AI can help teachers save time, create resources and generate new ideas. But how can it be used safely and effectively in the classroom?
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common part of education. For teachers, AI can help with lesson planning, creating resources, generating questions and reducing some repetitive tasks. But it is important to remember that AI is a tool to support teachers, not replace them.
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This guide looks at some practical ways to use AI in teaching, along with the key issues around safeguarding, data and assessment.
Note: Much of the government guidance in this article is published by the Department for Education and applies to England. Teachers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should also follow the guidance relevant to their nation and school.
What is AI in Education?
Generative AI can create text, images and other content from a written prompt. For teachers, this can mean using AI as a starting point for lesson ideas, resources and classroom activities. The DfE’s Understanding AI in education module is a useful starting point for teachers who are new to the subject.
However, AI does not know your pupils, your classroom or your school. It cannot replace your professional judgement.
The best approach is to use AI for ideas and efficiency, then use your expertise to check and adapt the result.
Five Ways Teachers Can Use AI
1. Lesson planning
AI can help generate:
- Starter activities
- Retrieval questions
- Discussion prompts
- Plenary ideas
- Homework tasks
- Extension activities
For example, you could ask: “Suggest five ways to introduce fractions to a Year 6 class. Include a practical activity and a problem-solving task.”
You can then select and adapt the ideas that work for your pupils. The DfE’s guidance on interacting with generative AI provides useful support for teachers learning how to work with AI tools.
2. Creating resources
AI can quickly create first drafts of:
- Worksheets
- Quizzes
- Vocabulary activities
- Comprehension questions
- Revision tasks
- Question banks
However, always check AI-generated content before using it. AI can sound confident while still being wrong. Look for:
- Factual errors
- Age suitability
- Curriculum relevance
- Bias
- Accessibility
3. Differentiation
AI can help teachers adapt resources by creating:
- Sentence starters
- Vocabulary support
- Scaffolded questions
- Simpler explanations
- Challenge activities
Start with the learning need. Ask yourself: What does this pupil need to access the learning? Then decide whether AI can help create an appropriate resource.
4. Questions and retrieval practice
AI can quickly generate:
- Retrieval questions
- Multiple-choice questions
- Short-answer questions
- Discussion questions
- Exam-style questions
This can save time, particularly when building a bank of activities. However, teachers should always check both the questions and answers before using them.
5. Reducing teacher workload
AI may help with repetitive tasks such as planning, brainstorming, creating templates and adapting resources.
Ofsted research into schools and FE colleges using AI found potential benefits around lesson planning, resource creation and administration. Read Ofsted’s research into AI in education.
For more general teacher support, Apple A Day also provides professional development, ECT support and flexible teaching opportunities.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of AI in Teaching?
AI can help teachers:
- Save time
- Generate new ideas
- Create first drafts of resources
- Adapt activities
- Support planning and administration
But there are risks too. AI can produce:
- Incorrect information
- Outdated information
- Bias
- Made-up references
- Inappropriate content
There are also important questions around safeguarding, privacy, data protection and assessment. The DfE’s Safe use of generative AI module covers safeguarding, ethics, data and intellectual property.
A useful rule is: Generate. Check. Adapt. Teach.
AI, Safeguarding and Pupil Data
Teachers should be careful about what information they enter into AI tools. Do not enter personal or sensitive pupil information into a public AI tool unless your school has approved the use and appropriate data protection arrangements are in place.
This could include:
- Names
- Medical information
- Safeguarding information
- SEND information
- Behaviour records
- Identifiable pupil work
Always follow your school’s AI, safeguarding and data protection policies. The DfE’s Safe use of generative AI guidance is a useful place to start.
Should Pupils Use AI?
Whether pupils should use AI depends on their age, the task, the school and the tool being used.
The key question is: Does AI help the pupil learn, or does it simply complete the task for them?
Teachers can use AI to develop critical thinking by asking pupils to review and challenge AI-generated answers. For example:
- Is this answer correct?
- What evidence supports it?
- Can you find a mistake?
- What information is missing?
- Is the answer biased?
This can help pupils develop important AI literacy and digital skills.
AI and Assessment
Teachers should follow their school’s assessment policies and the requirements of the relevant awarding organisation. For assessed work, pupils must understand when AI use is permitted and when it may constitute malpractice.
Ofqual’s AI in coursework resources provide guidance for teachers and schools, including resources for discussing AI with students.
Teachers should also avoid relying solely on AI detection tools. Classroom work, drafts, discussions and a pupil’s ability to explain their work can provide a more reliable picture of learning.
Five Rules For Using AI as a Teacher
1. Start with the teaching need
Identify the problem you are trying to solve.
2. Use AI as a starting point
Treat AI output as a first draft.
3. Check everything
Make sure information is accurate and appropriate.
4. Protect pupil information
Follow your school’s safeguarding and data protection policies.
5. Put learning first
Saving time is useful, but pupil learning comes first.
Free AI Resources for Teachers
If you are new to AI in education, these resources are a good place to start.
Department for Education
The DfE’s AI support materials include guidance on understanding AI, using generative AI safely and practical education use cases.
DfE practical use cases
The Use cases of generative AI in education module provides practical examples for teachers and education staff.
AI safety
The Safe use of generative AI module covers safeguarding, ethics, data and intellectual property.
Assessment
The Ofqual AI in coursework resources can help teachers understand the rules around AI and assessed work.
How Apple A Day Supports Teachers
Technology can be useful, but teachers also need people they can rely on.
Apple A Day is a teacher-run education recruitment company supporting teachers and schools. Our support for teachers includes professional development, ECT support and flexible working opportunities.
If you are looking for your next role, you can explore teaching opportunities with Apple A Day.
Whether you are looking for supply work, a long-term role or a permanent position, our team can help you find opportunities that suit your experience and career goals.
Final Thoughts
AI can help teachers with lesson planning, resource creation, differentiation, questioning and workload. But good AI use starts with good teaching.
Start with the learning objective. Think about your pupils. Then decide whether AI can help.
Generate. Check. Adapt. Teach.
AI can support great teachers, but it cannot replace their expertise, professional judgement or relationships with pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can teachers use AI in the classroom?
Teachers can use AI for lesson planning, resource creation, differentiation, retrieval practice, questioning and some administrative tasks.
Is AI allowed in UK schools?
This depends on the school, the nation of the UK and the intended use. Schools should follow their own policies and relevant national guidance.
Can teachers use ChatGPT for lesson planning?
Teachers can use generative AI for lesson ideas and resource creation where permitted by their school’s policies. Personal pupil information should not be entered into public AI tools.
Can AI reduce teacher workload?
AI has the potential to help with planning, resource creation and administrative tasks, allowing teachers to spend more time on teaching and pupils.
Can AI replace teachers?
No. AI can support some tasks, but it cannot replace teacher expertise, professional judgement, relationships or knowledge of individual pupils.
Last reviewed: August 2026
This article has been reviewed against current Department for Education, Ofqual and Ofsted guidance. Government guidance can change, so teachers should always check the latest information from their school and relevant official bodies.
