The Leys Trials AI Inkling Tutor
The Leys is currently undertaking a term‑long trial of the Inkling AI Avatar Tutor, (founded by George Greenbury and Tom Waszkowycz) with a Year 10 English set, studying Of Mice and Men. The initiative, led by the Head of Digital Learning, Peter Hicks, and Head of English, Paula Stones, forms part of the school’s broader, pedagogy‑driven exploration of how artificial intelligence can enhance teaching and learning, in meaningful ways.
As one of only ten schools initially involved in the national pilot, the programme has since been opened to schools across the UK, marking an exciting step forward for this innovative piece of educational technology. Peter Hicks praised the trials progress commenting, “Our trial of Inkling is enabling us to explore how and where AI can be used to best effect within the curriculum to support pupils’ learning. It’s been fantastic to see how pupils have engaged positively with using AI in this truly innovative way and how it’s been leading them to develop their own understanding of the text. With AI tutors like this I think we’re going to see greater opportunity for pupils to maximise their learning outside of the classroom.”
Pupils use Inkling once a week during prep, spending fifteen minutes in conversation with an AI avatar tutor. Guided by teacher‑designed prompts around the text, the avatar questions, challenges and offers hints – supporting pupils to refine their ideas without providing answers. Teachers later review the interactions against GCSE assessment objectives, giving valuable formative insight. The aim is to deepen textual understanding, strengthen analysis, and support progress towards exam‑style writing.
Alex L, one of the pupils taking part in the trial, reflected positively on the experience: “I believe that Inkling is a very useful tool for learning, especially when tailored to the text specifically. The useful part about the AI is that it does not always agree with what you say – it responds in a useful way which develops your answers further. It tells you when a quote or fact about the text is wrong without being forceful, then gives the correct answer.”
The trial will continue to gather data and pupil feedback throughout the term. Insights from the trial will inform future decisions about how AI might be used across the curriculum in carefully considered, academically rigorous ways. As The Leys looks ahead, the school remains committed to fostering an innovative environment, supported by curiosity, while ensuring that expert teaching remains at the heart of every classroom.