Running Schools in the Age of AI

In Episode 5 of The Dark Side of the Moon, Garland, James and Darren are joined by Dr Liam Browne for a leadership-level conversation about what it means to run a school as AI becomes part of the system rather than just another tool.The discussion explores how leaders’ views on learning and assessment have shifted in recent years, particularly the move away from judging learning by polished outcomes toward understanding the importance of process. As AI accelerates change, the group examines whether schools can continue to treat technology as a matter of individual choice, or whether it now requires coordinated leadership, clear governance and cultural alignment.The conversation also tackles risk, responsibility and professional judgement. From assessment and teacher growth models to policy, parental expectations and ministry oversight, Liam reflects on the growing tension between innovation and accountability. As traditional measures struggle to keep up, the episode asks how leaders can recognise real understanding, collaboration and judgement in an AI-enabled environment.This is a thoughtful, grounded exploration of school leadership at a moment when certainty is fading and the hardest decisions are no longer technical, but human.