DfE launches new support for school and college leaders on AI use

The Department for Education (DfE) has today unveiled a comprehensive suite of support materials aimed at helping school and college leaders in England integrate artificial intelligence (AI) safely and effectively into educational settings. The launch includes a dedicated leadership package complemented by staff training modules, specially designed to balance opportunity and safeguard student wellbeing.

What's in the toolkit?

The leadership resources feature:

• A PowerPoint presentation outlining strategic opportunities and safety measures
• A series of leadership-focused videos (with transcripts) offering step-by-step guidance
• Reflective tools to help leaders audit current AI use across policy, curriculum, procurement and beyond

Schools are encouraged to use these materials in tandem with existing DfE frameworks, such as the Generative AI policy paper, product safety expectations and the "Keeping Children Safe in Education" guidance.

Modular training for all staff

In addition to the leadership content, DfE, working with the Chiltern Learning Trust and the Chartered College of Teaching, has released four staff modules as part of a broader digital toolkit:

1. Understanding AI in education – foundational principles
2. Interacting with generative AI – practical tool use
3. Safe use of AI – a critical module mandated for all staff regardless of experience
4. Use cases in education – real-life classroom applications

These are designed with video slides, activities, knowledge checks, planning templates, and can be adapted for any school team’s needs. 

DfE emphasises AI’s potential to reduce teacher workload and enhance personalised learning. Recent policy initiatives, such as the AI Tools for Education competition and funding for Oak National Academy’s AI lesson planner “Aila”, aim to accelerate practical solutions.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has underscored the need to “free up teachers’ time” through AI tools that support after engaging with prototypes capable of analysing writing, soldered circuit boards and early-years development.

Leaders' checklist: Strategic next steps

The leadership toolkit encourages senior teams to:

• Perform a baseline audit of current AI use (including policies, staff training, infrastructure)
• Emphasise safety-first decisions—acknowledging AI’s limitations, such as hallucinations, bias, and IP/data protection risks
• Establish clear tool approval protocols and safeguarding practices before allowing staff or students access to AI services
• Embed AI within the broader digital strategy and CPD, including forming an AI steering group and training informatics/safeguarding teams

Building a responsible AI culture

DfE’s guidance advocates a community-wide approach:

• Consulting parents and students to explain how AI is used and why
• Updating online safety and behaviour policies to reflect AI-related risks
• Promoting staff development and peer-sharing via collaborative meetings
• Engaging in test-and-learn cycles: trialling tools, collecting feedback, refining policies

These measures form part of a phased strategy: modules support early stages of AI adoption, with further waves expected as educational AI tools mature. DfE invites feedback and case studies from schools and colleges to shape future iterations of the guidance.

A national digital strategy increasingly paints AI as a powerful ally, helping preserve teacher capacity, enrich learning, and future-proof education leadership.

How school leaders can take action on AI

To make the most of AI in education, leaders should begin by auditing their current use of AI to ensure strategic deployment. It’s vital to define clear safety and safeguarding policies that prioritise human oversight and comply with legal and ethical standards. Planning for staff training and continuous professional development (CPD) is essential to build confidence and capability across teams. Engaging stakeholders, including governors, parents, and pupils, through transparent communication will support wider understanding and trust. Finally, leaders are encouraged to test tools, evaluate their impact, and share findings to foster a culture of ongoing learning and improvement.

With safety, clarity, and purpose, leaders across England now have the tools they need to steer AI innovation in education, empowering both teachers and learners to benefit from the digital future.

Want to stay ahead with practical tips, tools, and real-school examples? Join our AI in Education Facebook groups to connect with other leaders and educators exploring the future of learning with AI.