Ofsted’s AI guidance is out. EdTech companies should read between the lines.
The inspectorate has published its approach to artificial intelligence in schools. Its message is more nuanced than a simple green light, and school leaders are still working out what it means in practice.
By Wistl Editorial · · Schools
Ofsted does not evaluate schools' use of artificial intelligence as a standalone part of its inspections. It will not award a grade for AI governance or assess individual tools. What it will do, according to guidance published by the watchdog and updated in October 2025 , is consider the impact that AI use has on outcomes and experiences for children, whenever that use becomes relevant to areas already covered by the inspection framework. The distinction matters. It means schools cannot be penalised simply for not using AI, and they cannot be praised simply for deploying it. Ofsted's chief ins