The UK government has unveiled new guidance for schools that promotes the use of AI to reduce teacher workloads and increase face-to-face time with pupils.
The Department for Education (DfE) says AI could take over time-consuming administrative tasks such as lesson planning, report writing, and email drafting-allowing educators to focus more on classroom teaching.
The guidance, aimed at schools and colleges in the UK, highlights how AI can assist with formative assessments like quizzes and low-stakes feedback, while stressing that teachers must verify outputs for accuracy and data safety.
It also recommends using only school-approved tools and limits AI use to tasks that support rather than replace teaching expertise.
Education unions welcomed the move but said investment is needed to make it work. Leaders from the NAHT and ASCL praised AI's potential to ease pressure on staff and help address recruitment issues, but warned that schools require proper infrastructure and training.
The government has pledged £1 million to support AI tool development for marking and feedback.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the plan will free teachers to deliver more personalised support, adding: 'We're putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers to enhance how our children learn and develop.'
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