The challenge
As headteacher, Mr Palmen described the pressure of updating existing school policies, managing shared files, reviewing documents and pulling together useful teaching resources without losing hours to repeated admin work.
What AiWay explored
The consultation looked at practical uses for ChatGPT Projects, Codex-style document workflows, Google Workspace support, email drafting, policy review, lesson-planning support, image-led teaching materials and ways to test AI tools safely before making larger spending decisions.
Making better use of existing tools
The discussion also considered value for money. Larkfield already uses Arbor and Google Workspace, so part of the conversation focused on whether existing systems could be used more effectively before committing to expensive additional licences.
Arbor's current AI options were discussed alongside the financial question of whether the school would get better value by exploring Google Workspace and Gemini tools that may already fit more naturally with the systems staff are using.
We will be looking more closely at the Gemini tools available to the school and whether they can provide useful AI support with a smaller financial investment.
Safe school use
The session also covered sensible boundaries for school AI use, including anonymising pupil information, protecting staff and pupil data, considering GDPR implications, and making sure any future use is reviewed through the school's normal data protection processes.
This included discussing the role of the school's Data Protection Officer, the need for appropriate DPIA risk assessments, and keeping staff in control of what is reviewed, drafted or shared.
The practical outcome
This work shows how AI can support school leadership without replacing professional judgement. The focus was on reducing repetitive workload, improving document processes, considering value for money and giving staff confidence to use AI in a controlled, practical way.