Teachers in England are now permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline marking and draft letters to parents, according to new government guidance. The Department for Education (DfE) has released training materials, first revealed by the BBC, which encourage schools to leverage AI to automate routine tasks, allowing teachers to prioritize in-person teaching.
The DfE emphasizes that teachers must be open about their AI use and verify its outputs. AI should be limited to "low-stakes" tasks like marking quizzes or homework, with manual checks to ensure accuracy. The guidance also allows AI to generate standard letters, such as notifications about a head lice outbreak.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) welcomed the move, noting it could reduce workload and support face-to-face teaching, but highlighted unresolved challenges, including tight school budgets. BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, called the guidance a "significant step" but stressed the need for clear instructions on how teachers should disclose AI use to parents.
Emma Darcy, a secondary school leader and AI consultant, underscored the importance of educators adopting AI, given students’ widespread use of the technology. However, she cautioned about risks like data breaches and AI-generated errors, such as fabricated facts, urging teachers not to rely solely on AI.
The DfE advises schools to establish clear AI policies, use only approved tools, and teach students to identify misinformation, including deepfakes. Manual checks are recommended to detect AI-assisted cheating by students.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the guidance aims to reduce administrative burdens, enabling teachers to focus on inspiring and personalized teaching. ASCL’s general secretary, Pepe Di’Iasio, noted that AI could alleviate workload pressures and aid teacher retention, but investment is needed to address financial constraints.
A BCS survey last year found most teachers were not using AI, with some hesitant to inform their schools. Julia Adamson from BCS emphasized that teachers need clarity on disclosing AI use to avoid added burdens.
In Scotland and Wales, AI is supported for tasks like marking if used responsibly. In Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan recently announced a study by Oxford Brookes University to explore AI’s potential in improving student outcomes.
