October Newsletter

Enroly Digital Transformation Forum

Al delivered the keynote at the Enroly Digital Transformation forum, which took place at Television Centre in London. The event centred on the challenges that come with adopting new technology, with a panel discussion on transformation outside of technology featuring Clare Beckett, Steve Britton and Emma Fox. A big theme was that tech is rarely the hardest part. Getting IT and the business aligned and working as real partners matters far more.

Al’s keynote focused on the importance of skills alongside technology. His message was that the workforce doesn’t need the smartest person in the room. It needs problem solvers and people who think differently, because that’s where organisations will succeed. Steve Britton, who spoke on the panel, called the keynote the real bonus of the event.

Nexus Education Summit

The Nexus Education Summit brought educators and edtech people together in London, and Al led two sessions on the day. One was a panel called “Ed Tech: What Schools Actually Experience – A View from the Classroom,” joined by Laura Knight, Tom Rattle and James Parker. The other looked at edtech and AI.

A big theme across both was that schools are earlier in their AI adoption than most people assume. For now, the focus is on easing teacher workload. The panel talked about what saved time really means for a teacher: less admin and more room for real conversations with students.

Practical Pathway NEN Webinars

Al spoke at the Governance and Leadership session of the Practical Pathway NEN Webinars, a series run by NEN The Education Network. The session was aimed at school leaders, governors, trustees, IT professionals and educators who want to get a better handle on AI in schools.

Al was joined by fellow speakers Aaron and Anne, with Krista Pickering from South East Grid for Learning hosting. The conversation centred on how schools can set the right direction on AI and make sure the right governance and oversight are in place.

Tees Digital Exchange

The first Tees Digital Exchange took place at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, hosted by Atomix Educational Trust. It brought together people from education, research, industry and the wider community to talk about how schools should respond to AI and digital change. The hope was to build a regional “digital hub of excellence” where education leaders could share evidence, experience and what’s working in practice. Atomix chief executive Dr Nichole Munro said the Tees Valley had a real opportunity to lead the way, but that no one could do it alone.

Al joined a panel hosted by Dr Noel Dennis, Atomix’s director of community and partnerships, alongside Narinder Gill and Dr Beth Lane. The conversation covered AI governance, how it’s being used in early years and primary settings, and why evidence, practitioner research and responsible experimentation matter so much. The panel also looked at the Institute of AI Education, and the role partnerships play in its work.

Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust

Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust held its annual Governance Conference at Thames Park Secondary School, and Al Kingsley was there to lead the day. Members, Trustees, Local Governors, Headteachers and Central Trust colleagues all came together under the theme “From Aspiration to Impact”.

Al covered the national picture, the main levers for improving schools and how AI can help trusts sharpen their focus. The Trust said the day gave everyone space to reflect, swap ideas and plan ahead, with the aim of turning shared goals into real results for the children, young people, staff and communities they serve. If you work in education governance, it’s a good reminder that strong boards start with people talking openly and learning from each other.

Thinkers360 Top Voices EMEA 2026

Al has been named to the Thinkers360 Top Voices EMEA 2026 list, an award that recognizes the quality and impact of his thought leadership on the Thinkers360 platform. It’s a sign that his influence is genuinely moving the conversation in his field. Congratulations to Al!

Wigan Council’s Governor Conference

Wigan Council’s annual governor conference took place and brought together school governors and staff for a packed day. Al Kingsley MBE was the main speaker, talking about AI and digital in education.

What makes it more impressive is the timing. The borough was in the middle of a SEND inspection, so pulling off a full conference was no small thing. The organisers and the wider Wigan team still made it happen, and a big thank you went out to everyone involved.

Human Side of Leadership Conference

Al was one of the speakers at the first ever Human Side of Leadership Conference, held at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. It brought together around 100 school and trust leaders from Leeds and beyond for an honest conversation about what leading in schools really looks like right now. The day was created by Shaheen Myers, former Deputy Director for Education for Leeds and founder of Balance:ed, with a focus on rebuilding positive culture in organisations.

The programme included keynotes from Shaheen and from Kate Burton, who shared why she still loves the job, plus a panel on the realities of complaints culture. Al joined a great line-up that also included Narinder Gill, Dr Beth Lane and Dame Alison Peacock.