Mark Orchison

Mark Orchison is the CEO of 9ine, a leading provider of technology, cyber and privacy services to schools. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Mark is a highly respected thought leader in the field of technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding in K-12 education. He has a proven track record of helping organisations of all sizes to navigate the rapidly changing digital and regulatory landscape and capitalise on new opportunities. Mark’s vision has shaped the development of a revolutionary low cost consultancy-as-a-service software platform enabling schools to gain easy access to expertise in technology, cyber, privacy and safeguarding. Mark is also a regular speaker at industry events and an expert contributor to accreditation commissions on accreditation standards relating to privacy and cyber security.

7 min read

The coming AI churn in EdTech: Why schools need to look beyond the badge

Mark Orchison: Jun 5, 2026 12:00:00 PM

AI is now being added to almost every part of the EdTech market.

EdTech Artificial Intelligence AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools

9 min read

When School Staff Build Their Own AI Apps: Innovation, Accountability and the Hidden Risk

Mark Orchison: Jun 5, 2026 10:58:52 AM

There is a new form of technology adoption starting to appear in schools.

Data Privacy EdTech Artificial Intelligence Cyber security AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools

10 min read

Student Images, Deepfakes and the New Digital Safety Reality for Schools

Mark Orchison: Jun 3, 2026 7:45:00 AM

In May 2025, we became aware of a deeply concerning emerging threat affecting schools: the use of publicly available student images to create...

Data Privacy Risk Management Artificial Intelligence Cyber security Safeguarding AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools

8 min read

This Month in School Technology: Vendor Risk, Cyber Resilience and the AI Governance Gap

Mark Orchison: Jun 2, 2026 11:20:39 AM

Over the last month, several education technology stories have landed that, on the surface, look separate.

EdTech Artificial Intelligence Vendors Cyber security AI in Education

7 min read

The Diamond Formation: Why Schools Need a Governance Structure for AI

Mark Orchison: May 19, 2026 11:19:28 AM

Embedding AI into schools is not really about the technology. It is not even about the people leading the initiative. More often, success or failure...

AI in Education

3 min read

Leading AI Responsibly in Schools Means Making Governance Visible

Mark Orchison: Apr 2, 2026 11:12:53 AM

AI is already in your school. Staff are experimenting with tools. Students are using them independently. New AI-powered platforms are appearing in...

EdTech Artificial Intelligence AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools

5 min read

AI in Education: 9ine presents ‘Turing Trials Walk-throughs!’

Mark Orchison: Oct 2, 2025 3:39:02 PM

Introducing ‘Turing Trials Walk-throughs’, our weekly guide between now and the end of 2025, which takes a look at each of the Scenarios in Turing...

Technology Data Privacy EdTech Artificial Intelligence Cyber security AI in Education AI Literacy in Schools Turing Trials Card Game

5 min read

KCSIE 2025: What We Got Right (and What We Didn’t) About AI and Safeguarding

Mark Orchison: Jul 8, 2025 12:22:10 PM

When we published our forecast on how KCSIE 2025 might address Artificial Intelligence, we speculated that the Department for Education was poised to...

GDPR Data Privacy Artificial Intelligence UK Independent Schools UK Multi Academy Trusts Safeguarding

5 min read

Trojan AI in Schools: The Hidden Threat Inside Your EdTech Apps

Mark Orchison: Jul 1, 2025 9:05:58 AM

School leaders today face an emerging “Trojan AI” problem in educational technology. In this context, Trojan AI refers to AI-powered features quietly...

GDPR Data Privacy EdTech Artificial Intelligence

6 min read

Outlook: AI in Safeguarding – What to Expect in KCSIE 2025

Mark Orchison: Jun 30, 2025 1:03:34 PM

KCSIE is due to be published soon and, according to sources, is expected to undergo a significant upgrade, potentially even a complete rewrite. In...

GDPR Data Privacy Artificial Intelligence UK Independent Schools UK Multi Academy Trusts Safeguarding

6 min read

‘Dad, how did they know more about me than I know about myself?’

Mark Orchison: May 23, 2025 12:56:39 PM

When I recently became a parent, I did what many new parents do—I bought a baby monitor to watch over my child as they slept. What surprised me...

Technology GDPR Data Privacy Risk Management EdTech Artificial Intelligence Vendors Cyber security

2 min read

EdTech Cost Control – Lowering Your Costs, Improving Impact

Mark Orchison: May 15, 2025 11:07:16 AM

Managing EdTech Costs in Schools: Challenges and Solutions Technology – The Silent Budget Driver Technology expenditure has become one of the largest...

Technology Data Privacy EdTech UK Independent Schools