The Awkward Questions in Education: The Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention - Paperback

by Al Kingsley (Author)

Schools and systems face unprecedented challenges, such as falling attendance, recruitment, and retention issues; the validity of external monitoring of schools; and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). In The Awkward Questions in Education, Al Kingsley tackles the tough, often-avoided issues plaguing the sector today.

Drawing on over 35 years of experience, Kingsley explores the deep-seated challenges that many in education encounter daily and opens critical conversations that we need to have if we're to enact real, sustainable change. Chapters address key questions such as the following:

• Are we teaching students the right skills for the future?
• Do we need more and different spaces to improve attendance and engagement?
• Is the system truly inclusive?
• How should we handle the integration of AI in classrooms?
• What can be done to solve the ongoing teacher recruitment and retention crisis?

Featuring interviews with key stakeholders, including school leaders, policy-makers, teachers, and governors, this is a must-read for school leaders, multi-academy trusts (MATs), teachers, governors, trustees, and anyone passionate about the future of education.

Author Biography

Al Kingsley MBE has spent the last 30 years in the EdTech space and nearly two decades as a school trustee and governor. He was awarded the 2023 "Edufuturist of the Year," the Education Resources Awards "Outstanding Achievement" award, and the British Education Suppliers Association "Inspiring Leaders" awards in 2023. He is the group CEO of NetSupport, an internationally acclaimed EdTech vendor and chair of a MAT, and on the Department for Education (DfE) advisory board for the East of England. He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King's 2025 New Year's Honours, for services to education.