DLD College calls for schools to embrace AI with purpose, not fear, at global summit

James Kidd, Executive Principal at DLD College London, joined a distinguished panel of education and technology leaders at the Global Startup Mini Summit, part of London EdTech Week, to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in schools.  


Speaking alongside renowned education expert Sir Anthony Seldon, entrepreneur Jeff Lippman and education innovator Robin Street, James called for a shift away from banning AI and towards purposeful, safeguarded and curriculum-aligned integration.

James commented,  'Banning AI is neither realistic nor educationally responsible, but should be used within a framework that ensures AI enhances learning while protecting students. Our responsibility is to guide students in using it intelligently and safely. With the right boundaries, AI becomes a powerful tool for learning rather than a threat to it.'

A principle central to DLD College London’s digital strategy is that “AI can do the knowledge; humans do the understanding.” AI supports factual recall and structured guidance, while teachers and students focus on interpretation, critical thinking and deeper learning.

This philosophy is already being put into practice through DLD College London's purpose-built AI chatbot, developed in-house by the school's Learning Technologist. Unlike open-ended public tools, the DLD chatbot is bound by KCSIE 2025 safeguarding expectations and aligned with exam board requirements, including mark schemes and assessment objectives.

The chatbot functions much like WebMD, providing trusted, structured guidance without replacing professional expertise. This ensures students receive safe, age-appropriate and academically accurate support every time they use it.

AI is also helping students studying Academic English, with Marvely providing realistic conversation practice and immediate guidance on how to improve, helping students build confidence through repeated practice. Teachers are able to assign speaking tasks, track progress and identify learning gaps through class dashboards.

James highlighted the importance of schools establishing clear parameters covering safeguarding, curriculum alignment, transparency and digital literacy to ensure AI enhances learning rather than undermining it. He commented, 'Schools should be leading with purpose rather than fear. AI is already shaping the world our students are entering. Our role as educators is to prepare them for that world, not shield them from it.'

July 2026