Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of school pupils using generative artificial intelligence for completing homework.

While no formal assessment has been made of trends in using artificial intelligence (AI) for homework, the department is working to ensure teachers are equipped and supported to promote safe and appropriate use of AI.

The National Centre for Computing Education provides support. Their course ‘AI in key stage 3 computing’ supports teacher AI understanding and how to promote effective and safe use.

A new departmental group will advise on AI and technology to increase the future pipeline of talent and prepare children and young people for an AI and tech-enabled world, as well as promoting the use of AI and educational technology for better teaching and learning. Expert and evidence-informed recommendations will be produced.

Where pupils complete coursework as part of their homework, guidance on the use of AI is available to teachers via the Joint Council for Qualifications. Schools, colleges and awarding organisations need to continue taking reasonable steps to prevent malpractice involving the use of generative AI. The guidance includes:

• What counts as AI misuse and real-life examples of malpractice.
• The requirements for teachers and exam centres to help prevent and detect malpractice.
• AI use and marking.
• An expanded list of AI tools, including AI detection tools.