Future Proofing Schools: Bringing School Policies into the AI Era

The digital landscape in education has evolved rapidly in recent years, necessitating updates to Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs) that reflect current technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). This study analysed the AUPs of 51 large second-level schools, each with a student population exceeding 1,000, uncovering a concerning trend: very few AUPs are current for the academic year 2024/25, with many still dating from before 2020. These outdated policies largely lack guidelines on recent technological advancements, particularly AI, which was absent in all AUPs reviewed. A survey of school leaders was then rolled out, providing valuable insights from one-in-seven leaders regarding the challenges schools face in updating AUPs to keep pace with rapid digital and AI developments. Given the limited guidance available from the Department of Education, school leaders emphasised the urgent need for relevant, updated policies. For most schools, it may be practical to begin by incorporating basic AI guidelines into existing AUPs, covering general expectations around ethical AI use, privacy, and appropriate applications. Schools more deeply integrating AI into learning, assessment, or administration may benefit from a standalone AI policy to address these complex issues comprehensively. As AI technology continues to advance, separate AI policies could gradually become the norm, enabling schools to respond more dynamically to technological changes. The findings from this study provide key insights for school managers and the Department of Education, informing future policy and support structures to better address the evolving needs of the digital educational landscape.