Conversations led by experts Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan underscored that AI is no longer about whether schools should embrace it, it’s about how they do so responsibly and strategically. Bett 2026 showed a major shift from simple generative tools toward “classroom intelligence”: AI that supports workflow automation, real‑time insights into learning, adaptive assistance and targeted teacher support.

The key takeaway?

AI must augment teachers, not replace them. Schools that succeed will embed AI deeply into pedagogy, build staff confidence and adopt transparent governance around data and ethics. For New Zealand schools, this is a chance to move ahead of the curve by integrating AI literacy, safe experimentation and clear guardrails into schoolwide practice.

Cyclone’s work with schools shows that structured AI adoption plans – aligned to curriculum, assessment and pastoral goals deliver the strongest impact. The world’s most successful schools will be those that view AI as a strategic asset, not a collection of apps.

A major theme this year was the global acceleration of AI policy, evaluation frameworks and digital governance. UNICEF, the Council of Europe and the Chartered College of Teaching each emphasised the need for robust, evidence‑based frameworks to guide procurement, safe use and scaling of EdTech.

The international consensus is clear:

• Schools need AI governance structures, not ad-hoc exploration
• Procurement must be tied to evidence of impact, not novelty
• Data security, transparency and student rights must be non‑negotiable
• System‑level alignment is critical to maintaining equity

New Zealand’s independent schools, with their autonomy and agility, are well‑placed to adopt global best practice quickly. Cyclone is already supporting schools with digital strategy development, risk reviews and responsible use frameworks that reflect these emerging international standards.

eSports matured significantly at Bett 2026. Instead of spectacle arenas, it appeared across themes such as SEND inclusion, career pathways, and student engagement. Sessions highlighted that eSports provides one of the most inclusive learning and extracurricular environments, enabling participation from students who may struggle in traditional sports or social settings.

For independent schools, eSports offers:

• New ways to build teamwork, strategic thinking and digital fluency
• Pathways into game design, broadcasting, IT and creative industries
• Highly scalable extracurricular options, even with modest equipment
• A compelling “hook” for disengaged or neurodiverse learners

Interested in how eSports could be leveraged at your school? Reach out to your Account Manager to learn how Cyclone can support with custom hardware solutions.

While less visually prominent this year, sustainability was woven deeply into conversations about procurement and pedagogy. Manufacturers highlighted modular, repairable devices that reduce e‑waste, alongside improved power efficiency and recyclable components.

On the learning side, sustainability is shifting from curriculum topic to hands‑on STEM innovation:

• Micro:bit climate action labs
• AI‑driven environmental modelling
• Minecraft Education projects exploring ecosystems and climate impact

For New Zealand schools, many of which prioritise environmental stewardship this presents a timely opportunity to link sustainability goals with digital procurement decisions (e.g. repairability, lifecycle services and refurbishment programmes) alongside classroom innovation.

Cybersecurity was one of Bett 2026’s loudest warnings. With attacks on schools rising globally, the message was clear: cybersecurity is a governance issue, not just an IT task. Leadership teams must own the risk at a strategic level.

Key messages included:

• Zero‑trust architectures are becoming standard
• AI is both an attack vector and a defensive asset
• Schools must have board‑level oversight of digital risk
• Staff training, identity security and incident response planning are essential

For ISNZ schools that are managing sensitive data, diverse devices and hybrid environments, this reinforces the need for robust, whole‑school cybersecurity frameworks. Having managed services, security audits and governance support are increasingly being adopted by schools seeking to reduce risk while maintaining flexibility.

The global insights from Bett 2026 echo what we see every day: New Zealand schools are ready for purposeful, strategic digital transformation.

Technology’s role in education is expanding, but success depends on leadership clarity, sustainable investment and strategic partnerships. With the right foundations, New Zealand’s independent schools can continue to deliver world‑class learning, truly without limits.

Reach out to our expert team and they can help assist you with any questions you may have.

*Insights from BETT informed by FutureSource 2026 Post Event report and contextualized for the New Zealand education sector by Cyclone