UK AI in Education and Training: Policy Tracker
A single reference guide tracking current UK policy positions on AI in education and training — covering DfE, Ofqual, Ofsted, ICO, DSIT, Skills England, JCQ, and the Education and Training Foundation. Use this to understand where each body stands, what has changed recently, and what developments to watch. Last reviewed: 31 March 2026.
How to use this tracker
This tracker summarises the current policy position of each body. It is a starting point for understanding the landscape — always check primary sources before making compliance decisions, as guidance evolves. Links to primary sources are provided in Section 2.
Section 1: Policy Status Summary
Current position of key bodies on AI in education and training as at March 2026.
| Body | Policy Area | Current Position | Status | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DfE | Generative AI in education | Four-principle guidance published (transparency, safety, appropriate use, human oversight); permissive with safeguards; applies to all education settings including FE and training providers | Active | Updated guidance anticipated in 2026 as AI capabilities evolve |
| Ofqual | AI in regulated assessments | AWOs must ensure assessment validity; AI integrity risk must be assessed and mitigated; no blanket prohibition on AI; detection and assessment redesign both permissible approaches | Active | Further conditions guidance on AI integrity expected; monitoring of AWO compliance ongoing |
| Ofsted | AI in inspections | EIF focuses on quality of education and outcomes; AI tools assessed for impact, not existence; concerns noted about over-reliance in assessment and AI-generated learner work | Active | EIF review may reference AI use more explicitly; Ofsted research programme on AI in FE expected 2026 |
| Skills England | AI qualifications on Growth & Skills Levy | AI literacy short courses approved for Growth & Skills Levy funding; apprenticeship standards with AI components prioritised; assessment reform includes AI integrity improvements | Active | Expanded approved course list expected Q2–Q3 2026; sector AI workforce plans to be published |
| DSIT | AI at work regulation | Voluntary principles for AI use in organisations; sector-specific regulation through existing regulators (FCA, ICO, etc.); no horizontal UK AI law enacted; AI Bill consultation anticipated | Watch | AI Bill consultation expected 2026; may introduce mandatory requirements for high-risk AI uses including in employment |
| ICO | AI and data protection | Detailed guidance on AI in HR, education, and employment decisions; GDPR Article 22 applies to automated HR decisions; DPIAs required for AI tools processing personal data; enforcement active | Active | ICO enforcement action on AI and data protection increasing; further sector-specific guidance expected |
| JCQ | AI in examinations | AI tools banned in most examinations unless explicitly permitted in the specification; updated regulations published 2024 covering AI-generated work as a form of malpractice; applies to all JCQ-regulated qualifications | Active | Annual review of permitted tools list; specifications being updated to address AI more explicitly |
| ETF | AI CPD for FE practitioners | AI in Teaching Framework published 2025; funded CPD available for FE practitioners through ETF programmes; digital and AI CPD integrated into professional standards for FE teaching | Active | Expansion of funded AI CPD routes for FE practitioners; updated AI Teaching Framework anticipated 2026 |
Section 2: Key Policy Documents
Primary sources to read for each policy area.
DfE: Generative AI in Education — Responsible Use Guidance
The DfE’s foundational guidance on AI in education. Sets four principles: transparency, safety, appropriate use, and human oversight. Applies to FE colleges, training providers, and schools. The primary reference for any provider developing an AI governance policy for their organisation.
gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education
Ofqual: Managing AI Risks in Assessment
Ofqual’s guidance to awarding organisations on assessing and mitigating AI integrity risk in regulated qualifications. Training providers should read this to understand the downstream requirements on EPAOs and awarding bodies — and what those requirements mean for centre practices.
ICO: Guidance on AI and Data Protection in Employment and Education
The ICO has published a suite of guidance on AI and data protection covering: AI in recruitment, AI in employment decisions, generative AI and GDPR, and AI in education. The most important practical document for training providers and employers is the guidance on AI and data protection, which covers DPIA requirements, Article 22 rights, and processor obligations.
ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence
DSIT: UK AI Opportunities Action Plan
50 recommendations across three pillars: AI infrastructure, AI adoption (public sector and business), and AI skills. Sets the government’s workforce development ambition and the funding commitments supporting it. The foundational policy document for understanding the government’s AI skills agenda.
Jisc: AI in Further and Higher Education Framework
Jisc’s sector-focused guidance on AI in post-16 education, covering governance, data protection, academic integrity, and staff development. Complements DfE guidance with more operational detail for FE and HE settings. Also publishes the annual digital experience insights survey data on AI adoption rates in FE.
ETF: AI in Teaching Framework
The Education and Training Foundation’s framework for AI literacy and AI-in-teaching CPD for FE practitioners. Sets the competency expectations for FE teachers and trainers using AI in their professional practice. Providers developing staff AI CPD should align to this framework.
Section 3: What Training Providers Must Do Now
Compliance actions across four areas, based on current policy requirements.
Policy and governance
- Staff AI acceptable use policy published and communicated (DfE requirement)
- Learner AI acceptable use policy in place addressing academic integrity (Ofqual/JCQ requirements flow-through)
- DPIA completed for every AI tool processing learner or staff personal data (ICO requirement)
- Data processing agreements in place with all AI tool suppliers (UK GDPR Article 28)
- AI governance lead nominated with named responsibility
Assessment integrity
- Assessment designs reviewed for AI integrity risk across all qualifications delivered
- Learner declaration process implemented for assessment submissions
- EPAO AI integrity guidance reviewed for all apprenticeship standards delivered
- Portfolio evidence guidance updated to require specific, contextualised workplace evidence
- Academic misconduct procedure updated to cover AI-generated work
Staff development
- Staff AI literacy programme in place aligned to ETF AI in Teaching Framework
- Assessors trained to recognise AI-generated evidence patterns
- IQA sampling updated to include AI integrity as a sampling criterion
- Leadership AI literacy programme covering governance and regulatory obligations
Learner guidance
- AI acceptable use addressed at programme induction
- Learners understand what is permitted and prohibited for each assessment type
- AI literacy integrated into programme design as a professional skill (not just a rule set)
- Learner guidance updated when awarding organisation regulations change
Section 4: Related Guides
See how TIQPlus supports compliant AI-powered training delivery
TIQPlus is built to meet DfE, Ofsted, and Ofqual expectations — with evidence management, learner progress tracking, and governance features designed for the UK regulatory context.
Book a free demo