AI Everywhere—But Not Always With Purpose
Walking the exhibition floor, one theme dominated: AI. Nearly every stand, flyer, and product catalogue carried the label AI‑powered, AI‑assisted, or fully automated. Some of these tools were genuinely transformative—streamlining assessment, supporting SEND learners, or enabling predictive analytics for school operations. Others, however, felt like classic hype‑cycle opportunism: AI bolted onto products that didn’t need it, solving problems that didn’t exist.
This aligns with broader industry observations. BETT 2026 marked a shift away from flashy demos toward evidence‑based digital ecosystems, where AI must justify its presence through measurable outcomes rather than marketing gloss .
Yet one thing is clear: the AI horse has bolted. Schools that fail to adopt AI tools risk falling behind their own students—digital natives who already use generative models instinctively.
My reflections captured this perfectly:
- AI literacy is now a workplace requirement, not an optional skill.
- Memory‑based learning is declining as machines outperform humans in recall and processing.
- Both white‑ and blue‑collar sectors face automation, from coding to logistics to creative production.
This mirrors the argument made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who has publicly stated that children should learn how to think, not how to memorise syntax—because LLMs will code faster and better than most humans by the time today’s pupils enter the workforce.
Real Schools, Real Voices: Inclusion and Creativity at the Forefront
One of the most compelling conversations at BETT came from Kerry Weston of the BRIT School, who spoke about the intersection of arts education and AI. She described how the school embeds Google Workspace, specialist industry software, and project‑based learning to prepare students for creative careers. Yet she also acknowledged the tension:
“The fear is very real… amongst staff and students. Art is about human connection. AI can support workflows, but it isn’t human.” — Kerry Weston (Interview on EdTech Podcast)
Her emphasis on curiosity over fear, and on using AI as a tool for ideation rather than replacement, reflects a mature and balanced approach—one that many schools are still struggling to adopt.
Weston also highlighted the importance of multi‑sensory learning, teacher autonomy, and industry‑aligned tools, reinforcing that innovation is not about gadgets but about pedagogy.
SEND, Inclusion, and the Human Side of EdTech
Another standout voice was Joanna Gibbs, founder of Sensational Tutors, whose career spans the NHS, international schools, and SEND provision. Her insights cut through the noise:
- Personalisation is not a luxury—it is essential.
- Teachers cannot be expected to deliver inclusion without training, time, and capacity.
- The upcoming SEND white paper (expected early 2026) is creating anxiety, as schools and local authorities await clarity on funding, responsibilities, and EHCP processes.
Her reflections on the rigidity of the UK curriculum—contrasted with the freedom of the International Baccalaureate—were particularly striking. She described how children thrive when allowed to demonstrate understanding in diverse ways, whether through essays, models, performances, or creative artefacts.
This aligns with the broader BETT 2026 narrative: technology must enable personalisation, not standardisation.
Products That Matter: Practical Impact Over Hype
Among the more grounded solutions showcased was Everway, a platform focused on personalised learning across iPad, Chromebook, and Windows devices. Their tools claim to improve reading, writing, and comprehension by up to 88%, while reducing access arrangement costs by 60–90%—a rare example of AI‑enabled tools delivering measurable impact (as presented in their BETT promotional materials).
This emphasis on practicality—not just possibility—was echoed across the show floor. As Tech & Learning reported, the best of BETT 2026 showcased “practical problem‑solving solutions for classrooms that need them right now.”
A Sector at a Crossroads
BETT 2026 revealed an education sector grappling with profound questions:
- How do we integrate AI ethically and meaningfully?
- How do we protect creativity in an age of automation?
- How do we ensure inclusion when policy is uncertain and resources are stretched?
- How do we prepare young people for a future none of us can fully predict?
What emerged was not a single answer, but a shared commitment: education must remain human‑centred, even as it becomes increasingly technology‑enabled.
Final Reflections
For the Black Scientists & Inventors Platform, BETT 2026 underscored the urgency of preparing learners, educators, and innovators for a rapidly changing digital landscape. AI, robotics, and data‑driven tools will reshape every sector—from healthcare to finance to the creative industries. But the future will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by those who understand how to use it with purpose, ethics, and imagination.
BETT 2026 made one thing clear: The future of education is not about machines replacing humans. It is about humans who know how to work with machines—creatively, critically, and confidently.
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