Brighton Hill Community School uses AI to ‘reinvent learning’ in new partnership with Acer, Intel and Microsoft
The school rolled out more than 1,200 Acer TravelMate laptops equipped with Intel Core processors and Microsoft Copilot, aiming to embed AI into daily schoolwork.
Guy Wilkinson, Deputy Headteacher at the school, explains: “The Intel Core Ultra processors should speed that process up and give us back valuable teaching time.”
Microsoft Copilot allows teachers to streamline their lesson planning, personalise learning materials, and automate time-consuming tasks such as creating presentations and schemes of work.
“Copilot has been revolutionary,” adds Charlie Jones, Head of English at Brighton Hill. “It’s helped me reduce workload, create better lessons faster, and even sparked curiosity in students.”
The school is also using the Intel Skills for Innovation program, which offers professional development and AI-generated resources to support tech-enabled learning models.
Under the new system, Brighton Hill has seen an increase in teaching efficiency, with AI reducing planning time and the use of personalized learning in classrooms, as AI is used to tailor content to individual student needs.
Student engagement, particularly for students with SEND, has also increased. “Since we’ve been running with the Acer TravelMate laptops, student engagement has been sky-high,” David Watkins, Deputy Head, adds. “Their learning and progress have increased significantly.”
Acer says Brighton Hill’s approach shows how targeted technology investments can achieve real-world results in schools and should act as a “blueprint for the UK education sector”.
“Brighton Hill’s bold approach to digital learning shows exactly what’s achievable when you put the right tools into the hands of educators and students,” said Jacqueline Stevenson - Partner Account Manager at Acer UK. “This is not just an upgrade—it’s a reinvention of the learning experience.”
Earlier this year, Acer UK deployed its TravelMate laptops at Millgate School, a specialist institution supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
To explore categories and submit your entry, visit the ETIH Innovation Awards hub.
