AI in Education: Opportunities, challenges and the road ahead 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries across the globe—and the education sector is no exception. While much of the conversation has focused on the classroom, AI also has the potential to transform how schools and trusts manage their operations, from HR and finance to compliance and governance. 

But with opportunity comes responsibility. As school business leaders and trust executives begin to explore the role of AI, key questions emerge around ethics, data protection, implementation, and long-term sustainability. This panel will explore the practical, strategic, and ethical considerations of applying AI in back-office education functions — helping you make informed decisions about its use in your School or Trust. 

Whether you're just starting to explore automation or actively integrating AI into your operational strategy, join our expert panel as we unpack real-world experiences, share best practices, and consider how AI can support efficiency, resilience, and smarter working. 

We'll be discussing:

The role of AI in school and trust operations

• Understand how AI is already being used to streamline HR, payroll, finance, and compliance - freeing up capacity and improving accuracy across education settings of all sizes
  
  

Improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden

• Explore how automation and AI tools can support resource planning, central services, and data reporting, helping staff focus on strategic priorities rather than repetitive tasks
  
  

Ethics, security and compliance

• Examine the risks related to data privacy, bias, and system reliability. Learn how to navigate AI use responsibly in line with regulatory frameworks and sector expectations
  
  

Building operational strategies for the future

• Discover how AI can be embedded into trust-wide digital strategies, leadership planning, and workforce development - ensuring readiness for innovation and sustainable growth.

Why attend?

• Gain insights: Hear from sector colleagues about the growing challenges and how they impact schools financially and operationally.
  
  
• Collaborate: Engage in meaningful discussions with peers about overcoming barriers.
  
  
• Innovate: Discover new ideas and best practices for managing key challenges successfully.
  
  

Chaired by EPM, with input from sector experts, these panel discussions offer a unique opportunity for you to air your challenges, share your experiences, discuss ideas, ask questions and take part in polls in a supportive and open forum. 

We recognise that many senior leaders often experience a sense of isolation. With a limited number of peers to turn to for advice, feedback, or even reassurance, it can be challenging to feel confident that you're on the right path.

But we know that there is a wealth of expertise out there: creative and strategic thought leaders who are finding innovative strategies to deal with the challenges faced by the sector.  

These sessions provide a safe sounding board and an opportunity to discuss topical issues and challenges, share solutions or simply listen in and pick up ideas to take back to your schools and trusts. 

Whether you're a seasoned leader with ideas to share or someone looking to gain actionable insights and fresh ideas, these sessions are designed with you in mind.