World-First AI in Schools - With Leigh Williams, CIO at Brisbane Catholic Education
- Kate vanderVoort
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
AI is no longer just a conversation in the boardroom - it’s transforming classrooms right now. On this episode of The AI Grapple, I spoke with Leigh Williams - Chief Information Officer at Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) - about their world-first implementation of AI across a full K-12 education system.
But this isn’t just about technology. It’s about lifting teacher wellbeing, supporting personalised learning, and reshaping education for the better.
From Teacher to Technology Leader
Leigh began her career as a teacher of IT and biology and has always had education at the heart of her work. Since then, she’s held leadership roles across the full spectrum of education - state, independent, international, and Catholic.
With five university degrees and a deep love of learning, she has always been driven by the question: How can we scale educational impact beyond the single classroom? Now, through AI, she is helping make that possible.
From Pilot to Global First
BCE didn’t just stumble into AI. They spent years strengthening their cybersecurity, data governance, and digital infrastructure before even considering AI at scale.
What made this rollout particularly groundbreaking is that BCE became the first K-12 education system in the world to be recognised as an official ambassador for the Rome Call on AI Ethics - a set of principles developed by the Vatican in partnership with Microsoft, IBM, and others.
For Leigh and her team, AI isn’t just about tech. It’s about ensuring everything is guided by inclusivity, reliability, fairness, and transparency.
Bringing AI Into the Classroom
So, what does AI actually look like for students and teachers?
Leigh shared some impressive results:
AI-powered tools like Reading Coach and Math Coach automatically adapt learning materials to each student's needs.
Teachers are saving over nine hours a week - that’s a full working day - thanks to AI taking care of repetitive tasks like lesson planning, emails, and report drafts.
Students using AI showed not only improved learning outcomes but also better emotional wellbeing, with reduced stress and increased confidence.
Importantly, Leigh was clear that AI is never about replacing teachers. Instead, it is about acting as what she calls “the best available teacher” - supporting students when human teachers are stretched and enhancing learning when students are working independently.
Unlocking Hyper-Personalised Learning
Leigh is passionate about hyper-personalisation - the ability to deliver learning that meets students exactly where they are, not just academically but emotionally and socially.
She described how AI could adapt to students’ unique interests and learning styles, boosting engagement and motivation. AI could also make assessments less about high-pressure tests and more about continuous progress, measured day-to-day without overwhelming students.
The potential to personalise learning at scale could be one of the most profound shifts AI brings to education.
Ethics First, Always
What stood out was Leigh's deep commitment to ethical AI. She emphasised that AI systems must be reliable, fair, inclusive, and transparent. These aren’t just nice words - they are the principles underpinning every AI decision made within BCE.
This approach has helped build trust, not just with staff and students, but critically, with parents - many of whom were among the first to say “I hope my child is using AI at school.”
More Than Just Technology
Leigh believes AI is not just a tech upgrade - it’s a cultural shift. She spoke about balancing people, process, and technology. AI is only one part of the puzzle. The real magic happens when teachers are supported, workloads are reduced, and students receive learning that feels personal and meaningful.
The unexpected bonus? BCE has seen a boost in teacher recruitment, with educators actively seeking roles after hearing about how AI is being used to support staff wellbeing and student learning.
A Model for Schools Around the World
For Leigh, AI is already part of education’s future - but it must be implemented thoughtfully. With strong foundations and a focus on people first, AI can make teaching more human, not less.
BCE’s pioneering approach is already being noticed across Australia and internationally, showing what’s possible when you blend leadership, ethics, and innovation.
Connect with Leigh Williams to learn more about her work with Brisbane Catholic Education. Stay tuned to The AI Grapple for more conversations about how AI is shaping industries, improving lives, and redefining the way we work. The full video episode is also available now on our YouTube channel.