AI in Education needs a national framework in England, with schools urged to train teachers and develop strategies for safe and effective use of artificial intelligence.
Schools in England are calling for clearer government guidance on how pupils and teachers can use artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively, according to a new report that warns the rapid adoption of AI in education has been chaotic and uncoordinated.
The report, co-authored by former school leader Sir Anthony Seldon and venture capitalist Tim Bunting, calls on the UK government to introduce a national framework for AI in education and provide schools with practical guidance on using the technology.
Sir Anthony, a former head teacher and author on education and AI, said schools had not been adequately prepared for the rapid arrival of AI tools. He warned that the technology was already becoming increasingly common in classrooms while schools were being left to determine their own approaches.
AI in Education Needs National Strategy
The report argues that the government should establish a coordinated national approach to AI in education, including training teachers to use AI tools and helping schools develop their own AI strategies.
Under the proposed framework, schools would be expected to establish their strategies by September next year. The report also recommends that the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) assess how schools implement their AI strategies as part of inspections.
Sir Anthony’s report says “standing still is not an option” as AI continues to transform the way people work and learn.
Among its recommendations is a national information campaign explaining both the opportunities and risks associated with AI. The report also calls for the prime minister to deliver a major speech highlighting the importance of preparing education for a world where AI is increasingly used in workplaces.
The authors argue that the government should treat the adoption of AI in education as a major national priority and establish a dedicated taskforce to coordinate its implementation.
Report Warns AI Could Change How Students Learn
The report raises concerns about the growing use of AI by young people and its potential effect on how they view traditional education.
A survey cited in the report suggests that some young people believe AI is making education less important. Some respondents also said AI could eventually replace teachers or make universities less relevant.
The authors argue that schools and colleges have failed to keep pace with the speed at which young people are adopting AI technology.
The report states that the growing gap between how students use AI outside school and how educational institutions respond to it could undermine the perceived value of education itself.
The proposed reforms include using AI to help schools collect and analyze data on pupil progress. The report also recommends changing assessment methods by creating a “two-lane” system that combines traditional examinations with continuous evaluation of students’ understanding using AI.
The Department for Education said ministers were taking the opportunities and challenges created by AI seriously.
The government said planned changes to the curriculum in England would strengthen children’s digital skills and help pupils identify disinformation.
Officials also said they were developing new AI tutoring tools and introducing vocational education routes designed to help young people move into successful careers.
The government has not adopted all of the recommendations contained in the report, but its existing plans indicate that AI and digital skills are becoming a larger part of its education strategy.
Schools Already Using AI Tools
Some schools have already begun integrating AI into teaching and learning.
Benjamin Barker, principal at King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, said students should learn how to use AI tools safely while developing the critical-thinking skills needed to evaluate information produced by the technology.
For some pupils, AI is already part of everyday schoolwork.
Emma, a 12-year-old student, said she uses AI for robotics projects and to proofread her English homework. She believes students should receive more guidance on how to use AI responsibly.
The experience of schools and students using AI highlights the challenge facing policymakers. While educators are exploring ways the technology can support learning, concerns remain over accuracy, plagiarism, privacy, over-reliance on AI and the impact of the technology on traditional teaching methods.
Calls for Responsible AI Adoption
Sir Anthony’s report recommends a 10-point plan covering teacher training, school-level AI strategies, public information, data management and assessment reform.
The authors say a coordinated approach would allow schools to benefit from AI while establishing safeguards around its use.
Sir Anthony co-founded AI in Education in 2023, a group established to help educational institutions understand and navigate the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
The report argues that the education system needs to respond quickly as AI becomes increasingly important in workplaces and everyday life.
For schools, the challenge is not simply whether to use AI, but how to ensure pupils and teachers understand its capabilities, limitations and risks. The proposed national framework aims to provide schools with a clearer structure for making those decisions while allowing individual institutions to develop approaches suited to their students and staff.
