Our next #FinnemoreFireside this term is with ​James Browning, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Lift Schools. Beyond his executive role, James contributes to the educational community as a tech writer for Tes Magazine providing insights on the integration of technology in schools, and is a well-known face in our sector, sharing his perspectives on educational technology.

It’s an incredibly insightful chat and, amongst other things, we discuss:

• What does a day in the life of a MAT CEO really look like? From strategic planning to hands-on problem-solving, it’s a role full of surprises.
• The evolution of edtech adoption in multi-academy trusts – where the sector started, where it’s heading, and what’s next on the agenda.
• Why seamless integration between HR, finance, MIS, and safeguarding systems is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but an essential for efficiency and growth.
• The challenges and opportunities of AI in education – how it’s shaping learning, workload reduction, and even the future of school structures.
• The debate around flexible learning: Should school attendance be more adaptive to individual student needs, and how does technology fit into that vision?
• How edtech companies can build stronger partnerships with trusts – the key to earning trust, proving impact, and embedding long-term relationships.
• The future of AI-driven personalisation – could schools commission AI ‘assistants’ tailored to each student’s needs? A thought-provoking look at what’s coming.
• The growing importance of edtech companies demonstrating real impact – why evidence-backed claims are becoming a non-negotiable in procurement decisions.