Highlights from the discussion
Laura Tressler
Director of Strategic Education, The Access Group
Laura Tressler leads the integration of AI and other technological advancements into school operations at The Access Group. Her role focuses on helping schools, academies, and trusts optimise processes in areas such as HR, finance, and budgeting. With a passion for digital transformation, Laura is a strong advocate for using AI to reduce administrative burdens and redirect resources back into the classroom.
Laura believes that AI's ability to streamline tasks can be a game changer for schools. For example, automating repetitive tasks, like tracking attendance or processing payroll, frees up time for staff to focus on higher-impact areas such as student development. “AI has the potential to dramatically improve efficiency across schools,” Laura explains. “It can reduce the time spent on administrative duties, allowing more resources and energy to be spent where it matters most - on students.”
One of the key opportunities Laura highlights is AI’s role in predictive analytics, which can help school leaders make informed decisions about staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation. By using data intelligently, schools can identify trends and challenges before they escalate, leading to better strategic planning.
Emma Slater
Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Expert, The Access Group
As a thought leader in education technology, Emma Slater has seen first-hand how AI can support teachers and enhance student learning. With over a decade of experience as a Lead Practitioner and Head of English, Emma now spearheads the development of innovative AI tools at The Access Group, focusing on reducing teacher workloads and improving curriculum delivery.
Emma is particularly excited about AI’s potential to personalise learning. AI-driven systems can adapt to individual student needs, offering tailored resources, quizzes, and even exam-style questions. “AI is already helping teachers personalise learning by generating new questions and content based on a student's progress,” Emma says. This dynamic approach not only helps teachers provide more effective support but also enables students to learn at their own pace.
Additionally, Emma emphasises that AI can ease the pressure on teachers when it comes to content creation. From generating lesson plans to crafting differentiated quizzes, AI tools can save teachers countless hours, giving them more time to engage directly with students. “It’s about making teachers’ lives easier and giving them the tools to focus on teaching, not admin,” she notes.
Practical AI advice for school leaders
Laura and Emma agree that AI is not just a futuristic concept - it’s here, and it’s transforming schools today. So, what steps can school leaders take to embrace AI in their institutions?
Start small and experiment
Laura’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to experiment. “At your next staff meeting, try putting something into an AI tool, like a lesson plan or a job description, and see what you get out,” she suggests. By starting with small, manageable use cases, schools can explore AI’s capabilities without needing to overhaul their systems immediately.
Invest in automation
The key to AI success lies in automation. Schools that embrace automated workflows for tasks like payroll, finance, and attendance tracking will see immediate benefits. “It’s about doing more with less,” Laura says. “AI can streamline decision-making by pulling together different data points - attendance, curriculum, performance - and helping leaders make faster, more informed decisions.”
Focus on professional development
Emma recommends that school leaders invest time in educating themselves and their teams about AI. “Find thought leaders and open up your network,” she advises. By keeping up with the latest trends and innovations, school leaders can ensure they’re well-prepared to leverage AI effectively.
Bringing AI to education: Access EVO
At The Access Group, we are committed to empowering schools with cutting-edge AI technology. Our new platform, Access Education EVO, is designed to revolutionise school management and operations. EVO integrates AI into every aspect of school administration - from HR and payroll to budgeting and financial management—simplifying tasks and freeing up valuable time.
With EVO, schools can benefit from advanced automation, predictive analytics, and personalised learning tools, all within a secure and user-friendly platform. By embracing AI, EVO helps school leaders stay ahead of the curve, ensuring their institutions are well-equipped for the future of education.
Ready to see how AI can transform your school? Discover the power of Access Education today and take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient future.
Watch the first episode - Ask the experts: How AI can be used in schools
