A new report reveals that only 2% of secondary schools in England have formal strategies to govern the use of artificial intelligence in education, despite the technology being integrated into everyday teaching and learning.
Surveying 200 secondary schools, the study conducted by Accenture also found that just 12% have any form of AI-related policy in place. This leaves the large majority of schools without coordinated approaches to adopting AI, risking inconsistent and potentially unsafe use across the sector.
Accenture’s UK&I head Matt Prebble said many school leaders are operating without clear guidance or confidence in how to implement AI effectively. This contrasts sharply with trends seen in the business sector, where 27% of senior leaders report having comprehensive AI strategies, according to Gartner data.
The current environment has most schools experimenting informally with AI tools. Common applications include support for lesson planning, generation of quizzes, and drafting mock exam questions. Such uses suggest AI's potential to enhance productivity and learning, but without formal frameworks, risks around plagiarism, bias, and safeguarding remain.
Staff confidence is a notable concern. Almost two-thirds of educators surveyed reported feeling unsure about using AI technologies appropriately, reinforcing the need for training and leadership.
Regional differences were identified, with London schools ahead of the rest of England. Nearly 29% of London school leaders use AI daily, compared to around 12% elsewhere, indicating uneven adoption across the country.
Official guidance reflects these challenges. The Department for Education stresses safety as a priority when applying generative AI in schools. Ofsted, the education regulator, also endorses responsible use and monitoring of AI tools.
An unnamed headteacher warned that failing to develop AI strategies risks leaving schools unprepared for the increasing presence of the technology. Teach First CEO James Toop underscored the importance of inclusive access to AI benefits, highlighting concerns about equity and safeguarding.
To address these issues, Accenture and Teach First have issued five priorities for schools pursuing AI adoption. They recommend visible leadership engagement, clear policy definitions, targeted early pilots, permission for staff experimentation, and sharing of lessons learned combined with formal training.
As AI becomes embedded in education, coordinated strategies will be essential to ensure consistent, safe, and effective use across England’s school system. Schools face pressure to move beyond ad hoc measures and establish robust approaches that support both teachers and students.
