Microsoft 365 / Copilot

Microsoft’s October release notes include a Learning agent, more detailed usage metrics and new PowerPoint options. What schools and trusts should check first.

Microsoft 365

Microsoft plans to bring Copilot Studio spending policies into the Microsoft 365 admin center. What could that mean for a school pilot?

Microsoft Outlook

New Outlook for Windows brings several inboxes into one view. Shared mailboxes and cross-account search are the gaps to check.

Staff development

The York campus puts AI skills into the civil service training offer. What could schools and trusts borrow for staff development?

AI and workload

A US survey asks workers how much time they spend checking AI output. Who does that work when a school runs a pilot?

In focus / AI and young people

The law takes effect in January 2027. Its focus on chatbot behaviour gives you specific questions to put to suppliers.

In focus / AI procurement and adoption

ChatGPT and Claude agreements put AI spending under the spotlight. Your next renewal needs evidence of what the tools have helped people do.

In focus / AI at work and school leadership

Research across four countries found AI use happening without employers’ knowledge. Start by asking about the work people are doing.

In focus / AI and staff development

A university partnership put training alongside the technical work. It’s a useful test for your next AI project: could someone else repeat it?

AI in education / Staff development

New Epson research puts AI balance at 4.7 out of 10. What the findings mean for staff training, human judgement and technology choices in UK schools.

Microsoft Teams / Meeting protection

Default meeting templates are due in November 2026. What school and trust leaders need to know about protection settings and Teams Premium licensing.

In focus / AI and learning

82% of students worry AI helps them work faster but learn less deeply. What HP Futures 2026 means for schools, colleges and training providers.

Microsoft 365 / Education updates

Microsoft’s October education roundup covers Teach in Copilot, Learning Zone, Teams for Education and tools for study and note-taking.

In focus / AI and digital transformation

Six pillars, one question for school and trust leaders: which part of your digital transformation needs the most attention?

In focus / AI policy and education

What Stanford's education chapter tells school and trust leaders about AI policy, pupil use and the gap between access and understanding.

In focus / AI in FE and HE

Staff skills, governance, fair access and a new buying route: what the two-year partnership means for further and higher education.

In focus / Computing and careers

Free activities, computing resources and competitions for schools and colleges, plus the November 2026 dates to put in the diary.

In focus / AI literacy

AI use has run ahead of understanding. Why staff confidence, assessment design and critical thinking matter more than completing a module.

In focus / AI governance

Lawrence's AI committee met four times without recommending a policy. Five lessons for UK schools and trusts setting up their own AI working groups.

In focus / Digital learning

Communities and usernames offer different privacy protections. Check the group setup and whether usernames are active before promising a cohort that numbers are hidden.