A values-led approach to AI strategy and professional learning.

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.

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.

The work has focused on building a common base of understanding across the trust, including:

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

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.

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.