The Awkward Questions in Education

The Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention

By: Al Kingsley

Narrated by: Peter Noble

Schools and systems face unprecedented challenges, such as falling attendance, recruitment, and retention issues; the validity of external monitoring of schools; and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). In The Awkward Questions in Education, Al Kingsley tackles the tough, often-avoided issues plaguing the sector today.

Drawing on over thirty-five years of experience, Kingsley explores the deep-seated challenges that many in education encounter daily and opens critical conversations that we need to have if we're to enact real, sustainable change. Chapters address key questions such as the following:

• Are we teaching students the right skills for the future?
• Do we need more and different spaces to improve attendance and engagement?
• How should we handle the integration of AI in classrooms?
• What can be done to solve the ongoing teacher recruitment and retention crisis?

Featuring interviews with key stakeholders, including school leaders, policy-makers, teachers, and governors, this is a must-listen for school leaders, multi-academy trusts (MATs), teachers, governors, trustees, and anyone passionate about the future of education.

©2025 Al Kingsley