A special event will be taking place in Truro next month to help teachers, school leaders and education professionals understand how artificial intelligence is transforming education.

AI is transforming teaching, learning, and decision-making in education, with schools at the heart of this transition. Recent Department for Education recommendations expressly highlight the critical need to understand AI and how to incorporate it into both the curriculum and the running of schools.

To support education professionals locally to feel confident and understand how to do this meaningfully, effectively and safely, TECgirls have partnered with Truro and Penwith College, Tech Cornwall, and Truro High School to develop the Cornwall AI in Education Summit.

The event, which takes place at Truro College on Monday, January 5 2026 (an INSET – in-service training day – for most schools and colleges), is shifting the focus from ‘what is AI’ to focus on purpose, policy, and best practice:

  • Purpose – why to use AI in schools and how to do so meaningfully across all subjects
  • Policy – how to govern AI use safely and compliantly and create robust policy foundations aligned with safeguarding and Ofsted expectations
  • Best practice – what effective, classroom-ready AI use looks like and proven implementation to support staff, reduce admin load, and secure systems.

Educators from primary level to further education, school and academy trust leaders, governors, support staff, digital leads and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) specialists are invited to join AI industry experts for a day of collaboration, conversation and critical thinking. The summit will support Cornwall’s schools to lead the way in preparing young people for a safe, ethical, and opportunity-rich AI future.

Through talks and interactive workshops leaders in AI education and industry professionals will offer guidance and thought-provoking insights.

Teachers in Cornwall who are currently using AI within their classrooms and schools will share their own experiences and learning. Throughout the day there will be a showcase of classroom safe AI tools.

Caitlin Gould, founder of TECgirls and TECwomen CIC, whose vision lies at the heart of event, said: “We are excited to be bringing together educators, policymakers, and tech leaders to explore one of the most pressing questions in education today - how can AI be harnessed responsibly to transform learning, support teachers, and empower students?

“From ethical considerations and safeguarding, to curriculum innovation and practical AI tools, this summit dives deep into the purpose, policy, and best practices shaping the classrooms of tomorrow. It’s a unique opportunity to discuss challenges, share insights, and co-create strategies that ensure AI benefits every learner.”

Tickets are valued at £150 per person but are being offered free of charge thanks to funding through Digital Futures Cornwall and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Lunch and refreshments are included but spaces are limited and filling fast with more than 75 percent of tickets already taken.

For full event information and to secure a place at the Cornwall AI in Education Summit, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cornwall-ai-in-education-summit-2026-purpose-policy-and-best-practice-tickets-1906346566899?aff=oddtdtcreator.