How AI is changing schools – and what you need to know

How AI is changing schools – and what you need to know

Artificial intelligence isn’t just shaping the future, it’s already part of everyday life –  and it’s starting to reshape schools. From cutting down on admin to drafting exam-day guidance, AI is a fast-developing technology that’s becoming a valuable support for leaders. But it’s also throwing up new challenges for schools, too. Many leaders are understandably cautious about how to introduce AI in a responsible way. That’s where KeyGPT comes in. It gives you the benefits of AI, grounded in trusted content from The Key, so you can be confident it’s safe, accurate and relevant to you.

AI is the use of computer systems to solve problems and make decisions. 
Gen (or generative) AI creates new content in response to a prompt. GenAI tools include ChatGPT that creates text, and programs to create images. Our AI in schools staff factsheet, sets out the basics of genAI for schools and trusts, if anyone in your team wants to know more. 

What is KeyGPT?

KeyGPT is a customised version of ChatGPT. What makes it different from other AI tools is that it’s based entirely on trusted content from The Key, plus your role and context, so you know the responses are personalised to you. And because it’s included in the cost of your existing subscription, your whole team gets unlimited access!

Curious to see KeyGPT in action? 
Watch Sarah, content designer at The Key, as she takes you through a quick 5-minute demonstration of KeyGPT in action. Whether you’ve never used KeyGPT before, or just want a recap on its capabilities, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you need help drafting a letter to parents, planning staff CPD or settling pupils in, KeyGPT is there to give you instant, reliable support. With new features like document upload and citations, you can check sources with confidence and get tailored guidance you can use straight away try it for yourself. 

See how KeyGPT can help your school

So what does this look like in practice? KeyGPT can help with specific everyday challenges and the bigger school tasks. From guiding families through parents' evenings and open days to tackling attendance and supporting staff wellbeing, here are some ideas for ways you could use it. For a personalised result, just adapt the prompts to your own context: 

Attendance
Persistent absence is one of the biggest challenges schools face. Any pupil missing 10% or more of lessons – the equivalent of 1 day or more every 2 weeks – is classed as persistently absent. KeyGPT can help by suggesting practical ways to start conversations about attendance with families and come up with supportive interventions, and develop strategies to improve attendance across your whole school. Use or adapt the prompts below, and you’ll get clear, actionable ideas, tailored to you, straight away.

✨Ask KeyGPT: Brainstorm creative and age-appropriate incentives to encourage strong attendance this term, making school feel 'unmissable'

✨Ask KeyGPT: We’ve noticed a particular pupil is [e.g. regularly absent on Fridays and Mondays]. Give me ideas for how we can start to work with this pupil and their family to find out what’s going on, and how we can support them

Curriculum & teaching
With the autumn term in full swing, leaders are focusing on curriculum delivery and classroom practice. KeyGPT can help by suggesting ways to embed new schemes of work, tailor interventions for pupils who need extra support, and generate fresh ideas to keep lessons engaging.

✨Ask KeyGPT: Create SMART objectives for me for a pupil with ADHD

✨Ask KeyGPT: Generate targeted intervention strategies for pupils who are falling behind in reading or maths, including ideas for one-to-one, small group, and whole-class support

Staff wellbeing 
KeyGPT can help by generating ideas to make a genuine difference, from suggesting small everyday changes to school-wide initiatives that ease pressure and build a supportive culture.

✨Ask KeyGPT: Plan a school wellbeing event. Include activity ideas that promote relaxation, mindfulness and connecting to nature

✨Ask KeyGPT: Design some initiatives that genuinely support staff workload and wellbeing. Go beyond token gestures to focus on what can meaningfully support staff - share your ideas

Want to take your AI leadership further?

If you’d like to build confidence in leading AI across your school or trust, join our new AI masterclass series this autumn. In 3 practical online sessions, expert leaders will guide you through leading AI use responsibly, managing data risks, and keeping pupils safe as new technologies emerge.
The AI masterclass series is only for Whole School members. Upgrade or join today to unlock your place on this exclusive course.

Like what you’ve seen here? This is just a snapshot of what’s available. With a free trial, you can try KeyGPT for yourself and unlock the full range of resources from The Key to see how they can support your school.
Start your free trial today.