The Learning & Teaching Innovation Panel.
A national panel of distinguished UK educators at the forefront of discourse on AI in education — where intellectual challenge, critical enquiry and academic rigour take precedence over mere efficiency.
✦ Our chairs
Chaired by practitioners.
Bianca Farthing
Chair
Founder of AI Edify and Director of ICAI. Doctoral researcher on generative AI in education.
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Luke Ramsden
Chair
Senior school leader and safeguarding specialist, contributing deep pastoral and academic expertise.
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Will Van Reyk
Chair
Educator and school leader bringing practical insight into teaching, learning and innovation.
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Published after every session.
Each panel session is written up as an open report — surfacing emerging practice, key challenges and recommendations for the sector.
Responsible AI use in practice
The practical realities of AI integration across schools — from pupil access and platform safety to equipping staff with confidence and capability. Panellists debated the limits of prohibition-based approaches, shared models for sustainable CPD, and drew a fundamental distinction between using AI for academic stretch and rigour versus workflow efficiency.
Assessment & authenticity
How existing assessment models, built for a pre-AI landscape, are struggling to safeguard authenticity and equity. Panellists highlighted tensions in current JCQ and exam board guidance, raised concerns over the reliability and ethics of detection software, and examined how NEA might evolve to prioritise process, reflection and dialogue over product alone.
Surfacing emerging practice
A diagnostic exercise to surface emerging practices, highlight key challenges, and identify areas requiring further clarity, collaboration or support. Discussions were characterised by cautious optimism, with a consistent emphasis on safeguarding, pedagogical coherence and professional trust.
✦ Our members
The panel.
- Andrew DaxDirector of Digital Learning, Wellington College
- Chris LovedayDeputy Principal, City of Portsmouth College
- Christopher BradfordDirector of Science, City of London School
- Faye EllisDigital Learning Coach & Innovation (AI) Project Leader, Halcyon London International School
- Clare JarmyDirector of Innovation, Haberdashers' Elstree Schools
- Ferdinand DoepelDeputy Head Academic & Innovation, Wimbledon High School
- Gary HendersonDirector of IT, Millfield School
- Ian SilkHeadmaster, Bedford Preparatory School
- James FlanaganDeputy Head Academic, Magdalen College School
- Jenny PowleslandAssistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning), Leighton Park School
- Jess PayneDeputy Head (Teaching & Learning), St Helen's School
- Joe ArdayComputer Science Teacher & Advisory Board Member, Brentwood County High School, Chartered College of Teaching
- Jessica WrenEducational & Child Psychologist (Senior Practitioner for Secondary Schools & AI), Westminster City Council
- Joanna HughesGroup Director of Edtech, Berkhamsted Schools Group
- John DohertyDirector of Digital Learning, Strategy & Innovation, Wycombe Abbey School
- Lee Rowe-ElliottAssociate Assistant Headteacher: Digital Strategy & AI, The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- Luke HarrisHead of Computing & Digital Strategy, Bloxham School
- Matt JessopHeadteacher, Crosthwaite C.E. Primary School
- Natasha FenwickAssistant Head (Futures & Innovation), Queen's College London
- Siobhan McClureDirector of Digital Strategy, Crosfields School
- Robin StreetDirector of Innovation, North London Collegiate School
- Steve BirtlesHead of Digital Teaching & Learning, Eton College
- Tom WadeAssistant Head (Digital Strategy & Learning), Haileybury College
- Vanessa North-PantingHead of Digital Innovation, Charterhouse School