At Compass, we believe that great technology has the power to transform schools – reducing admin, improving efficiency, and ultimately giving teachers more time to focus on what matters: their students. But behind every innovative feature is a team of passionate developers making it happen.
To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re shining a light on one of the incredible women shaping our platform: Heather Thorburn, Software Engineer at Compass Education. From her first spark of inspiration in a high school computing class to solving real-world school challenges today, Heather’s journey into EdTech is a testament to the impact of women in STEM.
From Pen & Paper to Purpose-Driven Code
Heather’s interest in technology began early, nurtured by a supportive female teacher who saw her potential. “I’ve always had a passion for technical subjects and problem-solving,” she shares. “When I had the opportunity to study computing in secondary school, I was lucky to have a wonderful teacher who recognised my interest and really encouraged me.”
That encouragement set her on a path to software engineering, but her fascination with EdTech came later, through an all-too-familiar challenge in university: attendance tracking.
“At university, attendance was taken with pen and paper – even in a room of 250 students! It was always prone to issues. So, for my final-year dissertation, I developed an app to address the problem. That’s when I really started diving into EdTech and learning about how existing solutions functioned.”
When she came across the opportunity at Compass, it felt like the perfect match.
Making School Life Easier, One Feature at a Time
Heather has since been instrumental in improving the Compass platform, helping schools streamline complex tasks. One of the key projects she has worked on is the Census module – a crucial feature that simplifies school reporting requirements.
“Schools have so much admin to deal with. The Census module was designed to make that process more efficient, reducing the burden on school staff so they can focus on their students.”
Developers like Heather bridge the gap between technology and the classroom, turning school challenges into seamless digital solutions.
The Joy of Problem-Solving & Building User-Friendly Tech
A day in Heather’s life as a developer is filled with creativity, collaboration, and, of course, plenty of problem-solving. But when asked what she enjoys most about her work, she simply can’t choose.
“I honestly enjoy all parts of it for different reasons! Designing is fun because you work with different people to make sure all the requirements are covered. Problem-solving and coding are great because there’s that sense of satisfaction when you finally crack a solution.”
But there’s one area she holds particularly close to her heart: front-end development.
“I especially love front-end development because you get a real sense of how users will interact with the platform – it’s great making things look nice!”
And that’s what makes her work so valuable, because the best school software isn’t just functional, it’s intuitive, beautiful, and designed with educators in mind.
The Women Who Paved the Way & Advice for the Next Generation
Heather knows firsthand how important representation and mentorship are for women in tech. From inspiring female lecturers to the supportive women in her university course, she found encouragement in every step of her journey.
“The women on my course were amazing, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie among us. It’s been so rewarding to see them all excel in their software engineering careers after graduation. And, of course, I can’t forget my colleagues at Compass – it’s such a fantastic team, with everyone being so knowledgeable and always willing to lend a helping hand.”
For young women considering a career in software development or STEM, Heather has one message: just go for it.
“I was hesitant at first because software engineering is such a male-dominated field. Looking back, that’s the only regret I have in my career. There are so many different paths into the field, whether it’s university, apprenticeships, or self-teaching, so do your research and find what works for you.”
Celebrating the Women Powering EdTech
Heather’s work, along with the entire Compass product team, is reshaping school operations, creating technology that gives educators more time, less stress, and better tools to help their students succeed.
And while we’re proud of how our platform is helping schools streamline daily tasks, we’re just as proud of the incredible women behind the technology, solving complex challenges with creativity, passion, and innovation.
This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate Heather and all the women making a difference in STEM. When diverse and passionate voices shape the future of education technology, schools and students thrive.
For all MIS needs and support in implementing strategies in your schools, reach out to Compass Education. Our team of experts can provide tailored solutions to help your school create a nurturing and supportive environment for student success.
