School News
Newton Prep was proud to host the Global Startup Mini Summit 2026, in partnership with UCL EdTech Labs as part of London EdTech Week. We welcomed educators, researchers, founders, investors and school leaders for an afternoon of discussion, debate and collaboration around the future of education.
The event explored a central question facing schools today: How can artificial intelligence augment great teaching rather than replace it?
The summit brought together leading EdTech founders and innovators to discuss how technology can be designed to support teacher agency and improve learning experiences, while challenging assumptions that “saving teachers time” should be the sole measure of success.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Headteachers’ Panel, hosted by Newton Prep Head Graeme McCafferty. Together, they explored a practical question: what do teachers actually need from AI?
The discussion focused on how schools are currently using AI, where technology can genuinely enhance professional practice and where it can unintentionally add to workload. Panel members agreed that the most effective applications of AI are often not those that simply automate tasks, but those that help educators think more deeply, identify blind spots and strengthen professional judgement.
A recurring theme was the importance of modelling responsible AI use to pupils. By openly discussing how and when AI is used, teachers can help young people develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. The panel also highlighted the need for secure, GDPR-compliant systems that schools can trust, rather than an ever-expanding marketplace of disconnected tools.
The programme also included a workshop exploring teacher-AI complementarity, encouraging participants to consider how technology and human expertise can work together most effectively in educational settings.
The event concluded with a fireside conversation led by Dr Kristen Weatherby of UCL and Ekaterina Almasque, Founding Partner at Blank Page Capital and Newton Prep parent, who shared insights into innovation, investment and the future direction of educational technology.
We are grateful to all our speakers, delegates and partners for contributing to such a thought-provoking and engaging event. As schools continue to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, conversations like these are vital in ensuring that innovation remains firmly focused on improving teaching, learning and outcomes for young people.
