There are a lot of AI training providers now, and quality varies enormously. Here's how to tell a genuinely useful one from an expensive slideshow — the questions to ask, and the red flags worth walking away from.
What good looks like
- They understand schools — the timetable, the pressures, KCSiE, GDPR, how a staffroom actually works
- Plain English — if they can't explain it without jargon, they can't train your staff
- Hands-on — staff working on their own real tasks, not watching demos
- Honest about limits — a trainer who only sells upside isn't trustworthy
- Follow-up included — someone to ask after the day
- Tool-agnostic — not a sales pitch for one platform
Five questions to ask before booking
1. "What happens after the session?"
The most revealing question. If the answer is nothing, expect adoption to fade within weeks.
2. "How much of the day is hands-on?"
Should be most of it. Anything under half is a lecture.
3. "Do you sell or resell any AI tools?"
Not disqualifying, but you want to know whether advice is independent.
4. "How do you handle data protection?"
They should answer confidently and specifically about pupil data — it's the number one staff concern.
5. "Can you tailor it to different roles?"
TAs, office staff and leaders need different content from classroom teachers.
Red flags: refusing to give a clear price; heavy hype about AI "revolutionising" education; no mention of safeguarding or GDPR until you raise it; a session that's really a demo of one product they resell; and no offer of any follow-up.
In-person or online?
In-person tends to work better for a first whole-staff session — confidence is contagious, and nervous staff get reassurance in the room. Online works well for follow-ups, leadership sessions and ongoing support. A blend is often best value.
Judging cost
Don't compare day rates alone; compare what's included and what happens afterwards. See what whole-school AI training costs and what should be included.
Looking for an INSET provider this term?
We're school-focused, tool-agnostic and honest about what AI can't do. AskColin offers low-cost monthly support for schools — with one-to-one help whenever you need it, so there's always someone to ask. Practical, jargon-free, built around your staff.
Get AI support for your schoolFrequently asked questions
How do I choose an AI INSET training provider?
Look for providers who understand schools, speak plain English, run hands-on sessions on staff's real tasks, are honest about AI's limits, include follow-up support, and are tool-agnostic rather than selling one platform. Ask what happens after the session — it's the most revealing question.
What questions should I ask an AI training provider?
Ask what happens after the session, how much of the day is hands-on, whether they sell or resell any AI tools, how they handle data protection specifically for pupil data, and whether they can tailor content to different roles like TAs, office staff and leaders.
What are the red flags with AI training providers?
Refusing to give a clear price, heavy hype about AI revolutionising education, no mention of safeguarding or GDPR until you raise it, a session that's really a product demo for something they resell, and no follow-up offered.
Is in-person or online AI training better for schools?
In-person usually works better for a first whole-staff session because confidence is contagious and nervous staff get reassurance in the room. Online suits follow-ups, leadership sessions and ongoing support. A blend is often the best value.