Preparing schools for an AI-Driven world: What’s coming and how to make the most of it
Preparing schools for an AI-driven world: what’s coming and how to make the most of it
In the latest episode of the Schools North East Podcast, Chris is joined by James Connolly, Head of AI and Advanced Analytics at Howden, to explore how schools can use data and artificial intelligence to better anticipate risk, support pupils, and make more informed decisions—while ensuring human judgment remains central.
Drawing on experience from sectors such as fraud detection and suicide prevention, James explains how crises are rarely random. Patterns in behaviour, communication and engagement often appear early, and when data from attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and attainment is combined, schools can spot emerging issues before they escalate.
From reactive to proactive: AI in schools
The conversation highlights how AI can help schools move from reactive to proactive working—identifying subtle patterns in large datasets, flagging concerns earlier, and freeing staff from time-consuming data trawling. Importantly, AI is not a “crystal ball”; it simply surfaces signals that already exist.
The episode also explores the rise of Agentic AI—systems that don’t just analyse information but suggest actions—alongside the ethical considerations that come with using AI in education. Questions of data privacy, consent, placement of human oversight, and the risks of unsupervised AI use are central to the discussion.
Drawing parallels with the insurance sector, James emphasises that even the most advanced technology must sit alongside professional expertise. AI should support, not replace, skilled staff.
This episode offers a balanced, practical look at the opportunities and responsibilities that come with using AI in schools.
Listen to the full episode to explore these ideas in more depth and subscribe to stay up to date with future discussions.
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