School AI guide for Leaders. This schools AI guide helps you introduce AI safely, meet GDPR, support staff and write clear, effective AI policies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being used in UK schools. Students are using tools like ChatGPT for revision and homework. Teachers are using platforms like MagicSchool and Microsoft Copilot to help with planning and feedback. Administrators are automating tasks and analysing data. For school leaders, the question is not whether to engage, but how to lead.
To support that work, What Is AI? has published a professional resource:
Leading AI in Schools: A Practical Guide to Strategy, Safety and Success with Artificial Intelligence
This school AI guide is written for headteachers, senior leaders, governors and MAT executives. It offers clear guidance on setting strategy, meeting safeguarding and GDPR responsibilities, supporting staff, and managing tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Canva, and SchoolAI.
Many schools are already using AI tools, often without a coordinated approach. Lesson planning, feedback, admin support and communication are increasingly supported by AI features in mainstream software. However, without leadership and clear policies, this use may become inconsistent or unsafe.
The guide explains that four key leadership responsibilities now apply:
Staff and students are already using AI
Safeguarding and GDPR compliance require oversight
Strategic planning must reflect digital change
School values and culture should shape AI use
Leading AI in Schools includes 16 chapters and five practical appendices. It supports school leaders to:
Understand how ChatGPT and similar tools work
Create a vision-led AI strategy and policy
Build and maintain an AI register
Train and support staff with prompt writing and usage guidance
Address safeguarding, GDPR and ethical concerns
Support digital literacy, academic honesty and pupil safety
Evaluate tools including Copilot, MagicSchool, Canva, Curipod and Edsoma
Manage risks using a traffic light system
Communicate clearly with stakeholders
This guide is suitable for:
Headteachers and deputy heads
Safeguarding leads and data protection officers
Curriculum and SEND coordinators
ICT leads and digital strategy staff
School governors and MAT board members
Office, HR, finance and site teams exploring AI for school operations
Whether you are piloting ChatGPT for teacher planning or managing visual AI in safeguarding or security, this guide will help you lead with clarity.
Executive Summary
Introduction
Chapter 1: Why AI Belongs on the Leadership Agenda
Chapter 2: What ChatGPT and Generative AI Actually Are
Chapter 3: What AI Can and Cannot Do in Schools
Chapter 4: Creating a Vision-Led AI Strategy
Chapter 5: Writing an AI Policy That Works
Chapter 6: Building and Managing an AI Registry
Chapter 7: Governance, Risk and Ethical Oversight
Chapter 8: Training Staff and Leading Cultural Change
Chapter 9: Getting the Most Out of School AI Technology
Chapter 10: Supporting Pupils to Use AI Ethically, Safely and Responsibly
Chapter 11: Using AI to Support Inclusion, Accessibility and Personalised Learning
Chapter 12: Data Protection, GDPR and Child Safety in the Age of AI
Chapter 13: Writing a Stakeholders AI Policy
Chapter 14: Managing Resistance and Balancing Traditional and AI-Enhanced Practice
Chapter 15: AI for Non-Educators and School Administrators .
Chapter 16: Summary – Leading AI in Schools with Strategy, Safety and Confidence
Appendix A – AI Leadership Framework for Schools
Appendix B – Simple School AI Governance Policy
Appendix C – Staff AI Tool Assessment Checklist
Appendix D – Using a Traffic Light Risk Rating System to Manage School AI Tools
Appendix E – AI Prompting Guide for Educators
AI Glossary for Educators and School Leaders
AI tools should never replace teachers, professional judgment or child-centred care. As the guide explains throughout, these technologies can support your school’s goals only when introduced carefully and monitored properly.
A good strategy includes:
Clear boundaries for staff and pupil use
Alignment with safeguarding and data policies
Regular review and stakeholder communication
Training and support that reflects all roles within the school
The school AI guide provides the structure, language and tools to do this well.
Leading AI in Schools: A Practical Guide to Strategy, Safety and Success with Artificial Intelligence is available now at here our Resources page.
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