The Department for Education has published guidance on generative AI in education. Here's a plain-English summary of what it says, what it means for your school day to day, and the practical steps to take.
See also: the KCSIE 2026 AI changes that put this guidance on a statutory footing from September 2026.
The overall position
The DfE's stance is broadly supportive but cautious: generative AI has real potential to reduce workload and support teaching, but schools remain fully responsible for how it's used, for protecting personal data, and for safeguarding pupils. It is enabling guidance, not a green light to use anything however you like. Read the current version on GOV.UK — it is updated periodically, so check the latest.
The key themes, in plain English
Workload reduction is a legitimate use
Using AI to help with planning, resources and administrative tasks is recognised as a genuine benefit. Schools shouldn't feel they need to justify staff using AI to save time.
Professional judgement stays with humans
AI output must be checked by staff. It supports professional work; it doesn't replace professional decisions, particularly on assessment and anything affecting individual pupils.
Personal data must be protected
Schools must not put personal or sensitive pupil data into tools that don't have appropriate protections. This is the most practically important point for day-to-day staff use. See the GDPR question in detail.
Safeguarding duties still apply
Existing safeguarding responsibilities extend to AI — including filtering and monitoring, and pupils' access to AI tools.
Knowledge still matters
Pupils still need to learn and retain knowledge; AI shouldn't be used in ways that undermine that. There's a clear expectation that AI supports rather than shortcuts learning.
What this means practically: the guidance doesn't require you to do anything exotic. A school with a clear AI policy, a rule about pupil data, trained staff and normal safeguarding practice is broadly where the DfE expects it to be.
What your school should actually do
- Have an AI policy that references the guidance
- Give staff clear acceptable use rules
- Check your filtering and monitoring covers AI tools
- Train staff rather than assuming they'll self-teach safely
- Brief governors so oversight is real — see governor briefings
- Review annually, since both the technology and the guidance change
A note on keeping current
Government guidance in this area has been updated more than once and will be again. Rather than memorising a version, build the habit of an annual policy review with a check of the current DfE position — that's more durable than any summary, including this one.
Want help aligning your school with DfE guidance?
We translate the guidance into a policy, staff rules and training that actually work. AskColin offers low-cost monthly support for schools — with one-to-one help whenever you need it, so there's always someone to ask. Practical, jargon-free, built around your staff.
Get AI support for your schoolFrequently asked questions
What does the DfE say about generative AI in schools?
The DfE's position is broadly supportive but cautious: generative AI can reduce workload and support teaching, but schools remain responsible for how it's used, for protecting personal data, and for safeguarding. Professional judgement must stay with staff, and pupils still need to learn and retain knowledge.
Does DfE guidance allow teachers to use AI?
Yes — using AI to help with planning, resources and administrative tasks is recognised as a genuine benefit, and schools shouldn't feel they need to justify staff using AI to save time. The conditions are that staff check output and personal data is protected.
What does DfE guidance say about pupil data and AI?
Schools must not put personal or sensitive pupil data into tools without appropriate protections. This is the most practically important point for everyday staff use, and it's where schools most commonly get into difficulty.
What should a school do to follow DfE AI guidance?
Have an AI policy referencing the guidance, give staff clear acceptable use rules, check filtering and monitoring covers AI tools, train staff rather than assuming safe self-teaching, brief governors for real oversight, and review annually as guidance changes.