For schools, colleges & multi-academy trusts
Your Fractional
AI Director.
Senior, strategic AI leadership embedded in your team for a few days each term. Navigate AI in education with confidence, without making a full-time appointment.
Ben Whitaker
The challenge
AI is already in your school. The question is whether it's there by design or by accident.
Most schools and colleges don't need another tool. They need someone senior who can see the whole picture (teaching, safeguarding, data, workload and people) and join it up. That's the job of a fractional AI Director.
What's included
Seven joined-up areas of work, scoped to your context. Take the lot, or start where the pressure is greatest.
Review
An honest picture of where AI is already being used, by whom and to what effect, across staff, students and systems.
Strategy
A clear, phased AI strategy tied to your improvement priorities, not bolted on beside them.
Training
CPD for teachers, leaders and support staff, plus AI literacy for students, so everyone uses it well and critically.
Processes
Workflows and tools that genuinely give time back to staff, without cutting corners on quality or data protection.
Governance
Policy, risk registers and reporting that governors and trustees can understand, question and sign off.
Safeguarding
AI risks folded into your existing safeguarding culture, aligned with statutory duties and current DfE guidance.
Inclusion
Using AI and assistive technology to widen access for SEND and disadvantaged learners, not deepen the divide.
Not sure where to start?
Every engagement begins with a Review. Book a discovery call.
Built for education leaders
Schools
For headteachers and SLT who want one coherent approach, not a patchwork of apps and one-off INSET days.
Colleges
For FE and sixth form colleges balancing learner progression, staff workload and assessment integrity.
MATs
For trusts that need a consistent trust-wide position, with room for each school's own context.
How it works
Discovery call
A conversation about where you are, what's worrying you and what good would look like.
Review
A short, focused review with leaders, staff and students to find the real starting point.
Roadmap
A prioritised plan you can share with governors, trustees and staff.
Embedded leadership
Regular days each term, working alongside SLT and joining governor meetings when needed.
Engagements from £750, typically 5 days per term
Ask about availability
Hi, I'm Ben.
I'm an education consultant, speaker and author working across AI strategy, innovation culture, digital inclusion and the future of learning.
I've led as a Head of Sixth Form, worked inside FE colleges and serve as a governor at two schools, so I know how AI decisions look from the classroom, the leadership table and the governing board.
- Former Head of Sixth Form
- School governor
- FE experience
- Author & speaker
What leaders say
From trust-wide AI reviews to all-staff sessions and one-to-one coaching.
“He exceeded all expectations.”
I had the pleasure of working with Ben during a recent AI audit assessment across our Trust, and I can confidently say he exceeded all expectations. Although the audit wasn’t a formal one, it was an in-depth evaluation of our current position regarding AI, infrastructure, security, tooling, and user adoption. Ben approached it with a level of thoroughness and professionalism that was truly impressive.
From start to finish, he made what could have been an intense process feel seamless. He conducted thoughtful, structured sessions with a wide range of stakeholders, from Executive Teams and Principals to Support Staff and even Pupils. The latter particularly stood out — he was genuinely impressed with how confidently and knowledgeably our students spoke about AI and safeguarding, which is a testament not just to their ability, but to his skill in putting people at ease during interviews.
“A supportive sounding board to test and shape ideas.”
I really benefited from having a dedicated and thoughtful space to step back and reflect on my new role in AI and digital innovation. Ben prompted me to challenge my assumptions and consider different perspectives through questioning and discussion. It felt like a supportive sounding board to test and shape ideas. I’d recommend Ben but would encourage anyone working with him to be clear about their goals and what they want to get out of the coaching from the outset, as the sessions go by quickly!
“Really challenged our thinking.”
A massive “thank you” to Ben Whitaker the Ideas Guy and AI expert who joined us at East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) for such thought-provoking all-staff sessions.
Your insights into the evolving role of AI, innovation and creativity really challenged our thinking and sparked some important conversations across teams. It was great to step back, reflect and be inspired in such a meaningful way.
We’re excited to take these ideas forward and continue exploring how we can adapt, grow and prepare our learners for the future.
Thank you again for an engaging and impactful session!
“He challenged us to rethink education.”
Ben clearly understands the rapid pace of AI development and its implications. He challenged us to rethink education, transform how we view tools like ChatGPT, and proactively embrace AI for personalised learning.
“Leaves a lasting impression.”
Ben is a passionate and knowledgeable educator with a different approach, embracing technology at every step. He makes training and education fun and leaves a lasting impression on those he works with and trains!
“An asset to any organisation looking to start a conversation in this space.”
Ben is a passionate innovator and speaker who recently hosted two thought-provoking online network events for HMC: Questions We Need to Consider When Using AI in Schools and Opportunities & Roadblocks - AI Use in Schools. His engaging style, deep knowledge, and ability to connect through personal stories made these sessions both insightful and thought-provoking. Passionate about improving education, Ben challenges his audience to think critically about how this could be positively rethought. Ben is a great speaker and presenter and would be an asset to any organisation looking to start a conversation in this space.
“Knowledge, humour and practical support.”
Ben spoke at our AI Conference in June. He delivered two sessions: ‘A Culture of Innovation Before AI Policy’ and ‘Building a Framework for AI Adoption’. The delegate feedback has been incredible, citing knowledge, humour and practical support, as strengths of his talks. Ben delivers with true warmth and is a welcome addition to any conference or CPD session - he can tailor his sessions to numerous topics.
Let's make AI work for your learners.
Book a discovery callOr email ben@theideasguy.io