria board about six years ago and was fortunate to work with Roly Clifton-Bligh.
He later moved to TDM Growth Partners to set up the TDM Foundation and invited us to pitch Code for Schools… the Foundation funded us almost completely for three years off the back of that pitch — that changed everything for us.”
The result has been transformative. Since 2019, more than 100,000 students have completed Code for Schools programs. “This year alone, we’ll come close to doubling that number,” he says. “We’ve trained over 500 teachers from more than 300 schools across Australia.”
Though he now serves as Chair, Williams remains closely involved. “I still spend around half a day each week on the charity, mostly helping think about our courses and raising funds. We get a lot done for a small charity but we really need more money!”
The charity is currently backed by the TDM Foundation, Amazon Australia, Motorola Foundation, Toyota Foundation, and the Leigh Jasper family foundation.
Thinking big, taking small steps
Williams is honest about the highs and lows of charity work. When asked how he stays motivated, his advice is grounded and refreshingly simple. “I’d say just do something that takes you a step forward. I’ve been despondent about our charity work several times… I find if I get back to the basic work that moves us forward, I usually get back to my motivated state. I’m a fan of thinking big but taking small steps every day.”
That same philosophy fuels his long-term vision. “I’d like to see some of the next generation of global tech companies start in Australia. If every student learns deep digital technology at school, it follows that more will study computer science or use those skills in applied ways in the companies they create.”
Even modest outcomes have the potential to shift the landscape. “Even if 1% of the students we’ve worked with find that their passion is computing, that’s already 1,000 students who are super motivated to make this their career!”
Williams' story – from writing code in the 70s to building future-ready classrooms – is a reminder of how personal conviction, consistent effort and the right collaborators can reshape systems and unlock potential for generations to come.
“If there are potential partners out there who are excited, I’d love to meet them!”