Being a school leader often feels like spinning twenty plates while balancing on a rolling chair. And now someone’s thrown “AI” into the mix. But before you roll your eyes and add it to the pile of buzzwords you’re pretending to understand (right next to “blockchain” and “the metaverse”), hear me out.
AI isn’t just another tech trend. It’s already shaping the way we plan, communicate and lead. The good news? You don’t need a PhD in computer science or a spare six hours a day to start using it.
Here’s how school leaders can start using AI today, in ways that are actually useful, not just flashy.
- Decision-Making With Backup
We’ve all made those gut calls. The timetable tweak. The class reshuffle. The “yes” to a new initiative. Sometimes we’re right. Sometimes… not so much.
AI can’t make the decision for you. But it can help you test your thinking.
Tools like Microsoft Copilot can summarise complex reports, compare inspection frameworks or generate scenarios based on your school’s data. You can carry out research with Perplexity or use the Deep Research tools in ChatGPT and Gemini. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s read everything, doesn’t need sleep and never interrupts you with “a quick question” mid-coffee.
- Communication That Doesn’t Sound Robotic
Let’s be honest. Writing newsletters, staff updates or governor reports isn’t exactly the highlight of the week.
AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Claude can help you draft comms in half the time. You can say something like:
“Take on the role of a headteacher writing to parents about a new mobile phone policy. Keep it firm but friendly.”
You can feed in data (anonymised, of course) and get insights and suggestions that give you a solid starting point. You still polish it. AI is great, but it doesn’t know your school inside and out like you do. Still, it means fewer blank pages and more time back.
- Strategy That Doesn’t Live in a Drawer
Let’s talk strategic plans. Most of them are printed, laminated and promptly forgotten.
With AI, you can actually do something with your strategy.
Try this:
- Use Notion AI or Claude Artifacts to break big goals into visual, termly action steps
- Ask AI to generate CPD ideas that support your school’s vision
- Use the PAIR framework (Problem, AI tool, Interaction, Reflection) to test small-scale pilots
This turns strategy into action. And that’s the bit that matters.
- Less Admin. More Leadership.
You didn’t become a school leader to spend three hours tidying up a spreadsheet.
This is where AI shines. Automate repetitive tasks. Delegate things without needing more humans.
Try:
- Otter.ai for transcribing meetings and pulling out action points
- TeacherMatic to draft agendas, job descriptions or observation templates
- Dictation tools in software like Word. Speak your thoughts, then copy and paste them into ChatGPT to tidy them into a formal email, letter or report. Yes, those dictation tools are AI too.
You get your time back. Your energy too.
- Support Staff and Build Confidence
This one’s big. School culture.
AI can’t change your culture. But it can support your people.
Some schools now run “AI Copilot” workshops. Staff bring a task like lesson planning or marking and get hands-on help using AI tools. No slides. Just experimentation and support.
If you’re in SLT, model the use of AI yourself. Share your prompts. Celebrate the wins. This stuff spreads quickly when people feel confident to give it a go.
Don’t Ignore the AI-lephant in the Room
Yes, AI is exciting. But it comes with baggage.
You still need to deal with data privacy, safeguarding, age limits and access. This isn’t the fun bit, but it matters just as much.
Before using an AI tool with staff or students, ask:
- Is it GDPR compliant?
- Do staff understand what they can and can’t upload?
- If you are based in the EU, are you aware of the risk level of the tool?
- Have parents been informed how your school uses AI?
Involve IT and safeguarding leads early. Don’t wait until something goes wrong.
Unlocking Support That Helps
AI isn’t a miracle cure. But it can take the edge off your to-do list. It can help you work smarter.
If you’re feeling stuck, try this emergency prompt:
“You are a school leader. I want to use AI to [insert task]. What information do you need from me to help?”
Let AI do some of the heavy lifting. It won’t replace your judgment. It won’t replace your values. But it might just give you enough breathing space to focus on what really matters. Using AI isn’t replacing your expertise. It’s about amplifying it.
And that? That’s worth exploring.
Matthew (Weemz) Wemyss
Matthew Wemyss, winner of the Edufuturists A.I. Pioneer award, is an educator and EdTech advocate with over 14 years of experience transforming classrooms in the UK and abroad. As co-host of the Ctrl+Alt+Teach podcast, he shares insights on educational technology to enhance teaching globally. A school leader and keynote speaker, Matthew also co-chairs COBIS ConnectED: AI: Digital Innovation and organises AIDUCATION, an event exploring AI's role in education. His passion for interactive and meaningful learning helps equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a changing world.
