Adapt the Official DfE AI Policy Template to Your School
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.
Why This Matters
Many schools understand that AI is becoming part of education but struggle to develop clear expectations for staff, pupils and parents.
An AI policy helps create consistency, reduce risk and communicate expectations.
There is no single policy that works for every school.
A primary school will have different requirements from a secondary school. A MAT may need a different approach from a standalone school.
The Department for Education publishes a free AI policy template that schools can adapt — there is no need to start from scratch. This page shows you how to tailor it to your context, and the AI Awareness Day team can support you through it.
Before You Adapt Your Policy
Consider:
School Phase
- Primary
- Secondary
- All-through
- Special School
Structure
- Standalone School
- Academy
- Multi-Academy Trust
Staff AI Use
Will staff be permitted to use AI for:
- Lesson planning
- Resource creation
- Administrative tasks
- Parent communication drafting
Student AI Use
Will students be permitted to:
- Use AI for homework?
- Use AI for revision?
- Use AI for coursework support?
Assessment Expectations
How will AI use be managed during:
- Homework
- Coursework
- Internal assessments
- Examinations
Recommended Policy Sections
Purpose
Why the school is using AI.
Scope
Who the policy applies to.
Staff Use
Approved and prohibited use cases.
Student Use
Expectations and responsibilities.
Data Protection
Requirements around personal information.
Safeguarding
AI-related safeguarding considerations.
Assessment Integrity
Appropriate and inappropriate use.
Governance
Leadership oversight and review arrangements.
Training
Staff development expectations.
Review Cycle
Annual review recommended.
Questions Before Approval
Can every member of staff explain:
If not, training should accompany policy implementation.
- What AI is?
- What AI is not?
- What information should never be entered into AI tools?
- What human oversight means?
Recommended Next Steps
Download the official DfE AI policy template and adapt it using the sections above.
→ DfE — Using AI in education settings (policy guidance & template)
Review your adapted policy with:
- Senior Leadership Team
- DSL
- DPO
- Governors or Trust Leaders
Need help tailoring it to your school? Contact the AI Awareness Day team for guidance and support.
Improve Your Benchmark Score
Supports:
- Governance
- Safe Adoption
- Staff Readiness
- Privacy & Data Protection
Good governance begins with clear expectations.
Retake the leader benchmark after implementing your policy
Wider Support & Development
For more information, guidance and support — including how AI Awareness Day can help your school — contact the AI Awareness team.