Hi Everyone,

Last Thursday, I thoroughly enjoyed networking with more than seventy senior leaders from primary schools from around the country at a conference focused on one of the most talked-about topics in education right now: artificial intelligence. 

What struck me most during the day was the sense of curiosity and openness in the room. Many leaders were keen to understand how it can be used sensibly and safely to reduce workload, simplify communication, and enrich classroom practice. There were a number of superb speakers delivering sessions on a range of topics.

The over-arching message of the conference though was simple, articulated beautifully by Headteacher Antony David: AI is not about replacing teachers, it's about amplifying them.

My own talk focused on practical examples of tools that can save staff valuable time, making them more effective whilst supporting high-quality teaching.

You can find a recording of my talk further down in this newsletter. I hope you find it useful, and I’d love to hear your own experiences of experimenting with AI in your schools!

With all good wishes,

David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

Innovate, Inspire and Improve in 2025. Friday 17th October 2025, Crowne Plaze, Harrogate. £45+VAT (Early bird tickets)

Programme:
0930 - KEYNOTE. Current trends in the education sector. June Stevenson, Teacher Tapp.
1010 - Barrowford Primary School: From agape to sonder with a cwtch. Rachel Tomlinson, Head, Barrowford Primary School.
1050 - Coffee and exhibition.
1115 - KCSIE and safeguarding in the digital age. Ann Marie Christian.
1200 - Case studies and scenarios. Simon Blower.
1230 - Lunch and exhibition.
1330 - AI in Action. Martin Bailey.
1410 - KEYNOTE. Promoting inclusivity in schools, Baasit Siddiqui.
1450 - Parental engagement: Getting it right, Rachael Wilding.
1525 - Questions and close.

Find out more and book your place.

​This course has been devised for all those looking at applying for Headship. John Southworth, former chair of the ISA and a highly regarded recruiter in the sector, will set the scene in terms of what you personally need to do to prepare your application and find the right school for you. We will then go on to look at key topics that Heads need to know about; leadership, marketing, finance and HR. The final session will bring a panel of current Heads together for you.

If you are looking at applying for Headship this is the course for you to equip you with the skills required to help you secure your role and thrive in it.

​"Thank you for such a fabulous course. I applied for my first headship and have got it!" - Clare Cunningham, Headteacher, Yarrells School.

​The ISP has a huge selection of videos to support school leaders on the ISP YouTube Channel. ISP Founder, David Winfield, delivered this 30 minute session on AI ideas and use cases for schools to a group school leaders at the Canva HQ, London, on Thursday. This recording was created the day after, exclusively for this newsletter. To watch the video, simply click here.

Hi Everyone,
It's never been a more challenging time for schools in terms of funding teaching resources against a backdrop of ever decreasing budgets. However, there is also a raft of organisations currently providing free resources to support schools. Here's 5 that you may not be aware of:

1. You can find numerous organisations providing free seeds and other gardening resources at the the Edina Trust.
2. Did you know that you can get a £250 voucher from the Lawn Tennis Association to spend on 10 hours of coaching or tennis equipment?
3. It's well worth registering for Monster Kickabout to get loads of free football equipment and teaching resources.
4. There is also a seemingly endless supply of free digital resources and software for schools - but if you haven't already done so, it's well worth signing up for a free Canva for Education account; incredibly powerful, increasingly utilising the power of AI and can genuinely have a transformational impact for pupils and teachers.
5. The Country Trust has an extensive list of grant opportunities for schools, especially for outdoor learning.

Finally, there are still a few places available for our upcoming conferences for school leaders in London and Harrogate - full information below. The programmes and speaker lists are outstanding, and with tickets priced at just £35 and £45 to cover costs, we're trying to do our bit to support you. Do sign up if you can spare the time out of school - it'd be great to welcome you in person!
All good wishes, David.
David
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

AI continues to develop at pace in terms of the solutions and problems it can create and solve in education. This means that it can be an overwhelming subject for schools and teachers. However, used well, it can be truly transformational.
There is an ever widening knowledge and skills gap between those who using AI strategically and to great effect and those using it poorly - or not at all. This one day event will bring together some of the leading experts in the sector to look at how YOUR school could use AI effectively and safely for the benefit of staff and children.
Programme Overview:
• Understanding the role AI can play in your school
• Managing and being aware of AI risks
• AI use cases to save teachers time
• Using AI to improve teaching and learning
• Developing your AI strategy and approach
Who should attend:
No prior knowledge is assumed – this really is an event for those who are beginning their AI journey would like to take their next steps. The leading experts delivering the sessions will offer practical insights, enabling each and every delegate to leave with key takeaways. These are:
• Being aware of what AI offers in terms of benefits and risks
• Know what is currently out there to help your school
• Understand what an AI strategy for your school could look like
The aim is to inspire attendees with a snapshot what is currently possible and how to safely navigate this developing area with increased confidence and understanding. Find out more and book your place.

Innovate, Inspire and Improve in 2025. Friday 17th October 2025, Crowne Plaze, Harrogate. £45+VAT (Early bird tickets)
Programme:
0930 - KEYNOTE. Current trends in the education sector. June Stevenson, Teacher Tapp.
1010 - Barrowford Primary School: From agape to sonder with a cwtch. Rachel Tomlinson, Head, Barrowford Primary School.
1050 - Coffee and exhibition.
1115 - KCSIE and safeguarding in the digital age. Ann Marie Christian.
1200 - Case studies and scenarios. Simon Blower.
1230 - Lunch and exhibition.
1330 - AI in Action. Martin Bailey.
1410 - KEYNOTE. Promoting inclusivity in schools, Baasit Siddiqui.
1450 - Parental engagement: Getting it right, Rachael Wilding.
1525 - Questions and close.
Find out more and book