Reflecting on the AI in Schools & MATs Conference 2025

On Friday 6th June 2025 at Reach Conference Centre in Derby, school leaders, educators, governors, and edtech professionals came together for our AI in Schools & MATs Conference – a day designed to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of education.  

As the organisers, we were delighted to welcome over 120 colleagues from across the sector to take part in a day of meaningful conversations, practical workshops, and thought-provoking sessions. The atmosphere was energised and collaborative throughout, with a shared sense of purpose: to explore how AI can positively and responsibly impact schools, trusts, and the learners we serve. 

We were especially proud to work alongside our brilliant conference sponsors, CENTURY Tech and Arbor, whose ongoing support and innovation in education technology made a significant contribution to the day.

Whether attendees were just beginning their AI journey or were already embedding AI tools across their schools and trusts, our goal was to create space for reflection, discovery, and professional connection. From leadership strategy and SEND provision to data governance and communications, we aimed to provide a full spectrum of insight to support educators at every level. 

Keynotes that framed the conversation 

Rob Robson – AI 101: What every leader needs to know 

Rob Robson’s keynote offered a clear, accessible overview of artificial intelligence tailored for school and trust leaders. His talk emphasised the importance of developing strategic leadership in the AI space, highlighting opportunities for operational efficiency, improved teaching practices, and organisational development. 

“A really meaningful overview with some key tips on which resources to start exploring as a novice.” – Delegate feedback 

Charles Wood – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of AI 

Charles Wood followed with a candid and engaging exploration of the current AI landscape, from large language models to classical machine learning. His session covered both the potential and the pitfalls of adopting AI in education, offering a balanced perspective that resonated with leaders eager to proceed with care and clarity. 

“Expert knowledge. His presentation was clear with good slides complementing his input.” – Delegate feedback 

Parallel Sessions: Turning ideas into action 

Two parallel sessions gave delegates the opportunity to dig deeper into AI strategy and school operations: 

How AI can automate school admin – Led by James Weatherill, CEO at Arbor, this session focused on automating tasks such as reporting, attendance follow-up, and communication highlighting real-world use cases to streamline administrative workload. 

Unlocking the potential of AI in education – Led by Jonny Wathen, CIO and Founding Director at TransforMATive, this session provided a strategic overview for education leaders, covering the ethical, pedagogical, and technical considerations that underpin effective AI implementation across MATs. 

“The sessions helped us not to be fearful of AI and to harness its potential .” – Delegate feedback. 

Practitioner workshops: Learning from practice 

The midday workshops gave voice to educators and leaders actively working with AI in their schools and trusts. These sessions highlighted practical application, governance, and digital strategy development: 

A PedTech approach to AI in the classroom and across your school/MAT – Led by Jo Stone from Discovery Trust, this session showcased the use of Microsoft Learning Accelerators and AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. 

Putting AI into SEND provision – Delivered by Richard Hicking from Equals Trust, this powerful session explored how AI can support SEND staff in better understanding pupil needs and reducing workload, while ensuring the human dimension remains central. 

The Redhill Academy Trust: Our AI journey so far – Richard Pierpoint from Redhill Academy Trust, reflected on Redhill’s incremental, pragmatic approach to AI integration, grounded in collaboration between leadership, teaching, and technical teams. 

Becoming more human: A PedTech approach to AI – This session, delivered by Sarah Hand from Inspiring Futures Through Learning, explored a learner-focused, pedagogical approach to AI, aiming to enhance – not replace – human connection in education. 

“Great ideas around using AI to further enhance the learning of our SEND pupils or how to support reluctant readers.” – Delegate feedback. 

Partner workshops: Expertise from the sector 

In the afternoon, delegates attended workshops led by experts from leading organisations in education and technology: 

CENTURY Tech offered a hands-on look at adaptive teaching and data-informed planning. 

Welbee explored how AI intersects with data ethics and school security. 

Browne Jacobson shared practical guidance on conducting AI vendor due diligence. 

MarCommEd presented a forward-thinking view on how AI can power parent communications and community engagement. 

“I got a better awareness of the expertise available to support with developing a digital strategy.” – Delegate feedback. 

Panel discussion 

The conference concluded with a closing panel discussion on the ethics of AI in schools, a fitting end to a day that balanced innovation with thoughtful scrutiny. The session provided space for reflection on data protection, bias, and the responsibility of school leaders to ensure AI works in the best interest of pupils and staff alike. 

What delegates said 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Here is a selection of comments gathered from the post-conference evaluation: 

“Incredibly well organised, brilliant speakers, informative and thought provoking.” 

“Education has a very long way to go but we shouldn’t be scared of AI, we should embrace it.” 

“The conference was well organised and the panel discussion was a great addition to the end of the day.” 

Closing thoughts 

The AI in Schools & MATs Conference, made a strong case for why thoughtful, ethical, and strategic use of AI in education is not just necessary but inevitable. The event had a collaborative atmosphere where education professionals could learn, challenge assumptions, and leave equipped with both ideas and actions. 

As AI continues to evolve, events like this serve as vital forums for schools and trusts to reflect, question, and build capacity – ensuring that education leads the conversation, rather than simply reacting to it.