A prep school in Britain has appointed an AI robot as its “principal headteacher”

The robot will advise Cottesmore's headmaster, Tom Rogerson, on various matters

Cottesmore School, a prestigious boarding prep school in West Sussex, has created a robot named Abigail Bailey. Abigail is designed to support the school’s headmaster, Tom Rogerson. The robot will assist Mr. Rogerson by offering advice on a wide range of topics, including supporting staff members, aiding pupils with ADHD, and crafting school policies.

Abigail Bailey’s technology has a similar operation to ChatGPT, an online AI service where users input questions and receive responses generated by the chatbot’s algorithms.

In a statement to the Telegraph, Rogerson affirms that Abigail is well-versed in machine learning and educational management. The robot possesses the capability to analyze vast amounts of data, making it a valuable resource for decision-making.

Mr. Rogerson emphasises the comfort and reassurance of having an AI assistant, however, acknowledges that human counsel remains essential. He believes that being a school leader can be a lonely role, and the presence of AI support is particularly reassuring.

The introduction of an AI robot as principal headteacher follows Cottesmore’s innovative steps in embracing technology in education. The school previously sought a head of AI to integrate technology into the curriculum and support teachers in reducing their workload.

Back in September, Cottesmore School hosted a free AI “masterclass festival.” This masterclass was conducted to introduce teachers from both private and state schools to the possibilities of AI in classroom.

Rogerson’s interest in AI was sparked by ChatGPT. He believes that students should learn to collaborate with artificial intelligence and robots, emphasizing the importance of these skills for the future.

Tom Rogerson affirms that embracing AI in school does not spell a replacement for teachers or educators. His aim with the AI integration is to augment the capabilities and provide students with the best possible education while preserving the core values of traditional teaching.