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A values-led approach to AI strategy and professional learning

Context

Francis Holland School Trust is a well-established independent school trust with a strong reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care and principled leadership.

As artificial intelligence began to have a tangible presence across teaching, learning, and operations, senior leaders were keen to move beyond experimentation towards a more coherent, values-led approach. The focus was not on adopting tools quickly, but on ensuring that AI use aligned with the trust’s educational purpose and professional standards.

The partnership

I work with Francis Holland School Trust as a long-term, strategic partner, supporting senior leaders in shaping a thoughtful and responsible approach to AI.

The partnership is collaborative and reflective. It builds on the trust’s existing strengths, creating space for dialogue, sense-making and strategic clarity rather than introducing externally imposed solutions.

Focus of the work

Our work has focused on audit, orientation and shared understanding, including:

  • A trust-wide exploration of how AI was already being used across teaching, learning, leadership, and support functions

  • Structured conversations with staff and students to surface opportunities, questions, and concerns

  • Trust-wide CPD sessions, establishing a common language around AI, ethics, and professional judgement

  • An AI readiness audit, capturing strengths, gaps and priorities for future development in a detailed report to leaders and governors

The emphasis throughout has been on confidence, clarity and ethical use, rather than speed of adoption.

Impact

By the end of the first term, leaders and staff had a clearer, shared understanding of what responsible AI use looks like in the Francis Holland context.

The work helped consolidate thinking, reduce fragmentation, and create a strong foundation for strategic planning. Staff feedback highlighted increased confidence, greater coherence across conversations, and reassurance that AI was being approached in a way that protected educational values rather than undermining them.

Looking ahead

The partnership continues, with the focus now shifting from orientation to strategy, planning, and implementation. Ongoing work is supporting the trust in translating its principles into clear policy, professional guidance, and sustained practice over time.

To explore how this approach to leadership and strategy might work in your setting, please get in touch.