A secondary school in south west London is leading the way teaching students, staff and and parents how to use artificial intelligence safely.
Teddington School published new guidance on AI use at the start of September after becoming the first secondary school in the UK to be given AI in Education Explorer Status.
The AiEd Explorer Status is awarded to schools which demonstrate a passion and commitment to safe AI adoption that benefits both students and teachers.
The academy school’s approach also saw it shortlisted for Best Use of Technology in the Tes Schools Awards 2026.
Deputy Headteacher Dale Spick said: “The human in the loop is always the most important but enabling conversations around AI helps students to follow the rules.”
As part of thier homework, students will be asked questions about how AI influences their learning.
For example: “How did using AI help you to understand the topic better or make it harder to understand?” or “How did you make sure your use of AI followed the rules for this task and met school expectations?”
But learning about AI isn’t just for pupils, the school also gives comprehensive guidance to parents.
Spick said: “Go back a few years and you would always hear from parents:’ I don’t know how to do this homework.’ Now they can use AI to support them.”
Teddington School, part of The Bourne Education Trust, also uses AI in school policy and professional development of staff.
It uses AI programs in curriculum development, staff training, as well as creating an AI agent which provides key information about the school.
The Deputy Headteacher said: “PE departments are revamping their curriculums and music is creating apps to support students. It’s been a game changer for how we run as a school.”
However, he emphasised: “Digitalisation should enhance teaching, it should never replace it.”
Feature image credit (AI generated): Dale Spick
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