Sir Charlie Mayfield joins Sparx Learning as Chair during first AI Learning Week
Sir Charlie Mayfield has officially taken up his role as Chair of Sparx Learning, the Exeter-based education technology company that develop research-led platforms to improve learning in maths, science and literacy. His appointment coincided with Sparx Learning’s first-ever AI Learning Week, a company-wide initiative designed to help staff explore how AI can enhance education and improve how the business supports schools.
On 1 October 2025, Sir Charlie spent the day with Sparx teams, sharing his experiences of how organisations across the UK are adopting AI and discussing how these lessons could shape its use in education. He was joined by Matt Brittin, former President of Google EMEA, who brought additional insight into how AI can be applied responsibly to solve real-business challenges.
A week of innovation and experimentation
The inaugural AI Learning Week featured 35 sessions ranging from hands-on workshops with AI tools to discussions about how technology could address challenges faced by schools and teachers. The event gave Sparx’s 100-strong team dedicated time to experiment, share insights, and consider how AI could be integrated responsibly across the company’s work.
Colin Hegarty, CEO of Sparx Learning, said the week reflected the company’s core culture of curiosity and collaboration: “AI Learning Week is a great expression of our learner mindset, combining curiosity and experimentation with evidence to drive improvement. It reflects the culture that makes Sparx a fantastic place to work: colleagues supporting each other, sharing ideas, and pushing themselves to learn new skills. Charlie’s guidance will be invaluable as we look to support more schools, respond to the pressing challenges in education, and explore new ways technology can support learning.”
Sparx already makes extensive use of AI to streamline data processes, improve content workflows, and personalise learning through algorithms and adaptive design. AI Learning Week built on that foundation by encouraging staff to explore emerging tools and techniques that could further enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
Leading a new chapter
Reflecting on his first week in post, Sir Charlie Mayfield said: “AI Learning Week means I’ve seen first-hand how deeply Sparx is committed to exploring technology responsibly. It was inspiring to see how staff from across the organisation looked at real challenges faced by schools and considered how AI could help to address them. In all discussions the needs of schools, teachers and students were at the forefront — which reflects Sparx’s impact-focused approach to AI, technology and innovation.”
Sir Charlie’s appointment marks a significant moment in Sparx Learning’s journey, as it moves from a period of rapid adoption in maths, reading and science to a new phase of growth and innovation. As Chair, he will provide strategic leadership and help guide Sparx as it continues to expand its impact and develop new ways for technology to support learning at scale.
