Our Team
At SLT AI, we believe that transforming school leadership through AI requires diverse perspectives and deep expertise.
Our Strategic Board bring together decades of experience across education leadership, AI innovation, and technological transformation.
Al Kingsley
Al has spent the last 30 years in the EdTech space and nearly two decades as a School Trustee. 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 has lived and worked in both the UK and US. He is currently Chair of a multi-academy trust and Chair of an alternative provision academy, all in the East of England. He has previously chaired other schools/boards.
Alongside these roles, Al also sits on the Regional Schools Director’s Advisory board for the East of England and is an independent Chair of the county’s SEND board. An active writer about all things EdTech and School Governance, Al is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council, Chairs the British Education Suppliers Association (BESA) EdTech group, and sits on the advisory board for a number of Educational Technology companies
Daren White
Daren is a highly experienced, award winning teacher and Senior Leader with a passion for integrating technology into education. With 25 years of experience in teaching and over 13 years in leadership roles, he is now Academic Technologies Lead at Lift Schools, one of the UK’s largest Multi-Academy Trusts.
A Google Champion, certified Trainer, Innovator, and Coach, Daren co-leads GEG UK and is also a Microsoft Innovative Educator and an Apple Teacher.
Daren is a dynamic presenter who delivers keynotes, coaching, training, workshops and events both in the UK and internationally.
He is dedicated to helping teachers integrate effective pedagogy with the help of technology in the classroom in order to remove barriers to learning.
Daren was named in the #edtech50 2021, proudly won the 2023 Skills Development Champion Award at The Edufuturists Awards and was a Silver Winner for Digital Innovator of the Year in the 2023 National Teaching Awards.
Daren also published his own book What’s Their Why?: Exploring Motivation and Engagement in Learning.
Chris Dyson
Chris Dyson, was the headteacher at Parklands Primary, situated on one of Europe’s largest council estates in Leeds before in January 2023, he relocated to Birmingham.
Chris is now the Deputy CEO of Create Trust with over 3000 children. the Trust have had 4 Ofsted Inspections in the past 18 months, 2 of which were in October 2024! 18 months ago the Trust were sitting on 1 Good, 2 RI and 1 Inadequate, so a vulnerable position. Today we are sitting on 3 Goods and 1 we can’t disclose due to Ofsted rules (but we can November 2024). So what a brilliant journey it has been.
Chris’s strength is changing the culture of schools, with the proverbial ‘carrot’ being used rather than a stick, coaching used with staff, and the wellbeing of staff and children becoming the driving force.
Chris was an NLE driving standards forward in schools across Yorkshire and works with schools to achieve transformation and School Improvement through love and collaboration.
He does love a tweet and a selfie with a #Hashbrown
Mark Anderson
With a career in education that spans three decades, Mark Anderson has been a leading light in the field of teaching and learning with technology through his evidence-led approaches to integrating technology and artificial intelligence in education. With a background of more than twenty years as a distinguished teacher and leader, Mark transitioned from the classroom to support schools and has worked with thousands of educators, leaders and institutions with his strategic insights into teaching and learning with technology and AI.
As an award-winning author, Mark’s “Perfect ICT” became an Amazon best-seller, and his blog has been recognised with multiple awards, including the UK Education Blog of the Year. His latest book, “The EdTech Playbook,” is receiving widespread acclaim, reinforcing his status as a preeminent thought leader in educational technology and AI.
In his roles, including Independent Thinking Associate, Founder of Global EdTech and the Global EdTech Awards, Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, member of the Schools and Colleges Committee for the Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) and Head of Education at NetSupport, Mark’s work focuses on promoting evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning with (and without) technology and empowering educators to utilise AI and technology to enhance learning outcomes.
His expertise is sought after worldwide, where he serves as a keynote speaker and strategic consultant, driving forward the agenda for effective and impactful use of technology in education.
Explore more about Mark’s pioneering work in AI and educational technology at ictevangelist.comand delve into “The EdTech Playbook” at https://edtechplaybook.co.uk.
Rebecca Blackwood
Rebecca helps school leaders and governing boards create systems that support strategic leadership and sustainable school improvement. As Founder of Break Through the Boardroom, and drawing on over 20 years’ experience across the education sector, she provides advisory work, coaching and support to help school leaders and boards align strategy, strengthen governance and unlock the full potential of their school.
A former SAPERE Trainer, Rebecca brings enquiry-based and reflective practices to her work. She is a strong proponent of using technology and AI to enhance leadership and governance, helping boards implement efficient, high-impact systems that enable schools to thrive and make the most of limited resources.
Rebecca is a Certified Coach and EIA Senior Practitioner (EMCC), serves as Chair of an NGA Award-Winning Board and is a Trustee for the National Association of Small Schools (NASS) where she advocates for the needs of small schools across the country.
Peter Merry
Peter Merry is the CEO of OWLS Academy Trust, overseeing a family of nine primary schools dedicated to delivering high-quality education. With over 21 years of experience as a headteacher and CEO since 2012, Peter brings a wealth of leadership expertise and a deep commitment to school improvement.
Peter works closely with local development groups and Teaching School Hubs to foster collaboration and professional growth across the education sector. He maintains strong partnerships with universities, colleges, and academy schools, ensuring that the Trust remains at the forefront of educational innovation and workforce development.
As a National Leader of Education and an active member of the National College School and Gateway Alliance, Peter supports both student and adult learning, championing lifelong education and community engagement. His strategic vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Trust’s success and impact.