Why the National AI Framework is a Win for Schools and EdTech
The launch of the AiEd Certified framework is an important milestone for UK education. Developed by AI in Education (a charitable initiative co-founded by Bourne Education Trust and Epsom College), the framework is designed to help schools and colleges adopt artificial intelligence in a structured, ethical, and educationally sound way.
Why the framework exists
School leaders know they can’t ignore AI. Generative AI is moving fast, and many staff are already experimenting with it. But without guidance, the risks are clear:
inconsistent use between schools,
staff lacking confidence,
uncertainty about ethics and safeguarding,
scepticism from parents and governors.
The framework responds to that need by giving schools practical guidance, reassurance, and structure.
What the framework includes
AiEd Certified is built around a phased maturity model:
Explorer – schools beginning to investigate and experiment with AI in safe, controlled ways.
Practitioner – schools with policies, training, and practices embedding AI into teaching and operations.
Innovator – schools pushing boundaries with AI while sharing best practice with others.
This is underpinned by five pillars:
AI literacy – ensuring staff and students understand what AI is and how to use it responsibly.
Policies & ethics – clear rules to protect learners, teachers, and data.
Tools & systems – selecting and implementing AI technologies effectively.
Digital pedagogy – using AI to enhance teaching and learning.
Collaboration & community – sharing knowledge, best practice, and support.
Over 250 schools and colleges have already enrolled, a strong signal that leaders see real value in a structured approach.
Why this is good for schools
For schools, the benefits are clear:
Confidence & clarity: Leaders can reassure staff, parents, and governors that AI use is safe and purposeful.
Reduced workload: AI can take over repetitive admin and planning, giving teachers more time to focus on students.
Consistent adoption: A shared framework means less guesswork and greater alignment across schools and trusts.
Ethical reassurance: Ensures that adoption is thoughtful, inclusive, and focused on student wellbeing.
Why this is good for EdTech
The framework also opens opportunities for education suppliers and EdTech companies:
Budget freed up
By cutting costs through AI efficiencies, schools may release budget to invest in other tools, resources, and services.
A growing market for AI solutions
With confidence boosted, more schools will actively seek AI-driven products. This creates a strong market for suppliers developing ethical, effective AI tools.
Teachers free to engage with EdTech
With admin burden reduced, teachers have more time to use innovative classroom technologies, increasing uptake and impact.
A positive step forward
The AiEd Certified framework is more than a checklist; it’s a cultural signal. Schools are saying: we’re ready to engage with AI, but we want to do it properly.
That’s a win for teachers, who can spend more time with students. It’s a win for schools, who gain structure and reassurance. And it’s a win for EdTech, with growing appetite and market demand for AI-powered solutions.
AI in education isn’t about replacing teachers. It’s about empowering them, reducing their workload, and freeing them to do more of what matters: inspiring the next generation.