Tackling the Back-to-School Challenges

Saturday, 29 August 2026 — From pay to AI training, what schools need now

Top Stories

Policy

September pay visible early for Italian teachers and staff ↗

Good news for school staff in Italy as September salaries are already visible in the official system. It’s a small but important reassurance ahead of the new term.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
AI

AI training for teachers keeps pace over summer in 60+ schools ↗

While students enjoyed the summer, teacher training on AI continued, with 60 schools supported by the Fondazione Franchi. The key takeaway? We can’t pause upskilling on tech that’s reshaping classrooms.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
AI

New DfE guidance offers practical AI checklist for schools ↗

The DfE has released a handy checklist to help schools manage AI responsibly. In practice, this means schools can feel more confident about integrating AI safely and effectively.

Source: Structural Learning
Wellbeing

Nine in ten Italian schools lack air conditioning as heatwave hits ↗

With temperatures soaring above 35 degrees, most schools in Italy still have no air conditioning. This poses real risks to student wellbeing and concentration as the new term starts.

Source: Orizzonte Scuola
Al's Take
September’s pay is already showing up for teachers and support staff, which is a relief for many. But the big picture is about more than just money. With AI training still patchy and wellbeing concerns rising, schools need practical support that hits the ground running this term.

Number of the Day

9 in 10
That’s how many Italian schools lack air conditioning, putting 7 million students at risk during heatwaves. (Orizzonte Scuola)

Jobs Spotlight

Deputy Head (Academic) Senior School ↗
King's College Wimbledon · Ho Chi Minh City
Deputy Head - Business Development ↗
Waltham Forest College · Walthamstow, Greater London · £45,735 - £49,796
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead ↗
Witherslack Group · Windsor, Berkshire · £35,000 - £38,257 + excellent benefits
Assistant Headteacher (HALP) - Meadowbrook SEN School ↗
Horizon School Meadowbrook · Long Eaton · £55,745 - £58,568

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Worth a Read

Young people, learning, and generative AI: A rapid literature review ↗

by Dr Matthew Hill

A concise overview of what current research says about AI’s impact on learning. Always worth a read to understand what AI means for teaching in practice.

Coming Up

MATPN South West 2026 ↗ — September 2026, United Kingdom
Learning Impact Europe 2026 ↗ — 15-17 September 2026, Europe
researchED Cape Town 2026 ↗ — 12 September 2026, South Africa

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