We are proud to share that Broadmere Primary School, New Monument Primary School and Teddington School have been recognised as the first primary and secondary schools in the UK to achieve Explorer Level within the AiEd Certified Framework.
This significant milestone reflects a shared commitment across our schools to the responsible, ethical and purposeful use of artificial intelligence, ensuring that innovation enhances teaching and learning while keeping safeguarding, wellbeing and professional judgement at the centre.
Leading responsible AI adoption in the primary phase
Broadmere Primary School and New Monument Primary School are the first primary schools nationally to achieve Explorer Level. Working through the five pillars of the AiEd Certified Framework, both schools have taken a thoughtful and strategic approach to AI, focusing not just on tools but on how AI fits within pedagogy, policy, staff development and wider school culture.
Through the certification process, staff have developed a shared, research-backed understanding of AI, enabling colleagues with different levels of confidence and experience to engage meaningfully. The framework has supported reflection on both the opportunities and challenges AI presents, helping the schools move from informal use towards clear expectations, agreed principles and purposeful planning.
Karen Barham, Headteacher, said: “In completing the framework we have covered all aspects of AI and now think about the different elements to it rather than just using it. It has meant that AI has become part of what we do - from a creator to a sense checker - and that we can use it creatively, with confidence and safety.”
Achieving Explorer Level provides a strong foundation for future development, ensuring that AI is embedded in ways that are developmentally appropriate for primary-aged pupils and supportive of staff practice.
Pioneering practice in secondary education
Teddington School has become the first secondary school in the UK to complete Explorer Level of the AiEd Certified Framework, marking an important step in embedding AI responsibly across secondary education.
In working through the framework’s five pillars, Teddington has taken a proactive and strategic approach to AI and digital innovation. The school is part of wave one of a one-to-one device rollout across the Trust, has launched an immersive learning space to transform teaching and learning, and has engaged with wider public debate by hosting BBC Radio 4 to explore the role of AI in schools. The school has also welcomed international colleagues to observe and learn from its practice, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and sector-wide learning.
Through the certification process, Teddington has developed a structured, research-backed approach to AI, supporting staff to build confidence, capability and shared understanding. The framework has enabled the school to move beyond informal discussion towards strategic planning aligned with safeguarding, policy and professional development.
Dale Spick, Digital Lead at Teddington School, said: “Engaging with this process has supported our school in developing a clearer, more confident approach to AI. The framework has encouraged structured reflection on both the opportunities and challenges of AI, helping us to move beyond informal discussions into more purposeful planning.
While we are still at an early stage of our journey, completing this submission has provided greater clarity and confidence in setting a strategic direction for AI that is responsible, inclusive and aligned with safeguarding and teaching priorities.”
Setting a national example
Alex Russell, BET CEO, commented: “Adopting AI responsibly in education isn’t about speed or scale. It’s about building confidence, clarity and shared understanding. The achievements of Broadmere, New Monument and Teddington show how a structured, research-backed framework can support schools in embedding AI thoughtfully, in ways that strengthen professional judgement and keep learners’ needs at the heart of decision-making.”
As the first primary and secondary schools in the UK to achieve Explorer Level, Broadmere Primary School, New Monument Primary School and Teddington School are helping to shape what responsible, effective AI adoption can look like across all phases of education, providing a strong example for other schools beginning their AI journey.