In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Al Kingsley—EdTech CEO, multi-academy trust chair, governance leader, and author of The Awkward Questions in Education. Together, they explore the tensions education systems can no longer ignore: why curricula feel disconnected from real life, why assessment labels learners too early, and why the pace of technology (especially AI) is forcing leaders to rethink what “good” really looks like in schools.
Key Themes in This Episode
What truly defines a “good school” today?
Curriculum relevance, purpose, and future readiness
Why assessment systems create unnecessary failure?
Human skills vs traditional academic measures
Equity, accessibility, and digital inclusion
Effective EdTech: tools that are usable, scalable, secure
AI as a catalyst for changing education systems
Alternative provision, online schooling and hybrid futures
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone shaping education strategy. Al Kingsley doesn’t offer quick fixes—he offers sharper questions. From challenging what Ofsted measures, to exposing flaws in norm-referenced assessment, Al argues that education must evolve to prioritise curiosity, purpose, wellbeing, and human capability in an AI-driven world.
You’ll also hear practical insights from his leadership across multi-academy trusts, alternative provision, and digital inclusion—making this a valuable episode for leaders working on school improvement, system reform, and future-focused learning design.
Who This Episode Is For?
School and MAT leaders
Governors, trustees and policy advisers
EdTech leaders and founders
Teachers interested in curriculum and assessment reform
Anyone exploring AI, digital equity and hybrid learning models
Full Episode Description
Some education conversations are comfortable. This one isn’t — in the best way. In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell is joined by Al Kingsley, long-standing voice in global EdTech, governance and system leadership. Al wears many hats: CEO of NetSupport, chair of multi-academy trusts, adviser to government, and author of The Awkward Questions in Education.
They begin with a deceptively simple question: what makes a good school? Al argues that many of the things schools celebrate don’t match what inspection systems measure, and that education often struggles to define success beyond compliance. From there, the conversation explores the growing disconnect between curriculum and purpose. When learners can’t see the “why” behind what they are studying, disengagement rises—feeding wider challenges around wellbeing, attendance, and agency.
Assessment becomes a major focus. Al critiques norm-referenced exam systems that effectively require a percentage of learners to fail each year, comparing it to designing a swimming test where children drown simply to protect the badge’s “value”. He challenges whether one-off exams still make sense when workplace learning increasingly values micro-credentials, skills, and real-world capability.
AI enters not as a trend but as a catalyst—forcing education to prioritise what machines can’t replicate: communication, creativity, collaboration, resilience, curiosity and ethics. Al also reframes EdTech debates, arguing that “edtech is bad” often signals misunderstanding. Technology, he explains, is part of the school ecosystem—supporting accessibility, equity, administration, and inclusive learning when used well.
Finally, they explore alternative provision, online schooling and hybrid models, discussing how digital can improve engagement for learners who struggle in traditional settings.
This episode doesn’t just challenge education systems—it invites leaders and educators to become braver, more curious, and more honest about what needs to change next.
Save the date and join Bett UK 2026—because meaningful change starts with showing up. Explore the latest innovations shaping the future of education, connect with global leaders, and be part of the conversation. For event details and registration, visit the Bett UK website. You can also follow Al Kingsley’s latest insights via his LinkedIn Newsletter and explore more of his work at https://alkingsley.com/.
Philippa Wraithmell is an education and digital-learning strategist based in the UAE. As the founder of EdRuption and Digital Bridge, she leads work on digital wellbeing, innovation, and evidence-informed practice. As host of The EdTech Podcast, Philippa explores how technology can elevate teaching, learning, and equitable education across the globe.
Al Kingsley MBE is a bestselling author, international speaker, and 30-year EdTech CEO. He is Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust and has led Alternative, Specialist, and all-through Academies. Al also chairs his region’s SEND Board, sits on the Regional Schools Directors Advisory Board (East of England), and leads the BESA EdTech Group. A Forbes Technology Council member, he authored multiple books including The Awkward Questions in Education. He received an MBE in 2025.
#303
Call It Al Kingsley: The Awkward Questions in Education
Subscribe on : iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music
Episode Overview
In this episode of The EdTech Podcast, host Philippa Wraithmell speaks with Al Kingsley—EdTech CEO, multi-academy trust chair, governance leader, and author of The Awkward Questions in Education. Together, they explore the tensions education systems can no longer ignore: why curricula feel disconnected from real life, why assessment labels learners too early, and why the pace of technology (especially AI) is forcing leaders to rethink what “good” really looks like in schools.
Key Themes in This Episode
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode is a must-listen for anyone shaping education strategy. Al Kingsley doesn’t offer quick fixes—he offers sharper questions. From challenging what Ofsted measures, to exposing flaws in norm-referenced assessment, Al argues that education must evolve to prioritise curiosity, purpose, wellbeing, and human capability in an AI-driven world.
You’ll also hear practical insights from his leadership across multi-academy trusts, alternative provision, and digital inclusion—making this a valuable episode for leaders working on school improvement, system reform, and future-focused learning design.
Who This Episode Is For?
Full Episode Description
Some education conversations are comfortable. This one isn’t — in the best way. In this episode, Philippa Wraithmell is joined by Al Kingsley, long-standing voice in global EdTech, governance and system leadership. Al wears many hats: CEO of NetSupport, chair of multi-academy trusts, adviser to government, and author of The Awkward Questions in Education.
They begin with a deceptively simple question: what makes a good school? Al argues that many of the things schools celebrate don’t match what inspection systems measure, and that education often struggles to define success beyond compliance. From there, the conversation explores the growing disconnect between curriculum and purpose. When learners can’t see the “why” behind what they are studying, disengagement rises—feeding wider challenges around wellbeing, attendance, and agency.
Assessment becomes a major focus. Al critiques norm-referenced exam systems that effectively require a percentage of learners to fail each year, comparing it to designing a swimming test where children drown simply to protect the badge’s “value”. He challenges whether one-off exams still make sense when workplace learning increasingly values micro-credentials, skills, and real-world capability.
AI enters not as a trend but as a catalyst—forcing education to prioritise what machines can’t replicate: communication, creativity, collaboration, resilience, curiosity and ethics. Al also reframes EdTech debates, arguing that “edtech is bad” often signals misunderstanding. Technology, he explains, is part of the school ecosystem—supporting accessibility, equity, administration, and inclusive learning when used well.
Finally, they explore alternative provision, online schooling and hybrid models, discussing how digital can improve engagement for learners who struggle in traditional settings.
This episode doesn’t just challenge education systems—it invites leaders and educators to become braver, more curious, and more honest about what needs to change next.
Save the date and join Bett UK 2026—because meaningful change starts with showing up. Explore the latest innovations shaping the future of education, connect with global leaders, and be part of the conversation. For event details and registration, visit the Bett UK website. You can also follow Al Kingsley’s latest insights via his LinkedIn Newsletter and explore more of his work at https://alkingsley.com/.
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