How the AI Quality Mark Works

Following two extensive pieces of research conducted by Goodnotes on Generative AI in Schools (October 2023) and The Social and Emotional Impact of AI in Schools (September 2024), Good Future Foundation set out to explore documented findings in even more depth.

We achieved this through our partnerships with the likes of the Institute of Global Learning, STEM Learning, Women In AI, The Society of Heads, UTCAI, COBIS and Merrick-Ed. The AI Quality Mark was drawn up with senior leaders in schools, such as Dr Andy Kemp of the National Mathematics and Science College and Laura Knight, Founder of Sapio. Following a review from machine learning specialists at Goodnotes, and the Foundation's very own Student Council, and a pilot with Woodland Academy Trust, the AI Quality Mark went live in September 2024.

There are no experts concerning AI in education. This is a new, fast-paced and rapidly evolving field, with fresh and inspiring research being published every week, if not every day. At the same time products are being launched, technological capabilities increase and application of use takes on a wealth of different guises, with implications for senior leadership, safeguarding, compliance, parent communication and everything in between.

We are committed learners in this space. Our partners are driven and determined professionals eager to ensure that we make a sustainable and positive impact with the schools connected to us. We encourage you to be a part of the journey.

The AI Quality Mark is a self-assessment against a framework. Once you have had a meeting with us and you are happy that going through the process will add value to your organisation, then you can evaluate where you feel you fit against each area of the framework. Each level will give you a set number of points and your total score will determine which level of award you achieve.

When you are self assessing against the criteria, you will notice there are five levels for each area of the framework. Each level will give you a score which contributes to your overall total and the level of achievement within the AI Quality Mark.

There is no limit to the number times you can submit to be assessed. We highly recommend submitting early on in your journey as it gives you a benchmark. The framework is set out so that it guides you on a journey to embedding AI into your school in a responsible and ethical way and by submitting early on, you have a clear pathway ahead.

There are no set times in the year that we accept submissions. You can submit at any time that is convenient for you.

We do not want to add to any teacher’s workload so we are very flexible on the evidence that is submitted for the AI Quality Mark. Some examples of evidence that we accept are plans, teacher testimonials, presentation decks, notes/minutes from meetings etc.

When you receive the framework from us, you will also receive a link to a submission form. On the form, you are able to select the levels you feel your school is working at and attach any evidence for support. The form will save your progress for 15 days if you use the same browser (not in Incognito/Private mode) so that you can complete it at your own pace.

Once you submit your self assessment and evidence, it will be sent to an assessor who will evaluate your submission. They will complete an assessment form with detailed feedback. Once they have done this, a meeting will be organised with the assessor and organisation to discuss and share their feedback and support you on the next steps of your AI journey.

We would still encourage you to complete the self assessment as this gives you a benchmark to understand the next steps in your AI journey.

Once you submit your self assessment and it is sent to our assessor, we aim to get the feedback to you in 2 - 3 weeks.

Any school can apply to go through the AI Quality Mark. We ask that if you are an independent school that you support your local schools and community with developing their use of AI.

We will send the framework to you after the initial meeting which can act as a guide for your AI implementation. As part of the Good Future Foundation, we offer professional development workshops, free to schools, regionally to support as many people as possible. We also have the Teacher Community Platform, which is a fantastic support to those going through the AI Quality Mark. Lots of teachers who have gone through the AI Quality Mark share resources from their schools and best practice with others. It is also a great place to ask any questions and get answers from a range of school leaders, teachers and the Good Future Foundation team.

This is a personal choice, we do not mind if you would like to submit as a whole Trust or as individual schools. We have had schools and Trusts submit their self assessments in either way but what is important is that it is valuable to you.

We accept submissions from schools globally and already have schools around the world who have obtained the AI Quality Mark.

There are no consequences for stopping the process at any point. We want this to be a valuable and supportive process and if it isn’t right for your school or isn’t the right time, we will still be here when you are ready!

There is lots of value in achieving the Progress award as it shows that you are approaching your AI journey with consideration, building a strategy that includes managing data responsibly and preparing staff and students for the future. It gives you a benchmark to work from and a pathway to continue to build your strategy moving forwards. It also demonstrates to your community that you are committed to using AI responsibly and ethically within your organisation.π