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A Checklist for Ethical AI in Schools

Ensuring responsible, fair, and transparent use of AI. Use this checklist to review how AI tools are selected, implemented, and used across your school.

Ethical AI is not about avoiding innovation - it’s about using it safely, fairly, and with trust.

PDF Checklist
Download a printable version of this checklist.
Scored Self-Audit
Download a scoring matrix to see your schools progress.
Online Audit Tool
Complete the audit online using our Microsoft Form.
1. Purpose & Educational Value
  • AI tools are used to enhance learning, not replace teachers
  • Each AI tool has a clear educational or operational purpose
  • AI use aligns with the school’s values, curriculum aims, and safeguarding policies
  • Staff can clearly explain why a particular AI tool is being used

Would we still choose this tool if AI wasn’t a “buzzword”?

2. Fairness, Equity & Bias
  • The school has considered potential bias in AI outputs
  • Staff understand that AI can reflect societal and data biases
  • AI tools are accessible to all students, including those with SEND
  • Supports equitable learning opportunities; does not widen the digital divide
  • AI tools are tested with diverse examples before widespread use
  • AI is not used as the sole decision-maker for: Behaviour, Assessment, SEND identification, Safeguarding concerns
  • Pupils are taught to question AI responses critically, not accept them blindly
3. Data Privacy & GDPR Compliance
  • AI tools are GDPR compliant and suitable for use in schools
  • No unnecessary personal data is entered into AI tools, anonymization used where possible
  • Staff know what data is collected, stored, and processed
  • Pupil data is never uploaded without a clear legal basis
  • Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) completed for high-risk tools; clear policies for data retention and deletion
  • AI tools are tested for accessibility (e.g., screen readers, language support) to ensure inclusion for pupils with SEND

If you don’t know where the data goes, don’t use the tool.

4. Transparency & Explainability
  • Staff can explain what the AI does and what it does not do
  • Pupils are told when AI has been used to support learning materials
  • AI-generated content is clearly labelled where appropriate
  • Parents and carers can access plain-English explanations of AI use
  • AI tools are not presented as “objective” or “always correct”
5. Human Oversight & Accountability
  • A human is always responsible for decisions supported by AI
  • AI outputs are checked, edited, and validated before use
  • Staff understand they remain professionally accountable; There is a clear process for challenging or overriding AI outputs

AI assists - humans decide.

6. Staff Training & Confidence
  • Staff receive regular training on AI use and limitations
  • Ethical considerations are part of CPD, not an afterthought
  • Staff know what is permitted and what is not
  • Clear guidance exists for: Lesson planning, Assessment support, Administrative use
  • Staff feel confident saying “this isn’t appropriate to use AI for”
  • Training includes AI literacy for educators
7. Pupil Understanding & Digital Literacy
  • Pupils are taught: What AI is, How it works (at an age-appropriate level), Its strengths and limitations
  • Pupils learn about: Bias, Hallucinations, Ethical use, Academic honesty
  • AI use supports critical thinking, not shortcuts
  • Clear guidance on avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic honesty when using AI
8. Safeguarding & Wellbeing
  • AI tools are age-appropriate
  • Safeguarding risks have been assessed
  • AI is not used for emotional support or counselling
  • Clear boundaries exist for pupil interaction with AI tools
  • Concerns about AI outputs can be reported easily
  • There is a process for detecting and addressing inappropriate AI use by pupils
9. Policies & Governance
  • The school has a written AI policy or guidance
  • AI use is reviewed regularly
  • Senior leaders understand AI risks and responsibilities
  • Governors are informed about AI strategy and safeguards
  • The policy evolves as AI technology changes
  • A named senior leader is accountable for AI oversight
10. Review & Continuous Improvement
  • AI tools are evaluated for impact and effectiveness
  • Feedback is gathered from staff and pupils
  • Tools that no longer add value are stopped
  • Ethical considerations are revisited at least annually
  • Impact is measured against predefined success criteria (e.g., improved learning outcomes, reduced workload)
Final Sense-Check
Ask these three questions before adopting any AI tool:
  • 1.Is this safe?
  • 2.Is this fair?
  • 3.Does this genuinely improve learning or workload?

If the answer isn’t a confident yes to all three - pause.

Additional guidance and regulations
Schools should ensure alignment with the following national guidance: