AI and Hyper-automation: Untapped Efficiencies and Savings for Schools, Colleges, and Trusts

The reception to AI within schools and colleges in the UK has been mixed, with some institutions harnessing the best of this still nascent technology while others are remain either unsure of how to engage or yet unconvinced of its transformational potential.

General sector-agnostic concerns around ethics and security, as well as business-cultural insecurities blend with lasting fears over plagiarism and misuse within the context of teaching and learning. Many may be seeking to wait for the second-mover-advantage-moment, however the scope of application of AI and automation within education is widely discussed as being so broad and deep that by not engaging early, schools risk playing a longer game of catch-up.

Much attention has been paid to the application of AI in teaching and learning, however less discussed is the application of AI for automation of school, college, and trust management. With multiple lessons to be drawn from advancing practices in business management from across both public and private sectors, it’s arguably an area where more immediate confidence can be found for education leaders.

In this one day conference, techUK brings together system leaders and technologists to define the opportunities, barriers and next steps to unlocking AI Hyper-automation for the UK’s education sector.

Who Can Attend? 

This conference is open to techUK members and to the education sector. For education leaders and those working within education, please email [email protected] with your interest in attending this conference. 

Conference Objectives

  • To define the common industry-agnostic areas where AI Hyper automation is already providing dividends.
  • To scope out where onerous work and complex processes may be quickly automated.
  • To showcase where this is already being done within the context of education management.
  • To define the next steps as to where the development of solutions and tools can maximise cost and efficiency savings.

Agenda

09:00 – 09:30: Welcome and Networking

10:00 – 10:45: Opening Discussion: School and Trust Operational Management in the UK

This session will bring together system leaders, school and trust leaders, and school business professionals to examine the current state of operational management in UK education. Key areas of focus will include:

  • Current Operational Landscape: Overview of how schools and trusts manage their operations, including an emphasis the scope of activity within the system and on the variation of maturity and practice between institutions.
  • Automation Opportunities and Challenges: Discussion on what these operational differences mean for those seeking to support automation and the identification of key barriers to adopting AI and automation, such as skills gaps and funding limitations.
  • System-Level Implications: Consideration of the broader impact on the education system if these challenges persist and an assessment of strategies to overcome barriers and enhance automation adoption.

10:45 – 11:15: Refreshments and Networking

11:15 – 12:15: Industry Best Practice: Implementation of AI Hyper-automation

Having heard from experts in the education sector about the challenges and opportunities for innovation, we'll now turn to industry leaders in AI Hyper-automation who have successfully implemented transformative solutions across various sectors, including education. These case studies will provide valuable insights into the key considerations for identifying areas where immediate impact and efficiencies can be achieved, helping our education and system leaders better navigate the discovery and implementation process.

12:15 – 13:00: Lunch and Networking

13:00 – 15:30: Discovery Sessions: Addressing the Opportunities for Immediate Impact

For the afternoon, we’ll bring together school and trust leaders, established tech providers, and leading AI automation experts to collaboratively explore the practicalities of integrating AI across key areas of school management. These scoping discussions will map out areas for immediate impact and identify strategies for unlocking the full potential of AI in education management.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Support

  • AI-Powered Triage and Communication: Automated parent, staff, governor/trustee, and student enquiries. Chatbots and virtual assistants for stakeholder engagement.
  • Proactive Student Support and Interventions: Early identification of at-risk students. AI-driven early intervention programmes.

2. Operational Efficiency and Process Automation

  • Administrative Process Automation: Automation in information management, document processing, and administrative workflows.
  • Asset and Financial Management: AI-driven financial planning, budgeting, and asset management.
  • Compliance and Reporting Automation: AI in auditing, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting.

3. System Integration and Data-Driven Decision Making

  • Integrated School Management Systems: Seamless integration of AI tools with existing school management systems. Centralised dashboards for real-time data insights.
  • Data Analytics and Predictive Insights: Using AI to analyse data for informed decision-making. Predictive analytics for future planning and interventions.
  • Smart Timetabling and Resource Allocation: AI-enhanced timetabling for optimal resource us. Integration with EHCPs and special educational needs.
Heather Cover-Kus

Heather Cover-Kus

Head of Central Government Programme, techUK

Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.

Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat.  She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.

Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538

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Ellie Huckle

Ellie Huckle

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.

The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!

Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.

When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2015
Twitter:
@techUK,@techUK
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx,https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx

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Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

Austin joined techUK’s Central Government team in March 2024 to launch a workstream within Education and EdTech.

With a career spanning technology, policy, media, events and comms, Austin has worked with technology communities, as well as policy leaders and practitioners in Education, Central and Local Government and the NHS.

Cutting his teeth working for Skills Matter, London’s developer community hub, Austin then moved to GovNet Communications where he launched Blockchain Live and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Summit. For the last 3 years he has worked with leaders in Education across the state and independent schools sectors, from primary up to higher education, with a strong research interest in technology and education management.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07891 743 932
Website:
www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/

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Annie Collings

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK

Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.

Prior to joining techUK, Annie worked as an Account Manager at PLMR Healthcomms, a specialist healthcare agency providing public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. Annie also spent time as an Intern in an MPs constituency office and as an Intern at the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. 

Annie graduated from Nottingham Trent University, where she was an active member of the lacrosse society. 

Email:
[email protected]
Twitter:
anniecollings24
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

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Ella Gago-Brookes

Ella Gago-Brookes

Team Assistant, Markets, techUK

Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.  

Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022.  Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.  

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.  

Email:
[email protected]

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