Complete AI policy checklist for school leaders covering governance, safeguarding, data protection and academic integrity. Fully aligned to KCSiE 2026.

This three-page checklist gives headteachers and senior leaders a structured way to audit their school’s AI readiness across nine areas. Every item is mapped to specific statutory requirements or named guidance documents so you can identify gaps, assign actions to your working group and demonstrate compliance to governors and Ofsted.

The nine sections cover: governance and ownership, policy and acceptable use, data protection, safeguarding, academic integrity and assessment (exam and assessment centres), pupils and parents, image and data exposure, procurement, and training and review.

KCSiE 2026 compliance is built into every section. The checklist addresses the updated 4Cs of online risk (para 163), AI-generated imagery including deepfakes and the expanded definition of nudes and semi-nudes, filtering and monitoring requirements including the named SLT lead and annual review (para 171), all staff responsibilities at induction (para 12), the child protection policy checklist (para 191) and cyber security as a safeguarding concern (paras 176 to 178).

Each item is referenced to its source: KCSiE 2026, DPA 2018, UK GDPR, Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, DfE product safety standards, DfE policy paper on generative AI in education, JCQ AI Use in Assessments, NGA model AI policy, ICO guidance and DfE digital and technology standards. Items marked as local practice are clearly distinguished from statutory duties so schools can adapt them to their context.

The checklist tells you which school policy each item belongs in: AI policy, child protection and safeguarding policy, data protection policy, acceptable use policy, assessment and malpractice policy, procurement process, CPD plan and governance risk register.

Provided as a print-ready PDF.

Tags: AI policy, AI in schools, artificial intelligence, school AI checklist, KCSiE 2026, safeguarding, headteacher, senior leaders, SLT, governors, data protection, GDPR, deepfakes, AI-generated imagery, filtering and monitoring, DfE, JCQ, academic integrity, online safety, cyber security, procurement, acceptable use