Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly into UK schools. Not as a distant concept, but as practical tools for safeguarding, admin automation, workload reduction and personalised learning. MAT leaders are already exploring AI to streamline central operations, reduce staff pressure and support pupils with additional needs.
But while AI is creating new opportunities, it also exposes an older challenge that MATs know all too well: school networks were never designed for this level of demand.
For COOs and IT leads, the question isn’t “Should we use AI?” It’s “Can our infrastructure support it?”
Why AI puts new pressure on MAT networks
AI doesn’t run quietly in the background. Every request, insight and interaction relies on connectivity. Even lightweight classroom tools make constant calls to cloud services. Multiply that across devices, lessons, subjects and sites, and demand increases quickly.
Here’s what MAT operational teams are already starting to see.
1. Bandwidth demand jumps – and it keeps rising
AI-driven learning platforms, real-time analytics, online exam tools and video-heavy content all generate more traffic.
- Cloud AI models send large amounts of data back and forth
- Shared devices create simultaneous bursts of usage
- Live translation, SEN tools and assistive technologies run continuously
- Admin automation systems analyse and sync data throughout the day
If the network can’t keep up, teachers notice immediately – lag, dropped connections and tools that simply don’t respond.
Glide supports MATs with resilient full-fibre connectivity and DfE-compliant design that handles today’s usage and tomorrow’s.
2. Wi-Fi density becomes a risk area
AI tools often fail for reasons that have nothing to do with the software. More commonly, they fail because the Wi-Fi can’t handle dozens of devices making continuous requests at once.
High-pressure areas are the first to suffer:
- Classrooms with 30+ devices
- Exam halls
- SEN and inclusion rooms
- Staffrooms and offices switching between cloud-based platforms
Glide designs Wi-Fi for peak times, not averages – ensuring critical rooms stay online when it matters most.
3. AI increases safeguarding and cybersecurity complexity
More cloud tools mean more endpoints, more data flowing across the network, and more opportunities for risk.
With the 2025 update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), MATs must meet heightened expectations around:
- Online filtering
- Monitoring
- Data security
- Access controls
AI tools can support safeguarding, but they also expose vulnerabilities if the network isn’t robust.
Glide helps MATs stay compliant with secure filtering, high-grade firewalls and resilient connectivity engineered for multi-site environments.
4. MAT-wide AI adoption magnifies inter-site traffic
As trusts centralise MIS platforms, safeguarding systems and data analytics, more information moves between schools. AI tools accelerate this trend, pushing even more traffic through core networks.
Without strong inter-site links, MATs risk:
- Slow syncing
- Delayed reporting
- Failed backups
- Bottlenecks during peak times
Glide builds resilient multi-site networks designed for high volumes of real-time data.
Why MATs need to prepare now
Most MATs won’t roll out AI at scale this year. But pilots are happening. Tools are being tested. Vendors are moving into the market quickly.
The schools that benefit most from AI will be those that have already prepared their networks.
For COOs and IT Leads, the priority isn’t choosing AI platforms – it’s ensuring the infrastructure can support them.
How Glide supports AI-ready MATs
Free site surveys
Understand the state of your network before investing in new tools.
DfE-compliant design
Connectivity, security and filtering that aligns with guidance.
High-density Wi-Fi
Designed for digital-first classrooms and exam environments.
Secure, resilient connectivity
Full-fibre links that keep every site online, even under heavy load.
Centralised support
A single partner who understands MAT complexity and delivers consistent service across all schools.
Before investing in AI tools, invest in the network that will power them
If your trust is thinking about AI – whether for learning, safeguarding or admin efficiency – now is the time to assess whether your connectivity can support it.
Glide can help you build a network that’s ready for the next wave of digital change in education.
Book a site survey or speak to our education team to learn more.
