As educators, it’s our job to be at the forefront of innovations in teaching and learning. Generative AI offers one of the biggest potential shake-ups to the way our classrooms operate.
Recognising the opportunity for progress, Cavendish has become one of the first education groups in the world to pilot an AI-powered teaching tool designed to enhance classroom learning, empower teachers, and improve student outcomes.
Around 250 students across five Cavendish schools are embracing this shake-up through a trial of an AI ‘teacher tool’ developed by one of the world’s leading AI education innovators, the Otermans Institute. Though the trial is still underway, we’ve seen great progress with the tool helping students build knowledge, confidence, and curiosity in new, interactive ways.
Bringing AI to the classroom
The OI AI tool introduces an AI-powered “teacher” that can hold two-way conversations with learners, answer questions in real time, and provide tailored feedback. Students interact with the AI through a digital avatar that brings lessons to life, while teachers retain full control – uploading lesson content, monitoring student progress and shaping the AI’s delivery.
Early trials have already highlighted the promise of the technology. Students are actively engaging with the AI tool, particularly in English lessons, where it helps spark creativity, and in Science lessons, where it supports step-by-step problem solving.
Teachers have noted that quieter students are participating more confidently, asking the AI for clarification or encouragement before sharing with the class.
Empowering teachers and addressing concerns
As part of the initiative, Cavendish is also upskilling its staff to become more AI-literate, ensuring that every teacher feels confident using new tools responsibly and effectively.
Understandably, the introduction of AI into education comes with questions around data protection, ethics and security and we are taking a cautious, transparent approach. The OIAI system runs securely and offline, meaning student data stays protected within each school. Every stage of the trial has been designed with safeguarding and inclusivity in mind, ensuring that innovation never compromises trust or wellbeing.
Overcoming early challenges and celebrating progress
As with any pioneering project, there have been small but valuable lessons along the way. Early in the trial, students spent time exploring and personalising their avatars – sometimes focusing on this more than the classwork! Yet even this became a moment of learning, helping them to form a stronger sense of connection and ownership over their AI learning experience.
Despite these teething moments, teachers are reporting higher levels of engagement and positive feedback from students who appreciate the interactive, one-to-one support that the AI tool provides.
Next steps
The live trial will continue through the Autumn term 2025, with evaluation and feedback gathered from both students and teachers before a wider rollout is considered.
For Cavendish Education, this is not just about testing a piece of technology. It’s about exploring how AI can help every learner thrive in a world where adaptability, creativity and confidence are more important than ever.
By leading this initiative, Cavendish Education has reaffirmed its position as a pioneer in inclusive, forward-thinking education, blending the best of human teaching with the transformative potential of AI.
Koen Claeys is an Education Director at Cavendish Education. He is also the Project Lead for ‘AI in the Classroom’ across the Cavendish Schools.
