On 23 October, EPM and nEdEx hosted the first session in our new Thought Leaders Series: AI in Education – Balancing Innovation with Integrity.

Chaired by Jen Elliott, CEO of EPM and Chair of nEdEx, and Andy Mackey, COO of EPM, the discussion brought together expert perspectives from across the sector, including Karys Eagle, HR Manager at Woodland Academy Trust; Eric Bye, Managing Director and AI Transformation Expert at Erictron AI; and June Stevenson, Head of School Surveys at Teacher Tapp.

​

Why this session matters

​

The rapid rise of AI is reshaping the way we live and work - and education is no exception.

For schools and trusts, AI presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. From improving back-office efficiency and teaching support to ensuring data integrity and ethical use, there’s a clear need for trusted guidance on how to move forward confidently.

​

That’s exactly why nEdEx and EPM launched this Thought Leaders Series - to create a space where education professionals can explore emerging themes together, share real-world experience, and develop practical approaches that balance innovation with integrity.

​

This first session set the tone for the conversations to come: open, honest and grounded in real examples from across our sector. Whether you’re a school leader, HR professional, or part of a trust’s central team, these discussions are designed to help you navigate AI’s fast-moving impact in a responsible and sustainable way.

​

Here are five key takeaways from the session:

​

1. AI Adoption in Education Is Accelerating Fast

 

Teacher Tapp data shared by June Stevenson showed that in just 18 months, the proportion of teachers using AI each week has risen from 20% to 58%.

Interestingly, school leaders are currently the most frequent users, with 73% of headteachers reporting regular use.

While adoption is spreading quickly, there’s still a lack of formal guidance - many teachers are unsure if their school even has an AI policy. This highlights an urgent need for clear, accessible policies to support safe and consistent use.

​

2. Policies Matter – but Culture Comes First

​

All panellists agreed that effective use of AI starts with a clear strategy and shared understanding.

Karys Eagle explained how Woodland Academy Trust focuses on culture over compliance, building confidence and trust before drafting detailed policies.

Her advice? Start small, solve one real problem, and create guidance as you go.

By engaging staff in that journey, trust builds naturally and adoption grows organically.

​

3. Responsible Use Requires Human Oversight

​

AI can enhance efficiency but must be used ethically.

As Eric Bye emphasised, “AI reflects human bias - it was trained on the whole Internet.”

Human judgment remains essential to avoid discrimination and ensure fairness, especially in recruitment and performance management.

AI should act as a co-pilot, not a replacement for professional expertise.

​

4. Upskilling Everyone – From Staff to Parents

​

The panel recognised that AI literacy must extend beyond school walls.

While some pupils already use AI tools for homework, many parents and teachers lack the understanding to guide them.

Eric Bye encouraged schools to educate parents about AI, noting that banning it “only breeds fear and missed opportunities.”
As Jen Elliott reflected, AI isn’t cheating - it’s the next calculator moment.

Schools that teach responsible, transparent use will empower pupils for the future.

​

5. Collaboration and Knowledge-Sharing Are Key

​

Andy Mackey described how EPM’s own AI journey began by educating senior leaders first, then empowering staff across all levels to experiment safely within guardrails.

Both EPM and Woodland Academy Trust now encourage open sharing of AI successes and lessons learned - through newsletters, user groups and communities like nEdEx.

As Karys summed up, “We’re all writing this as we go. The best way forward is to learn from each other.”

In Summary

​

AI offers schools a remarkable opportunity to save time, boost efficiency and improve outcomes.
But true success depends on balance - embracing innovation with integrity.

The conversation made clear that leadership, policy, and a culture of openness will ensure AI becomes an ethical ally in education, not a risk.

Make sure to stay informed with nEdEx on Linkedin, so you receive updates on upcoming webinars!