Education · 18 August 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.
AI Policy & Assessment
STA Pilots AI-Generated Scripts to Cut SATs Moderator Costs
The Standards and Testing Agency has trialled using ChatGPT-5 to produce Year 6 writing samples for SATs moderator training, cutting annual standardisation costs from over £100,000 to under £5,000. Real pupil scripts will still be used for the next two cycles, but the direction of travel is clear.
Why it matters: UK assessment leaders and MATs need to understand how AI is entering official moderation processes, and what implications this has for the validity and consistency of standards in primary assessment.
Read the source on TES →Qualifications Wales Updates Its AI Position Statement
Qualifications Wales has published a revised position statement on artificial intelligence, setting out updated guidance on how AI intersects with qualifications, assessment integrity and learner fairness in Wales.
Why it matters: For schools and MATs operating in Wales, or those watching for signals about where UK qualification bodies are heading on AI, this statement provides a timely benchmark against which to review your own AI acceptable use policies.
Read the source on Qualifications Wales →AI in the Classroom
How to Build a School AI Policy That Actually Works
TES has published a comprehensive guide outlining seven key areas UK schools must address when drawing up a dedicated AI policy, covering safeguarding, data protection, staff and pupil usage boundaries and alignment with existing school behaviour frameworks.
Why it matters: With AI tools now embedded across many school functions, UK school leaders and DSLs need a structured, legally sound policy in place before the new academic year begins, and this guidance offers a practical starting framework.
Read the source on TES →Skills & Numeracy
Numeracy Is the Hidden Foundation of AI Literacy, Research Warns
A new Policy Connect report supported by KPMG UK and National Numeracy, highlighted in the Financial Times, finds that only one in four Britons feels confident with numeracy. Researchers warn that without strong numerical reasoning, people cannot critically interpret or challenge AI-generated outputs.
Why it matters: For UK schools, this is a clear signal that AI literacy education must be built on a foundation of numeracy confidence, not just digital skills, and that numeracy gaps will directly widen AI-related inequalities if left unaddressed.
Read the source on LinkedIn →Skills & Training
Government Launches AI Bootcamp for School Leavers in the North West
The UK government has kicked off a three-week "TechFirst AI Apprenticeship Pathway" pilot in the North West, offering up to 70 young people hands-on training in building and responsibly using AI tools alongside core workplace skills, targeting those at risk of unemployment after leaving school.
Why it matters: Secondary school leaders and careers leads should take note: this pilot signals a growing expectation that school leavers will need baseline AI competency, placing pressure on schools to embed AI skills into careers guidance and curriculum planning well before Year 11.
Read the source on GOV.UK →