A Practical Review Framework For School Leaders
This intervention framework references recognised UK education guidance — including Department for Education (DfE) generative AI guidance for schools, Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) expectations on pupil data, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and Ofqual assessment integrity guidance, and Ofsted expectations for safeguarding and curriculum quality. It supports school self-assessment; it is not legal advice and does not imply official endorsement or compliance certification.
Important
This checklist is designed to support reflection and planning.
It is not a compliance certification and does not replace legal, safeguarding or data protection advice.
Governance
Leadership
- Named AI Lead identified
- Senior leadership oversight established
- Governors informed of AI approach
Policy
- AI policy in place
- Policy reviewed annually
- Staff expectations documented
- Student expectations documented
Safe Adoption
Tool Approval
- Approved AI tools identified
- Risk assessment completed before adoption
- Staff know which tools are permitted
Human Oversight
- Verification expectations documented
- Professional accountability emphasised
- Staff understand limitations of AI outputs
Data Protection
Privacy
- Staff understand personal data risks
- Guidance issued on pupil information
- Approved tools reviewed for privacy implications
Review
- Data protection implications considered
- Appropriate assessments completed where required
Safeguarding
Online Safety
- AI risks included in safeguarding reviews
- Deepfake risks discussed
- Reporting routes understood
Staff Awareness
- Staff trained on emerging AI risks
- Pupils receive age-appropriate guidance
Assessment Integrity
Staff
- Relevant staff understand assessment expectations
- Internal guidance provided
Pupils
- Expectations communicated clearly
- Academic honesty discussed
Workforce Readiness
Training
- Staff training completed
- New staff receive guidance
- Updates provided annually
Support
- Staff know where to seek help
- Resources available
School Culture
Responsible Use
- AI supports learning and teaching
- Human judgement remains central
- Continuous improvement encouraged
Traffic Light Summary
Green
Most controls established and operating.
Amber
Some controls established but gaps remain.
Red
Significant work required before AI adoption can be considered mature.
Recommended Next Steps
If Governance scores are low:
→ School AI Policy: DfE templates & support
If Human Oversight scores are low:
→ Teacher AI Verification Framework
If Safeguarding scores are low:
If Readiness scores are low:
What can I download?
DfE AI Compliance Checklist (PDF — add download in editor)
RAG scoring template for SLT and governors.
Improve Your Benchmark Score
This checklist supports:
- Governance
- Safe Adoption
- Workforce Readiness
- Assessment Integrity
- Safeguarding
Review annually and after significant changes to AI use within the school.
Retake the leader benchmark after completing this review
Wider Support & Development
For more information, guidance and support — including how AI Awareness Day can help your school — contact the AI Awareness team.