Gary Newbold considers how artificial intelligence-powered, high-performance networks can help pupils and provide financial resilience in independent schools

Integrated and connected technology in the classroom and wider campus has become a necessity for independent schools. Whether it’s children using tablets or administration teams managing timetables, providing seamless and reliable network connectivity is crucial to avoiding disruption. However, the benefits of high-performance networks extend far beyond the classroom. For independent schools specifically, they play a pivotal role in enhancing overall operations. From increasing enrolment and streamlining administrative processes to optimising financial resources, a robust network is vital for long-term success.

The evolving role of IT in education

In recent times, the dynamic between education and IT has evolved significantly. Previously, technology education was confined to specialised computer rooms, while IT served as a background necessity, much like plumbing or electricity. Today, however, independent school educators view IT not just as infrastructure but as a crucial and active component in achieving key learning outcomes. With the anticipation that coding, artificial intelligence and wider technology knowledge will be critical to future professional and personal success, integrating digital literacy into education has become as essential as teaching English and maths.

For those responsible for integrating digital tools in schools, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Leadership roles that were once focused on IT management are now transforming into positions like digital learning director or head of digital. These new titles reflect that awareness of the importance of connected technologies is growing.

The benefits that connectivity brings to independent schools can be divided into two main areas: pupil success and financial resilience.

Pupil success

 The importance of high-performance networks in fostering pupil success cannot be overstated. One of the most talked-about technological advancements today is artificial intelligence, which has the potential to transform education. For example, David Game College, a boarding and day independent college located in the City of London, is currently trialling a project where students are taught core GCSE curriculum subjects by AI rather than staff. The AI systems at the school monitor how pupils respond to course material and provide feedback on their learning habits. Whether the trial is a success is yet to be judged, but the fact that it’s happening at all indicates that the private education system is paying attention to the progress of AI technology.

AI can also analyse pupil data and highlight those at risk of falling behind. By alerting staff to address issues proactively, it can give pupils the best chance of success. However, the effectiveness of AI hinges on the availability of high-speed and reliable internet connections. Without robust networks, its potential is severely limited.

Wi-Fi 7, the latest generation of the Wi-Fi standard, offers faster speeds, greater capacity, and improved reliability. This makes it ideal for high-density areas such as classrooms, theatres, libraries, and any other crowded spaces where data needs to flow efficiently. It also supports a greater number of devices than older Wi-Fi solutions, which is essential as independent schools run more AI programmes on school tablets and laptops, and as smart devices connect into the classroom.

Financial resilience

Wi-Fi 7 doesn’t just enable AI learning in the classroom; it can also benefit the financial resilience of independent schools. At a time when many are looking to reduce overheads, this could be a crucial advantage.

Fundraising is largely unique to independent schools, and AI can support these efforts. Predictive data management systems, supported by Wi-Fi 7, allow schools to maintain and analyse donor databases quickly and accurately. By using tools to keep data clean and predict donor patterns, fundraising activities can be tweaked to maximise campaign output. This can free up fundraising teams to concentrate on activation planning as opposed to number crunching.

Energy efficiency is another key benefit. AI can be used to optimise power usage across the network. Taking external data such as the weather into account, it can monitor energy usage in real-time, identifying patterns and inefficiencies and then adjusting heating, ventilation and air conditioning to suit. Over time, the result is lower energy consumption and potentially lower utility bills. Combining this with the improved reliability associated with Wi-Fi 7 minimises the risk of network issues and downtime, thereby lowering maintenance expenses.

School administrators are constantly on the lookout for tools to streamline their task list. Digital and smart AI solutions offer the most effective means to manage the increasing complexity of running a school. While there’s a huge range of AI tools available, including those designed to streamline meeting scheduling, record and transcribe meetings and calls, and to optimise communication with guardians, their effect is minimal without strong, fast connectivity. There’s little point in using an online tool if the time advantage it provides is cancelled out by slow page uploads or dropped tasks due to failed connections.

In short, the integration of smart, high-performance networks will help independent schools aiming to enhance both pupil success and financial resilience.

Supported by a strong Wi-Fi network, AI technologies enable the school network to remain connected and ready for future tech advancements, cutting down on the need for frequent upgrades and the costs that come with them. These technologies not only support modern teaching methods but also make administrative tasks smarter and more efficient. By adopting AI, schools give themselves the best chance to stay competitive and meet the changing needs of the independent education community. In the end, investing in a robust network infrastructure is a smart move that offers long-term benefits and creates an environment where everyone can flourish.

Gary Newbold is vice-president, Ruckus Networks and Cloud EMEA sales at network infrastructure provider CommScope

Gary Newbold