The use of AI in Schools: preserving academic integrity

As generative AI tools become embedded in everyday learning, independent schools face a growing challenge: how to guide pupils in using these technologies responsibly, ensuring that they are prepared and able to enter a working world in which their use will be prevalent, whilst also upholding academic integrity, and the ability to properly assess the progress and achievements of students. Universities are leading the way with responding to the increased use of AI, rapidly updating their misconduct policies and issuing AI-specific guidance. Schools must also consider how to prepare students for higher education expectations—and how to manage AI use within their own assessment frameworks.

This guide reframes key risks and recommendations learned from the university sector in order to provide suggestions for independent schools .

1. Clarify Your School’s Position on AI Use

There is no universal rulebook for AI in education. Policies vary widely—even within institutions. Some universities allow AI for planning or formative tasks; others prohibit it entirely in summative assessments unless explicitly authorised. You will need to decide what level of use is right for your school, and where there will be strict prohibitions on use of AI (and consequences for failure to comply).

Action for schools:

• Develop clear, age-appropriate guidance on AI use across subjects and year groups.
• Ensure pupils understand when and how AI tools may be used—and when they must not.
• Encourage staff to include AI expectations in assignment briefs and classroom discussions.

2. Teach Pupils to Reference AI Use Transparently

Even when AI use is permitted, failing to declare it can be treated as unacceptable behaviour or conduct. Universities are dealing with this by increasingly requiring students to explain how AI supported their work, being totally clear in how it has been used.

Action for schools:

• Introduce pupils to the concept of referencing AI tools, just as they would cite books or websites.
• Model good practice in lessons and provide examples of acceptable declarations.
• Emphasise that transparency protects students from accusations of dishonesty.

3. Discourage Over-Reliance on AI for Content Creation

AI can generate plausible text—but it lacks true understanding, critical thinking, and source evaluation. Submitting AI-generated content as original work undermines learning and risks future disciplinary action.

Action for schools:

• Promote AI as a tool for brainstorming, outlining, or clarifying—not for writing essays.
• Encourage pupils to develop their own arguments and cite real sources.
• Use classroom activities to compare AI-generated responses with human analysis.

4. Warn Against AI-Generated Citations

AI tools often fabricate references or misquote sources. This can lead to poor academic practice, and it is important for the future academic and general success of pupils that they do not fall into this trap.

Action for schools:

• Teach pupils to verify all references using age-appropriate references, including library databases or trusted academic sources for more advanced students.
• Discourage the use of AI for citation generation unless the output is manually checked.
• Include citation integrity in marking criteria and feedback.

5. Educate Pupils About AI Detection Tools

AI detection software can be used to spot where AI has been used in work, but these tools are not infallible. That said, attempts to “beat the system” often backfire and increase scrutiny. Far preferable for pupils to be open and clear about the tools they have used, and how.

Action for schools:

• Foster a culture of honesty and intellectual effort.
• Explain that AI detection tools are indicators—not proof—but that a lack of transparency can raise red flags.
• Encourage pupils to keep drafts and notes to demonstrate authorship.

6. Define Acceptable Use of Language Tools

Grammar and style tools can support students with learning differences or language barriers—but there’s a fine line between polishing and rewriting.

Action for schools:

• Set boundaries for language tool use and require pupils to declare it.
• Provide guidance on what constitutes acceptable editing.
• Ensure staff understand how to assess work that may have been AI-assisted.

Quick Checklist for AI-Safe Study Practices for Students

• Read and follow assignment briefs carefully.
• Declare any AI use clearly and honestly.
• Use AI to support—not replace—thinking and writing.
• Verify all references manually.
• Keep drafts, notes, and version histories.
• Write naturally and avoid over-polished language.

Final Thoughts

Schools play a vital role in shaping students’ academic habits before they enter higher education. By embedding clear expectations around AI use, schools can foster integrity, resilience, and digital literacy—skills that will serve pupils well in university and beyond.