We kick off this final day at Bett UK 2026 with a splash of joy as Dr. Ali Struthers and James from Taskmaster Education take us inside the "Taskmaster Club." They discuss how the beloved TV format is being used to assess the "unmeasurable" skills like collaboration, lateral thinking, and resilience while teaching children valuable life lessons about fair play and understanding that "not everyone is a winner".
Turning to the structural side of education, we navigate the complex world of professional standards with Andy Donachie from The CPD Group, who issues a critical warning about the surge of low-quality, AI-generated training and emphasizes why true credibility must remain rooted in human expertise. Rounding out the episode, Michael Forshaw from EdTech Impact tackles the hidden challenge of "shadow apps," explaining how his new "Digital Audit" service helps schools uncover forgotten subscriptions and shift their focus from buying "shiny" tech to measuring actual evidence and impact in the classroom.
Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by the Bett UK team.
We begin this episode with Andrew from the National Literacy Trust, who unveils the "National Year of Reading" campaign in response to a sharp decline in reading enjoyment among children. Andrew argues that in an AI-first world, literacy is more vital than ever, and shares how connecting texts to students' passions from gaming to sports can rekindle their "reader identity." Next, Connor Gaitley from Edmentum shifts the focus to "career-connected learning." Connor discusses how tools like Major Clarity are helping students explore diverse future pathways whether university or apprenticeships ensuring that education meets every learner where they are and closes no doors.
We then explore practical AI tools for the classroom with Will from RedPen AI, a former teacher who turned his frustration with workload into innovation. Will explains how his platform bridges the gap between handwritten work and digital assessment, acting as a "second pair of eyes" to track progress without requiring 1:1 devices. Finally, Liz Crawford from Kahoot! joins us to discuss the platform's evolution from a simple quiz tool to an enterprise-ready learning ecosystem. Liz highlights their new AI generation features, deep integration with LMS platforms, and the 200+ independent research studies proving their impact on student outcomes.
Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, the innovation continues. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the highlights and stay connected with the community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.
We open this episode with Vicky Merrick, who shares insights from her groundbreaking pilot projects on collaborative assessment. Vicky explains how "comparative judgment" is revolutionizing subjective subjects like Art and Music, allowing teachers to achieve high statistical reliability by comparing student work rather than deciphering complex rubrics. Following Vicky, Mark House from RM broadens the discussion to the "global conundrum" of assessment in the age of AI. Mark argues that we must "measure what we treasure" rather than letting technology dictate values, emphasizing the importance of local context such as honoring rural community values and addressing the disconnect between passing exams and possessing the skills employers actually need.
Rounding out the conversation, Nici Foote passionately advocates for bringing "joy" back into learning and ensuring digital inclusion. Nici discusses how tools like Canva are leveling the playing field for neurodiverse students even making complex tasks like timetabling fun and challenges the narrative around phone bans. Instead of bans, she suggests building "analogue communities" for balance while teaching authentic digital skills, and calls for affordable resources to support Teaching Assistants (TAs), whom she identifies as the "missing link" in special education.
Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.
Live from the energy of Day 2 at Bett UK, we sit down with Andrew Slawinski, Lead of Product Development for LEGO Education, to discuss how they are empowering teachers to become "superheroes" every week. The conversation centers on the launch of LEGO Education Computer Science and AI, where Andrew passionately advocates for moving past the "hype" of chatbots. Instead, LEGO is focused on teaching the fundamentals of AI such as probability, bias, and machine representation demystifying the technology so students see it not as "magic," but as a tool they can take apart, understand, and build with.
We also dive into the critical ethics of EdTech, covering LEGO's strict "red lines" on privacy ensuring no data ever leaves the classroom and their refusal to anthropomorphize AI. Andrew explains the rigorous "Substitute Teacher Test" used to ensure educator confidence and shares insights from their new student-voice report, proving that children are eager to look under the hood of the technology shaping their world.
Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK at https://uk.bettshow.com/. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/.
We kick off this special episode with Lord Jim Knight, who shares his powerful perspective on the "moral panic" surrounding technology in schools. Rather than banning devices, Lord Knight advocates for a more nuanced approach balancing safety with agency and explores how AI can revolutionize assessment through methods like the "viva" to support lifelong learning and inclusion.
Next, we sit down with Jez and Jon from YouHQ to discuss their journey from a simple goal-setting idea to a comprehensive wellbeing platform used in nearly 200 schools globally. They reveal how their tool has evolved into a critical safeguard, helping schools identify "invisible" students who are struggling, while also empowering young people to track their sleep, mood, and personal goals.
Finally, we are joined by Paddy from Everway, one of our sponsors, to talk about their commitment to "cradle to grave" inclusion. Paddy explains how Everway is ensuring that the accessibility tools students rely on in school like read-aloud and dictation are available in high-stakes exams and carry through to the workplace, truly leveling the playing field for neurodiverse individuals throughout their lives.
Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.
Live from the floor of Bett UK 2026, we sit down with Shantanu, who leads product and engineering for Google for Education, to discuss how AI is moving from "promise to practice" in classrooms worldwide. Shantanu reveals how Google is prioritizing educator control and student data privacy while rolling out powerful tools like Gemini 3.0, which is now accessible for free to education institutions. From the "LearnLM" initiative that fine-tunes models with learning science to new features in Google Classroom that can turn content into audio lessons, we explore how technology is being designed to meet the unique pedagogical needs of schools.
We also dive into the transformative potential of personalization and accessibility, hearing how tools like NotebookLM allow users to convert complex research into podcasts or slide decks that suit their learning style. Shantanu shares insights from global pilots—including one in Northern Ireland where educators saved up to 10 hours a week—and discusses the importance of AI literacy resources like the gamified "AI Quest" for younger learners. Whether you are an educator looking to save time or a leader navigating the ethics of AI integration, this conversation offers a deep look into the future of the Google Workspace ecosystem.
Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at Bett UK 2026 at https://uk.bettshow.com/ to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum – visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.
Live from the bustling floor of BETT UK 2026, this special episode weaves together three distinct perspectives on nurturing student potential. We kick off with Kerry Weston from the world-renowned BRIT School, who shares how they are "wedging in" digital innovation alongside traditional arts. Kerry discusses the ethical collision of AI and creativity, the concept of "vibe coding," and why human connection remains the unshakeable core of their curriculum.
Next, we are joined by Joanna Gibbs, founder of SENsational Tutors, Ltd. Joanna takes us through her diverse journey from supporting challenging behavior in the NHS to teaching in international schools and how this shaped her vision for neuro-inclusive education. She opens up about the current anxiety within the sector regarding the upcoming 2026 SEND white paper and the uncertain future of EHCPs. Joanna also offers a grounded perspective on technology, discussing how AI can be a powerful tool for creating "social stories" to reduce anxiety for autistic students, while passionately arguing that it must never replace the human connection that defines true support.
Closing out the episode, we turn to the structural side of student welfare with Phil, founder of Tide Education. Driven by a personal experience with his daughter's education, Phil highlights the struggles schools face with disparate data and "lost" information. He explains how Tide Education is replacing scattered spreadsheets with a unified, collaborative timeline of interventions, ensuring that every student's support journey is captured, visible, and actionable for educators.
Ready to experience the innovation firsthand? Make sure to check out what is happening at BETT UK 2026 to join the global community of educators transforming the future. This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway – visit them at https://www.everway.com/ – and by Edruption, powering the future of learning at https://edruption.com/.
Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers.
In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Dan Fitzpatrick about his journey from teacher and education leader to becoming one of the most influential global voices on AI in education. The conversation explores how the emergence of ChatGPT became a major turning point, unlocking new possibilities for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers to improve efficiency, accessibility, and the overall quality of learning. Dan also reflects on the tension between risk and opportunity in AI, the importance of courageous decision-making, the role of leadership, and why schools must move beyond frameworks toward long-term visions grounded in the real needs of learners and educators.
This discussion feels especially timely as we approach Bett UK 2026, where topics such as AI, educational leadership, ethics, accessibility, and the future of learning take centre stage on a global platform. Dan’s ideas around “throwing your hat over the wall,” making safe but bold experiments, and fostering collaboration across schools and industry align closely with Bett’s spirit as a meeting place for innovators, educators, and policymakers shaping the future of education in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Listen to the full podcast episode for deeper insights, strategic reflections, and practical inspiration on AI in education. You are also invited to explore Bett UK and connect directly with cutting-edge innovation and thought leaders in EdTech via the official link: https://uk.bettshow.com/
Edmentum believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive everywhere learning occurs—whether they seek to catch up, stay on track, or chart their own path. Edmentum’s comprehensive, research-backed learning acceleration solutions help schools expand opportunity and diploma options, elevate future-ready learning, and advance personalized achievement in more than 100 countries globally. To learn about proven programs that help meet your goals across K-12, visit www.edmentum.com
Ever feel like education keeps moving forward, yet too many learners are still being left behind? Curricula feel disconnected from real life, assessment systems label students too early, while technology and AI are advancing faster than schools can adapt. The result is a growing gap between what learners need and what the system delivers.
In this episode, Philippa has a conversation with Al Kingsley to explore those tensions head-on, from what truly defines a good school to why curiosity, human skills, and equitable access to technology matter more than ever. Together, they unpack the uncomfortable questions education often avoids and why now is the moment to rethink learning for a changing world.
These conversations don’t end with the podcast. Bett UK 2026 is where educators, leaders, innovators, and policymakers from around the world come together to turn ideas into action. From AI and edtech to curriculum and human-centred education, Bett is where the future of learning takes shape.
Save the date and join Bett UK 2026 - because meaningful change starts with showing up. Don't miss the chance to experience the innovations shaping the future of education firsthand and be part of this global conversation. For full details and registration, please visit: https://uk.bettshow.com/
In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell and Rob Hughes, co-founder of Tandem, explore a revolutionary approach to screen time that challenges the narrative of “parenting guilt” and passive consumption. Rob explains how Tandem leverages generative AI not to replace parents, but to act as a “tech for two” bridge that sparks creativity, co-creation, and shared reading moments. The conversation also addresses complex emotional challenges such as hospital visits and family separation. As they delve into the ethics of AI guardrails and the crucial difference between a “digital pacifier” and a tool for connection, Rob issues a stark warning about the current trajectory of child development and the very real danger that lies ahead if children are allowed to form their first emotional attachments to robots rather than humans.
These vital conversations around ethical AI and the preservation of human connection sit at the heart of Bett UK 2026, the world’s leading EdTech event, taking place from 21 to 23 January 2026 at ExCeL London. Bringing together more than 35,000 educators, policymakers, and innovators, Bett UK serves as an essential global stage to address the very warnings issued by experts like Rob, exploring how we can harness the latest innovations without compromising child development. Featuring 600+ exhibitors and hundreds of expert speakers, the event offers hands-on demos, Tech User Labs, and the Connect @ Bett programme to foster meaningful collaboration—ensuring that the future of learning, and themes such as AI in education and inclusion, remain focused on empowering human relationships rather than replacing them.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the innovations shaping the future of education firsthand and be part of this global conversation. For full details and registration, please visit: https://uk.bettshow.com/