Sir Anthony Seldon's Vision for Human-Centric AI Education

In our rapidly changing world, Sir Anthony Seldon, founding director of Wellington College Education, asserts that the heart of education must remain deeply human. The distinguished British education reformer and historian said in Shanghai that the true purpose of education is to make us more human, more ourselves, and to deepen our identity.

Seldon, who leads the UK's largest AI-in-education initiative and authored 'The Fourth Education Revolution,' cautioned that AI, while transformative, is only a tool. 'AI is a means to an end, but if we let it become the end, the game is over,' he remarked. He drew a stark parallel between the mental health challenges social media has brought to young people and the risks of unchecked AI development, warning that technology should not corrode young people's sense of self or belonging.

At Wellington College China, these concerns are not theoretical; they shape the school's educational philosophy. With six campuses across China and a growing international presence, the group integrates forward-thinking approaches with traditional British education. Since opening its first China school, Wellington College Tianjin, the group has swiftly risen in academic rankings. Nevertheless, Seldon was adamant that academic excellence alone is insufficient. Employers today want resilient, curious, and emotionally intelligent team players, not just top exam scorers.

Wellington College China's solution is holistic, human-centered education. Through positive psychology programs developed in partnership with thought leaders like the US psychologist and author Martin Seligman, the schools nurture well-being and build character, preparing students to flourish in an unpredictable world.

The group maintains a strong set of core values and high education standards while also respecting local culture and traditions. Initiatives such as English-Chinese dual-language learning student exchanges between schools throughout Wellington College Education's global network foster global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.

Seldon also said that AI can support teachers, freeing them from repetitive tasks. 'It allows you to have more quality time together to get to know the students,' he said, adding, 'That's AI at its best.'

As Wellington College China looks to expand further, Seldon's vision remains clear: Education's greatest task in the age of AI is to ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, what makes us human. Machines, after all, cannot teach belonging - that's the important work of families, communities, and educators.