UK Schools Need Government Guidance on AI, Report Urges

Schools across England are urgently seeking government direction on the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence by students and teachers, according to a new report. Sir Anthony Seldon, a former head teacher and author on AI in education, stated that while AI is increasingly prevalent, its integration has been "chaotic and anarchic."

The report proposes the implementation of a national framework for AI in education, including teacher training and guidance for schools to develop their own AI strategies by September of the following year. The government asserts that curriculum updates are equipping children with digital skills and the ability to identify disinformation.

Co-authored by venture capitalist Tim Bunting, the report, compiled by the AI in Education group founded in 2023, highlights that schools were unprepared for AI's emergence. Sir Anthony contends that addressing AI requires national urgency comparable to that of wars or epidemics, suggesting a taskforce modeled after the one that managed the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

The report outlines a 10-point plan for AI in English education. Key recommendations include a significant speech from the prime minister emphasizing the alignment of education with real-world AI applications, the development of school-specific AI strategies with Ofsted assessment, a public information campaign on AI's risks and opportunities, the use of AI to enhance pupil progress tracking, and a reform of assessments into a dual system of traditional exams and continuous AI-powered evaluation.

Polling of young people indicates that some believe AI diminishes the importance of education, with some suggesting it could eventually replace teachers and render universities obsolete. "Put simply, education has not kept pace with how – and how much – young people are already using AI, and that gap is starting to show up as a loss of perceived value in the institution itself," the report states.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education acknowledged the significant opportunities and challenges presented by AI. The department is updating the curriculum, developing AI tutoring tools, and introducing new vocational pathways.

Some educational institutions have already begun integrating AI. Benjamin Barker, principal at King's Leadership Academy in Liverpool, aims to teach students responsible AI tool usage alongside critical thinking. Twelve-year-old student Emma shared her experience using AI for robotics projects and proofreading homework, advocating for education on its responsible use. "AI is coming into the future. It's getting more advanced," she said. "There's no way we're going to completely pull back from it. So I think that we should use it to be better people."