If you work in education technology, you already know that 2026 is shaping up to be the year AI properly lands in classrooms. Not as a novelty or a talking point, but as something teachers and students genuinely use. That shift is exactly what drew us to BETT this year at ExCeL London (January 21–23), and it’s driving everything we’re doing at Hyett Education right now.
Why Continuous Professional Development Matters More Than Ever
We’ve always believed that if you’re going to deliver workshops in schools, you’d better be learning just as fast as the children are. BETT gives us the chance to see what’s coming next, speak to other practitioners, and stress-test our own thinking. It’s not a marketing exercise for us — it’s genuine CPD.
This year, the conversations around AI in education have matured considerably. We’re past the “should we use it?” stage and into “how do we use it well?” That’s a much better question, and one we’ve been grappling with in our own AI and Robotics workshops.
What We’re Bringing to the Table
Our leadership team will be at stand NM82, running hands-on demonstrations across four areas:
- Artificial Intelligence — practical AI activities that work within a single lesson, not just theoretical overviews
- Cybersecurity — cryptography challenges that get students thinking like both attackers and defenders
- Electronics — physical computing with real components, not just simulations
- Robotics — programmable robots that respond to student code in real time
The common thread? Everything is hands-on. We’ve seen too many “STEM experiences” that amount to watching a video and filling in a worksheet. That’s not what we do.
Funded Workshops Through Our Partnerships
One thing we’re particularly keen to discuss at BETT is our partnership work with the RAF and Defence Nuclear Enterprise. Through these collaborations, we deliver fully funded workshops to schools that might not otherwise have the budget for specialist STEM provision. If your school is in an eligible area, there’s genuinely no cost involved — we bring the equipment, the expertise, and the curriculum-linked content.
Looking Ahead
The pace of change in technology means the computing curriculum needs practitioners who actually keep up. That’s our commitment: to stay at the front of what’s possible and bring it back to schools in a way that’s accessible, practical, and properly educational. Not flashy for the sake of it, but genuinely useful.
If you’re at BETT, come and find us. We’d rather have a proper conversation than hand you a leaflet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the future of STEM education in UK schools?
STEM education is moving towards more hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that mirrors real-world problem-solving. Key trends include AI literacy becoming a curriculum expectation, increased focus on sustainability and green STEM, more emphasis on soft skills alongside technical knowledge, and growing partnerships between schools and industry.
Why does CPD matter for STEM teachers?
Technology evolves rapidly, and teachers need ongoing support to keep their subject knowledge current. Effective CPD builds confidence with new tools and pedagogies, ensuring students receive up-to-date, engaging STEM education rather than outdated content delivered without conviction.
How are funded partnerships changing STEM access?
Partnerships with organisations like the RAF and Defence Nuclear Enterprise are removing cost barriers for thousands of students. Funded workshop programmes deliver high-quality STEM experiences to schools that could not otherwise afford external provision, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
