The UK government has released new guidance encouraging teachers in England to use artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce their workload. The Department for Education (DfE) says that AI tools can help with marking quizzes, writing letters to parents, and managing other routine tasks.
This move aims to give teachers more time to focus on direct student interaction and teaching.
What the New Guidance Says
The DfE has shared official training materials that offer clear instructions on how teachers can use AI in their daily work. These materials were first shared by the BBC. According to the DfE, AI should mainly be used for “low-stakes” tasks, such as:
- Marking simple quizzes or homework
- Writing routine letters or notices for parents
The guidance emphasizes that AI should not replace human judgment. Teachers are advised to carefully check any content created by AI to avoid errors or misinformation.
Why AI Is Being Introduced in Schools
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the goal is to cut down teacher workloads by using AI tools wisely. She stated:
“We’re putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers… freeing them from paperwork so they can focus on what parents and pupils need most.”
By reducing time spent on repetitive tasks, the government hopes teachers can focus more on classroom teaching and offering personal support to students.
Real-World Examples: How AI Can Help
The guidance includes a practical example—how a teacher can use AI to generate a letter to parents about a head lice outbreak. The AI can write the message in the same tone and style as past letters, saving time while keeping communication professional and consistent.
This is just one of many ways AI can be used to simplify daily tasks in schools.
Teachers Must Be Transparent
While the government supports AI use, it also stresses that teachers must be honest and open about using AI-generated content. This includes:
- Letting schools and parents know when AI has been used
- Avoiding complete reliance on AI tools
- Ensuring that any AI-generated material is accurate and appropriate
AI in the Classroom: Opportunities and Risks
The Benefits
Experts believe that AI has the potential to make a big difference in schools. According to Emma Darcy, a digital strategy consultant for secondary schools:
“If we’re not using these tools ourselves as educators, we’re not going to be able to confidently support our young people with using them.”
Many teachers and students are already experimenting with AI, using it to complete homework, plan lessons, or create practice quizzes.
The Risks
However, there are serious concerns too. AI can sometimes generate incorrect or made-up facts, known as “hallucinations.” There is also a risk of data privacy breaches if tools are not used properly.
Emma Darcy warns teachers not to fully outsource their work to AI:
“AI can come up with made-up quotes, facts, [and] information. You have to make sure that you don’t outsource whatever you’re doing fully to AI.”
Schools Need Clear Policies on AI
The new government materials also say that every school should have its own AI policy. This policy should explain:
- When AI can and cannot be used
- Which AI tools are approved for use
- How to teach students about the risks of deepfakes and misinformation
- How to check for cheating when students use AI
Manual checks are still the best way to find out if a student has used AI dishonestly, according to the DfE.
What Education Experts Are Saying
Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of ASCL, welcomed the new guidance. He said that many schools were already using AI tools safely and effectively:
“AI has the potential to ease heavy staff workloads and as a result, help with recruitment and retention challenges.”
However, he also raised concerns about tight school budgets, which may stop some schools from taking full advantage of AI.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Julia Adamson, Managing Director of BCS Education, also praised the move but added that teachers will want clear instructions on how to tell parents when AI has been used in communication:
“The guidance feels like an important step forward.”
She also said that schools need to make sure AI does not become another reporting burden for teachers.
AI Use Across the UK
This new guidance applies to schools in England. But similar moves are also being seen in other parts of the UK:
- Scotland and Wales have said AI can support marking and other tasks if used responsibly.
- In Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan announced a study to explore how AI could help improve learning outcomes. The research is being carried out by Oxford Brookes University.
The government’s new AI guidance for schools is a major step forward in modernizing education in England. By using AI for simple and repetitive tasks, teachers can have more time for face-to-face teaching and student support.
However, experts agree that AI should be used with caution. Teachers must stay informed, be transparent, and make sure that AI is only a helping hand—not a replacement.
As more schools start using AI, the focus must remain on student learning, teacher support, and responsible technology use.
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