Cottesmore School in West Sussex has introduced a new headteacher, but she’s a unique addition to the education system.
The school has welcomed Abigail Bailey, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, to assist the human headmaster, Tom Rogerson.
Developed in collaboration with an AI developer, Miss Bailey is designed to provide support on various matters, including assisting teachers and staff and helping students with additional needs.
Mr. Rogerson said, “Sometimes having someone or something there to help you is a very calming influence.
“Being a school leader, a headmaster, is a very lonely job. Of course, we have head teacher’s groups… but just having somebody or something on tap that can help you in this lonely place is very reassuring.”
The AI chatbot will serve as a valuable resource to help in decision-making processes, offering information derived from various sources.
Cottesmore School made history earlier this year by advertising a position for a head of AI, embracing this technology to enhance their educational approach.
To further integrate AI, students aged four to 13 at Cottesmore have been given their own individual AI chatbots to assist them in their learning journey.
However, Mr. Rogerson makes it clear that this is a step into the future and not a move to replace human educators or face-to-face learning, emphasising the role of AI as a supportive tool for enhancing educational experiences.
As AI continues to advance, its potential to provide valuable support in educational settings is increasingly recognised and Cottesmore School’s pioneering initiative showcases the expanding role of technology in the classroom.
[Image created via MidJourney]