Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to education and her keynotes are known for blending practical insight with personal storytelling, empowering audiences to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing digital world. Setting the tone for the day, this keynote was no exception, exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already part of our everyday lives and how it may shape the future of education. She highlighted the importance of “keeping human intelligence front and centre, whilst using AI as a digital assistant”. Her address encouraged us to embrace technology responsibly, sharing real-world case studies and policy developments.

Once the keynote had finished staff split into two workshops. Teachers attended AI for Teacher Workload, where they discovered new ways to plan lessons, generate resources, and streamline feedback. The session was described as “life changing and well informed” by one attendee while another commented “I thought I was already using AI well for lots of things, how wrong I was, brilliant ideas.” School administrators and non teaching staff explored AI for Administration, learning how to automate repetitive tasks and improve communication. One attendee commented the session was “eye opening in terms of the possibilities”.

After lunch the conference focus shifted to inclusion with AI for SEND & Adaptive Teaching. Staff explored tools for supporting learners with diverse needs, including translation apps, text-to-speech, and visual aids. One of the teachers described themselves as being “blown away by the endless possibilities of ways we can support our pupils with additional needs”. The practical demonstrations left a lasting impression, with another teacher calling it a “life changing presentation”.

The day was filled with learning, optimism and excitement as everyone immersed themselves in AI and the ways in which it can give us real time back to devote to the children we serve. The ODBST AI for Education Conference proved that, with the right tools and guidance, technology can empower educators and support every learner, all the while keeping people at the heart of education. As one teacher summed up, “Before the training, I thought that AI was something that would be over my head. However, it was so well presented that I understood the content and can see how it will have a significant impact on reducing workload”. We can’t wait to see the impact it has across our schools.