Al Kingsley MBE is a bestselling author & speaker on all things Education and technology. He is Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust and has previously chaired Alternative provision, Specialist provision, and all-through Academies. In addition to being a 30-year EdTech CEO and sector veteran, Al also chairs his region’s SEND Board, sits on the Regional Schools Directors Advisory Board for the East of England and is Chair of the British Educational Suppliers Association EdTech Group.
He’s a well-known face in EdTech around the world and the author of bestselling titles "My Secret #EdTech Diary", "My School Governance Handbook", “My School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide”, plus his most recent book "The Awkward Questions in Education". Al writes and speaks internationally on the education landscape, including as a Forbes Technology Council Member.
Al was awarded the honour of "Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)" by His Majesty the King in his 2025 New Year's Honours list for services to education. He was also named a 2025 ISC Research "Edruptor" (International Education Influencer), awarded the 2025 Education Today "Outstanding Contribution" award and named Edufuturist of the Year for 2023.
Al Kingsley MBE continues to support schools, conferences and vendors with consulting and mentoring, as well as writing and speaking for the wider education community and advocating for broader system reform. Al’s knowledge of international business, education, technology and AI, make him one of the most well-rounded speakers. He is now available to hire for events related to EdTech, digital growth, AI and digital strategy.
Social Media
Books
My School Governance Handbook
My School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide
My Secret #EdTech Diary
The Awkward Questions in Education: The Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention
150 Questions for Governors and Trustees: Key Questions you could and should be asking
AI Governance in Education: A working guide to oversight, policy, process and proof.
200 Questions for Governors and Trustees: Key Questions you could and should be asking
200 Questions for Evaluating Technology in the Workplace: Key Questions you could and should be asking
Al Kingsley's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Digital Strategy
- EdTech
- Safeguarding
- Governance
- Strategic Planning & Growth Strategies
- AI and future Tech
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Al’s presentation on the future of AI to education leaders was hugely entertaining and thought-provoking – certainly one of the highlights of the conference" - Mark London, Head of Marketing, Bromcom Computers PLC
"Knowing where to start and having fears allayed is key for headteachers when considering the opportunities and potential threats of AI. Al’s good-humoured and engaging approach puts people at their ease, but this is underpinned with a wealth of experience so that practicalities can be thoroughly explored. " - Carole Herman, Exec Director, Association of Secondary Heads in Essex.
"Al's keynote was thought-provoking, engaging and gave delegates practical take-aways to consider further in their schools, settings and trusts. It was an expertly delivered speech that helped set the scene for the conference" - Laurence Shenker, Conference and Events Manager
“Al ran a brilliant session for our Digital Leads. He took time to understand our needs and managed to deliver a session that was useful and relevant for our nursery schools through to our secondary schools (a difficult task!). Al’s wealth of knowledge and experience is clear and we’re delighted he was able to join our forum.” - Emma, Assistant Educational Director and Head of Blended Learning, Alpha Plus Group of Schools
- 2024 – Export Champion, Department for Business & Trade
- 2024 – Board Member, Oxford to Cambridge Pan-Regional Partnership
- 2023 – Named Edufuturist of the Year
- 2023 – Named BESA “Inspirational Leader”
- 2023 – Author of “My School & Multi Academy Trust Growth Guide”
- 2023 – Chair of the Business Board, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
- 2022 – Author of “My School Governance Handbook”
- 2021 – Author of “My Secret #EdTech Diary”
- 2021 – Executive Council Board Member, British Educational Suppliers Association
- 2020 – Member, Forbes Technology Council
- 2020 – Combined Authority Board Member, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
- 2019 – Advisory Board Member, Department for Education
- 2014 – Chair of the Board of Trustees, Hampton Academies Trust
- 1992 – CEO, NetSupport
How to hire Al Kingsley
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Al Kingsley for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
