Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept for schools – it is already influencing how risk is identified, decisions are made, and safeguarding is approached. But with opportunity comes responsibility.
In a recent Schools North East Podcast, sponsored by Howden, James Connolly, Head of AI and Advanced Analytics, discusses what schools can realistically learn from sectors such as policing and insurance when it comes to managing risk, using data responsibly and balancing innovation with humanity.
Drawing on experience spanning police intelligence, safeguarding and advanced analytics, James explores how patterns in behaviour, attendance and wellbeing can help organisations anticipate risk rather than simply react to incidents. He also challenges some of the biggest myths around AI, including the idea that it is a ‘silver bullet’ or that technology can replace human judgement.
AI’s greatest strength lies in uncovering subtle patterns within large datasets, helping to reduce workload and enable earlier, more targeted interventions. However, caution is essential, particularly with the rise of agentic AI – systems that not only analyse data but also recommend actions.
For school leaders, AI can improve insight and strengthen safeguarding, but only when paired with strong governance, ethical use of data and professional expertise.
Listen to the full episode here:
Howden
