Over the past year, more and more school leaders have been exploring AI tools to help save time, reduce workload, and support decision-making. While many of us started with ChatGPT, there’s now a growing range of AI subscriptions tailored specifically for education. But which ones are worth considering?
Recently, a lively discussion in the HeadteacherChat community highlighted the tools school leaders are currently trialling and recommending. Here’s a round-up of what colleagues are saying:
1. Ask Charlie (HeadteacherChat)
Ask Charlie
is a specialist AI-powered assistant designed by school leaders, for school leaders. It draws on HeadteacherChat’s trusted resources to provide policy guidance, time-saving templates, and leadership support. Built with school leaders in mind, it’s a tailored option for those who want reassurance that the AI truly understands school contexts.
2. ChatGPT
The starting point for many. It’s powerful, flexible, and free at entry level. Some leaders still prefer this over paid alternatives, as it allows them to shape prompts exactly to their needs. The paid version unlocks extra features and can be worth it for heavy users.
3. SLT AI
Several school leaders are using SLT AI, designed with senior leadership teams in mind. Feedback is mixed—some value the tailored prompts and school-specific framing, while others feel ChatGPT does the job just as well for free.
4. TeachMate AI
Another popular subscription for schools. Leaders report positive feedback from both SLT and teaching staff, with GDPR compliance highlighted as a key benefit. That said, some still find themselves returning to ChatGPT for more tailored results.
5. Microsoft Copilot & Google Gemini
If your school already uses Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, these AI integrations can be a natural next step. They are built into tools staff already know (Word, Excel, Docs, Slides, etc.), making them accessible without the need for extra subscriptions.
6. NotebookLM (Google)
Not school-specific, but highly recommended by some leaders. It only works with the information you provide, reducing the risk of inaccuracies (“hallucinations”). It also cites sources, making fact-checking easier, and even creates podcasts from documents—a useful accessibility feature.
7. The Key AI
Praised by leaders for being “amazing.” It provides school-specific support and policy-aligned advice, making it feel like a safer, more tailored option for headteachers.
Key Takeaways
- No single “best” tool – each has strengths depending on your school’s context.
- GDPR compliance is a big consideration, with some preferring school-specific platforms for peace of mind.
- Free vs paid – many leaders trial paid subscriptions but still rely heavily on ChatGPT’s free or paid tiers.
- Integration matters – if your staff are already using Microsoft or Google systems, Copilot or Gemini may provide the smoothest adoption.
Final Thought
AI is moving quickly, and what works for one school may not suit another. The best approach may be to trial a few tools with your leadership team and teaching staff, gather feedback, and decide what genuinely saves time without compromising quality or compliance.