James Kidd, Executive Principal at DLD College London, joined a distinguished panel of education and technology leaders at the Global Startup Mini Summit, part of London EdTech Week, to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in schools.
Speaking alongside renowned education expert Sir Anthony Seldon, entrepreneur Jeff Lippman and education innovator Robin Street, James called for a shift away from banning AI and towards purposeful, safeguarded and curriculum-aligned integration.
James commented, “Banning AI is neither realistic nor educationally responsible, but should be used within a framework that ensures AI enhances learning while protecting students. Our responsibility is to guide students in using it intelligently and safely. With the right boundaries, AI becomes a powerful tool for learning rather than a threat to it.”
A principle central to DLD College London’s digital strategy is that “AI can do the knowledge; humans do the understanding.” AI supports factual recall and structured guidance, while teachers and students focus on interpretation, critical thinking and deeper learning.
This philosophy is already being put into practice through DLD College London’s purpose-built AI chatbot, developed in-house by the school’s Learning Technologist. Unlike open-ended public tools, the DLD chatbot is bound by KCSIE 2025 safeguarding expectations and aligned with exam board requirements, including mark schemes and assessment objectives.
The chatbot functions much like WebMD, providing trusted, structured guidance without replacing professional expertise. This ensures students receive safe, age-appropriate and academically accurate support every time they use it.
AI is also helping students studying Academic English, with Marvely providing realistic conversation practice and immediate guidance on how to improve, helping students build confidence through repeated practice. Teachers are able to assign speaking tasks, track progress and identify learning gaps through class dashboards.
James highlighted the importance of schools establishing clear parameters covering safeguarding, curriculum alignment, transparency and digital literacy to ensure AI enhances learning rather than undermining it. He commented, “Schools should be leading with purpose rather than fear. AI is already shaping the world our students are entering. Our role as educators is to prepare them for that world, not shield them from it.”
DLD College London is a forward-thinking, co-educational, independent day and boarding school on London’s South Bank for students aged 13+. DLD offers a contemporary education experience shaped by its unique location in the heart of London, where the city itself becomes an extension of the classroom. Students are immersed in real‑world learning inspired by London’s history and culture, that naturally nurtures curiosity, independence, and ambition. From weekly school trips as part of the Year 9 curriculum through to graduation in Central Hall Westminster – London really is their classroom!
DLD offers a range of academic pathways: Year 9, GCSEs, BTECs, A Levels and Foundation Programmes. Across all of these courses, a strong emphasis is placed on leadership, creativity, wellbeing, and the future‑focused skills young people need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world and to secure places at leading UK and international universities.
DLD is the only school in Central London with on‑campus boarding, offering students a safe, supportive environment to call home. In addition to a number of significant national award wins, DLD is also proud to be named by The Good Schools Guide, Tatler and Talk Education as one of the top schools in the UK.
DLD College London offers a range of bursaries and scholarships, with awards available for up to 100% of tuition fees. Scholarships reward exceptional ability, while means-tested bursaries provide financial assistance to ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from the schools outstanding education.
To find out more about DLD College London and to register for the next Open Event on 26th September, go to www.dldcollege.co.uk
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