Education · 26 May 2026

AI in Education

For teachers, school leaders and MATs

At askKira, we provide GDPR-compliant, secure AI built specifically for UK schools. Developed with over 100 education experts and aligned with DfE, Ofsted and EEF guidance, askKira helps teachers, school leaders and MATs work smarter, reduce workload and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

This week's roundup brings you the latest AI developments that matter for UK education.

Strategy and Resources

Updated AI education materials launch with expanded focus on inclusion

New support materials for using AI in education settings have been released this week. The updated guidance places a strong emphasis on inclusion, offering schools practical frameworks to ensure AI deployment supports all learners. This includes targeted strategies for using AI to differentiate content and assist students with additional needs.

Why it matters: UK school leaders and SENCOs can use these updated materials to ensure their digital strategies actively promote inclusive learning environments across their settings.

Read the source on LinkedIn →

New education brief urges schools to look beyond basic AI tools

The latest edition of the AI Education Brief challenges educators to move past simply adopting new applications and focus instead on pedagogical impact. It highlights the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully into everyday teaching practice rather than treating it as a standalone novelty. The brief provides actionable insights for developing a cohesive, trust-wide digital strategy.

Why it matters: MATs and school leaders in the UK must shift their focus from buying software to developing robust teaching frameworks that maximise actual classroom benefits.

Read the source on LinkedIn →

AI and Critical Thinking

NEU report reveals AI impact on critical thinking depends on task design

The NEU 2026 State of Education report indicates that two thirds of secondary teachers believe AI negatively affects students' critical thinking. However, analysis shows this decline occurs when students use AI to bypass thinking rather than as a tool to enhance it. When teachers design tasks that use AI as a Socratic tool to challenge conclusions, students demonstrate measurable improvements in analytical reasoning.

Why it matters: UK teachers need to redesign assessment tasks so students are required to critique AI outputs rather than simply copy them.

Read the source on LinkedIn →

On your radar

NEU 2026 Report InsightsTwo thirds of secondary teachers report a decline in critical thinking due to AI. School leaders must recognise that this is often a symptom of outdated task design rather than a flaw in the technology itself.
Socratic AI IntegrationRecent research shows that using AI to ask questions rather than provide answers improves analytical reasoning. Teachers should practise prompting AI to act as a challenger to student arguments to deepen engagement.
Redesigning AssessmentsIf students can bypass thinking by using AI, the task is fundamentally broken. Curriculum leads must update schemes of work to require students to evaluate and counter AI-generated content.
Inclusive AI DeploymentNewly updated support materials highlight the vital need to use AI for differentiation. SENCOs should explore how these frameworks can support learners with additional needs without compromising data security.
Pedagogy Over PlatformsThe latest AI Education Brief emphasises that schools must look beyond the tools themselves. MATs should focus their CPD budgets on effective teaching strategies rather than basic software tutorials.
NewerAI in Education, 2 June 2026OlderAI in Education, 19 May 2026