New Partnership to Empower School Leaders on use of AI

We're proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Liverpool Hope University that will support schools in the age of AI.

Utilising a skills and knowledge development approach, the collaboration will address negative perceptions of AI, replacing concern with the latest research driven knowledge, developing horizon scanning and strategic planning approaches in relation to AI and ultimately practical AI Literacy.

Working with Professor David Reid, a distinguished Professor of AI and Spatial Computing at Liverpool Hope University, this partnership is rooted in a shared passion to equip school leaders across the region with the critical evaluation skills needed to make safe, ethical, and value-for-money decisions about AI in education.

A key strength of this collaboration lies in the fusion of expertise across computer science, digital development, school improvement, and educator development.

This unique combination ensures that both current and future education professionals are in the strongest position to support children and young people in navigating and thriving in an AI-driven world.

Damien Maguire, Associate Dean & Professional Computing Tutor of Primary Education at Liverpool Hope University, said:

“Professor Reid brings a wealth of expertise to this initiative. He has decades of experience researching, advising and working alongside global organisations on the ethical, responsible and impactful use of artificial intelligence.

Together with SIL, our offer is to build knowledge and capacity among educators so they can lead with clarity and inspire students to begin and continue their own AI learning journeys. This is not just about technology, it’s about shaping futures. AI will no doubt change the world our students are a part of and those students deserve to have a strong and informed voice in that future.”

As part of this collaboration, SIL and Liverpool Hope University, led by Professor David Reid, will co-host an AI in Education Conference in September 2025, bringing together educators and innovators to explore policies and how AI can be used for good in schools across the region.

The event will spotlight practical strategies, ethical considerations and inspiring stories from schools already embracing AI to enhance learning.

Lisa Dorrity, Director of Research, Development & Innovation at SIL said:

“Teachers are telling us that they want support in implementing AI in their schools in this fast-moving subject area. We believe that all educational staff need a foundational knowledge and understanding of AI to confidently integrate AI into their teaching practices and to create AI expertise in their students.

We are committed to supporting this journey, as it will give the children and young people that we all work with the best possible chance to become future leaders in this transformative field.”

More details about the upcoming AI in Education Conference 2025 will be announced shortly.