AI in Schools Without the Hype (Staff Buy-In, Ethics & Gemini) | Chris Loveday

What does AI in education look like when it’s implemented with clarity, ethics, and purpose — not hype?

In this episode of The International Classroom Podcast, Alex Gray is joined by Chris Loveday, a senior education leader who has led one of the UK’s most thoughtful and practical AI rollouts in a post-16 setting.

Rather than chasing trends, Chris explains how his college adopted AI and Google Gemini to solve real problems — reducing administrative workload, improving student services, and supporting staff — while keeping humans firmly in control.

This is a grounded, honest conversation about AI leadership, staff trust, digital infrastructure, and the risks of adopting technology for appearances rather than impact.

• Why schools should start with “What problem are we solving?”

• How AI can reduce workload without replacing professional judgment

• The role of Gemini, AI agents, and bespoke solutions in education

• How to introduce AI without overwhelming staff or students

• Ethical concerns, data protection, CO₂ impact, and governance

• Lessons learned from failed experiments — and why that matters

• Preparing students for an AI-driven future responsibly and equitably

AI isn’t a shortcut or a silver bullet. When used well, it’s a long-term, problem-led strategy that strengthens — not replaces — human expertise.

This episode is essential listening for school leaders, teachers, administrators, and policymakers who want to move beyond AI buzzwords and make informed, ethical decisions.

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💬 Reflect: What is one problem AI could genuinely solve in your setting?

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:🔑 Key insight: