Invictus Education Trust

 

At the heart of the week was internationally recognised AI expert Paul Estes, who travelled from the United States to work exclusively with Invictus. 

 

 

About Paul Estes

Paul Estes is a father, author and independent consultant specialising in organisational transformation and AI adoption. He has held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon and Dell, as well as venture-backed startups including MURAL and Magic Leap. 

Paul has developed AI-powered systems and holds multiple AI productivity patents. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Enterprise AI Today, author of the best-selling Gig Mindset, host of the Expert Intelligence podcast, and publisher of a widely followed LinkedIn newsletter reaching over 100,000 subscribers. 

Working exclusively with Invictus Paul's focus is on advancing AI literacy, supporting organisations and educators to understand how to work effectively with AI to create better outcomes. Through Prompt Labs, hackathons and advisory work, Paul is helping shape how individuals and institutions adopt AI with confidence and purpose.

 

Empowering Staff Through Practical AI Training 

 

 

A central element of AI in Action Week was a series of bespoke AI Prompt Lab sessions delivered to staff across the Trust. These hands-on workshops enabled educators and professional services teams to create, test and refine over 50 AI prompts tailored to their roles. 

From lesson planning and feedback to operational efficiency and communication, staff gained practical, classroom and workplace-ready skills. The sessions reinforced a key message: AI must be understood to be used effectively. By building confidence and capability, Invictus staff are now better equipped to use AI as a tool to enhance outcomes while maintaining professional expertise. 

 

AI Newsnight: Engaging the Community

 

 

Invictus AI Newsnight brought together students, parents, industry partners and the wider community for an evening of insight and discussion. Led by Paul Estes and panel members:  
Steven Barnes, representing Invictus, shared a grounded

classroom perspective as a secondary English teacher, highlighting how AI can support high-quality teaching and reduce workload.  
 
Nikki Clifton, Director of Secondary Education at Invictus, brought powerful insights from her extensive leadership experience across our schools, with a strong focus on inclusion, curriculum innovation and student outcomes. 
 
We were also privileged to welcome Alison Fawdrey, a leading voice in digital learning from the further education sector, whose work in AI, AR and VR is shaping inclusive and practical approaches to technology in the classroom.  
 
Alongside her, Professor Zeeshan Pervez from the University of Wolverhampton shared his expertise in AI, cybersecurity and digital innovation, offering a broader industry and research perspective on the future of technology. 
 
We also heard from Jono Lowe on AI-Literacy in education and how to help prepare young people more effectively for the future. 
 
And last but not certainly least, we would also like to extend our thanks to Crestwood student, Asia-Mae, who spoke brilliantly on behalf of all Crestwood students.  
 
Expertly hosted by Nick MacKenzie, a national leader in education advisory and governance, the panel created a dynamic and engaging space for discussion, connection and deeper thinking. 

This was more than just a panel, it was a true collaboration.  

A live Q&A session allowed attendees to actively engage, ask questions and delve deeper into the subject, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between education, industry and community in shaping the future of AI. 

 

 

Collaboration in Action: Invictus x Three Spires Trust AI Conference

 

 

A defining feature of AI in Action Week was the collaboration between Invictus Education Trust and Three Spires Trust. Together, the two Trusts delivered a landmark AI Conference, bringing together subject leaders, educators and AI champions from both organisations. 

This partnership created a powerful platform for shared learning, enabling both Trusts to explore the practical application of AI in education, ethical considerations and strategies for implementation. The conference demonstrated how collaboration across Trusts can accelerate innovation, strengthen professional practice and ensure a consistent, forward-thinking approach to emerging technologies. 

The success of this joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and improving outcomes for all learners.

 

 

Inspiring Students: AI Hackathon 3.0 

 

 

Students from across Invictus and Three Spires schools took part in the AI Hackathon 3.0, an immersive event focused on creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Working in teams, students tackled real-world challenges using AI, developing innovative solutions while deepening their understanding of both its potential and its limitations. 

The hackathon provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with AI as creators and innovators, building confidence, critical thinking skills and digital literacy essential for the future. 

 

 

A Lasting Impact 

AI in Action Week has had a significant and lasting impact across the Invictus community. Staff have developed practical skills to enhance teaching and operations, students have gained valuable experience in applying AI creatively and responsibly, and the wider community has been engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of education. 

Through the leadership of Paul Estes and the collaboration with Three Spires Trust, Invictus has demonstrated a clear commitment to innovation, partnership and preparing its community for a rapidly evolving digital world. 

Invictus Education Trust is not only responding to the rise of AI, it is actively shaping how it is understood and applied within education. 

 

Together, we will climb mountains.