AI is finding its way into classrooms faster than many schools expected — from lesson planning and assessments to safeguarding systems and administration.
Used well, AI can save time, support staff, and unlock new opportunities for personalised learning. But as with any powerful technology, its use in education brings a set of ethical questions that can’t be ignored.
Our Department for Education (DfE)-approved framework connects schools and trusts with education-focused suppliers who understand the challenges of introducing AI responsibly. Every supplier is pre-approved, so you can be confident you’re choosing tools that meet your needs, support compliance, and deliver value for money.
1. Building trust with parents and the wider school community
While most parents will have some experience of AI in their daily lives, they’re often more cautious about how it’s applied in a school setting. Whether it’s a behaviour-monitoring system, an adaptive learning platform, or a communication chatbot, parents want reassurance that technology in school serves their children’s interests.
Building and maintaining that trust starts with transparency. Parents and governors should be kept informed about:
- What AI tools are being used, and why.
- What data those systems collect and how it’s handled.
- Who has access to the information, and how long it’s kept.
Even something as simple as a parent information session or a clear data policy can make a huge difference.
Our pre-approved suppliers are used to working with schools that answer to parents and governors, not just IT departments. They understand the need for clear, plain-English explanations of what their products do and how they safeguard student data.
2. Strengthening confidence among teachers and staff
The success of any AI tool ultimately depends on the people using it. Teachers, administrative staff, and leaders need to feel confident, supported, and in control.
AI can help lighten workloads — through automated marking, lesson planning support, or administrative tools — but if staff don’t fully understand how the system works, they may not trust it. Worse, they might avoid using it altogether.
Schools should look for suppliers who can explain:
- How the AI reaches its conclusions (so staff can spot errors or anomalies).
- How much oversight teachers retain — AI should support, not replace, professional judgement.
- What training and ongoing support are included in the rollout.
Many of the suppliers on our DfE-approved framework provide built-in training resources and onboarding support so that teachers feel confident when new tools are introduced.
3. Data privacy and GDPR compliance
AI tools rely on data — often a lot of it. That might include student records, attendance data, or learning analytics. For schools, the biggest challenge is ensuring that any AI system handles this information safely and in line with GDPR requirements.
When evaluating suppliers, it’s essential to ask:
- What data does the system collect, and why?
- How is the data stored and protected?
- Is it shared with third parties — and if so, who are they?
- How easily can data be deleted or anonymised if needed?
With Everything ICT, every supplier on our framework has already been through a robust due diligence process, including checks on GDPR compliance and cybersecurity standards. This saves schools hours of procurement time and gives confidence that the technology they’re buying meets UK legal requirements.
AI has huge potential to enhance teaching, learning, and efficiency in schools, but its success depends on three things: trust, confidence, and compliance.
Schools don’t need to face these challenges alone. By using our DfE-approved framework you can choose technology that’s been vetted for quality, value, and responsibility — and work with suppliers who genuinely understand how education operates.
If your school or trust is looking to introduce AI tools responsibly, we can help you find the right supplier to deliver technology that works for your school.
