AI in schools: What you need to know
AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to support you.
Why AI can feel daunting
We know many school leaders feel cautious about AI. That’s normal. When the internet first arrived in schools, it felt unfamiliar too – now it’s something we couldn’t imagine working without.
AI is at the same stage: new, sometimes misunderstood, but already becoming part of everyday life. Used wisely, it’s a tool to save time, reduce stress, and give you clarity.
Common worries about AI
Will it put pupil data at risk?
No. With Intelligent Evidence, data is handled securely and in line with UK GDPR. Read more here.
Will AI make decisions for me?
No. You stay in full control. AI simply organises and suggests. You choose what to keep, edit, or reject.
Is this replacing staff or leaders?
No. AI doesn’t replace professional judgement. Just like spreadsheets replaced hours of manual calculations, AI reduces admin so leaders can focus on leadership.
Do I need to be technical to use it?
No. If you can upload a document, you can use Intelligent Evidence. It’s plug-and-play, built for busy schools.
Will inspectors think we’re cutting corners?
No. Inspectors want clarity. AI helps you show your evidence clearly.
How Intelligent Evidence uses AI
We use AI to help you prepare and present your inspection evidence.
1) Upload your documents → Intelligent Evidence maps them against Ofsted’s framework providing you suggested evidence.
2) You decide what to accept, edit, or add.
That’s it. Nothing more, nothing hidden. AI is there to do the heavy lifting, so you can lead with confidence.
Practical tips: how to startusing AI safely in school
Start small
Try AI with non-sensitive tasks, like drafting letters or summarising policies.
Keep control
Always review outputs; AI supports, you decide.
Stay compliant
Avoid uploading sensitive pupil data to any AI system. Anonymise any data you upload.
Workload wins
Use AI where it saves time (e.g. planning, report writing, evidence organisation).
Talk to your team
Make sure staff understand the “why” and “how” and set clear boundaries.
Why this matters now
AI won’t solve every challenge, but it will be part of the way schools work from now on. The question isn’t if schools will use AI – it’s how to use it safely, responsibly, and in line with your values.
Inspections are getting broader, with no extra time
Workload is still sky-high
Governors and trusts expect clear reporting
We know safeguarding, confidentiality,
and trust come before anything else.
Intelligent Evidence uses AI to make inspections
less stressful, not more complicated.