INNOVATIVE TEACHING PRACTICES


space for curiosity, creativity and real-world application. In doing so, they can help prepare children not only for exams and the next stage of education, but for life beyond school.


What innovation could look like in practice


Inspired Edge Academy was born out of that reality. At Edge, the aim is not to reinvent education for the sake of it. It builds upon the national curriculum, while recognising that children learn differently and helping them develop confidence and real-world skills for the world as it is, not as it was. What if children spent less time simply moving from one lesson to the next and more time using their knowledge to tackle real- world projects? Strong foundations in English, maths, science and languages would remain essential, but learning could become more connected and relevant to the world around them.


Imaging a classroom where children do not simply study Roman London but collaborate to create an interactive visitor experience that brings it to life. Or where maths and digital skills come together through projects that challenge pupils to design and build a drone or even simulate managing an Airbnb. This is where the Edge model has a role to play in the future of education. Learning goes one step further than understanding concepts; it becomes about using them to create, communicate and solve problems. In the process, children can develop many


of the capabilities that employers and society increasingly value – financial literacy, public speaking, teamwork, resilience, creativity and critical thinking.


For families, this is about providing meaningful choice. Different schools will take different approaches to preparing children for the future, and parents should have the opportunity to choose an environment that best reflects their child’s needs.


Teachers matter more than ever Whenever technology enters the education conversation, concerns about the role of teachers inevitably follow. But this is not about replacing teachers – in fact, I would argue the opposite is true.


At Edge, technology is used in a deliberate and controlled way. We use closed-loop adaptive learning platforms that operate within structured, curriculum-aligned content. These systems help identify gaps in understanding and opportunities for stretch, providing teachers with richer insights into how each child is progressing. They do not generate open-ended content or replace teacher judgement. Instead, they provide educators with more precise insight while allowing them to focus on high-impact teaching.


This is an important distinction. The future of AI in schools is not children spending more time with technology or replacing teachers. It is enabling more personalised, human-centred education. Technology can provide insight,


but it cannot inspire curiosity, build confidence or motivate a child. Those remain uniquely human strengths.


Innovation should benefit everyone The future of education will not be shaped by any single organisation or technology. It will emerge through collaboration and a willingness to challenge assumptions that may no longer serve young people as effectively as they once did.


We are firm believers that innovation should not exist in a vacuum if we are serious about improving outcomes for young people. Nothing should be behind closed doors – and that includes our own insights, which will be shared to help inform the wider education landscape for everyone’s benefit.


Looking ahead


As we think about the future of education, we should ask ourselves what kind of education will best prepare children for the future they will inherit?


Conversations are already happening. Policymakers, parents, educators and employers increasingly recognise that young people need more than academic knowledge alone. They need the confidence, skills and adaptability to navigate a changing world. The challenge now is turning that recognition into action for children of all ages. Inspired Edge is a glimpse into what that future could look like.


September 2026


www.education-today.co.uk 35


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48