The Thinking Schools Academy Trust has been awarded the Bronze AI Quality Mark by the Good Future Foundation, recognising its commitment to the safe, ethical, and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its schools and services.
The AI Quality Mark is a nationally recognised accreditation framework that supports schools and trusts in embedding AI responsibly within education. Through a comprehensive assessment process, organisations are evaluated on their leadership, curriculum planning, teaching and learning, professional development, safeguarding and operational use of AI.
The independent assessment praised the Trust's clear strategic vision for AI, highlighting strong leadership, a robust long-term approach to implementation and a commitment to equipping colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to use emerging technologies effectively. Assessors also recognised the strong culture of professional development and ambitious vision for AI in education.
The report commended the consistent Trust-wide approach to AI, including the integration of AI into digital strategies, staff development, and operational improvements. It highlighted the guidance available to colleagues on the responsible use of AI, stating: "Staff are provided with a one-page guide, 'Using AI Responsibly – Principles of AI Use', to outline how AI will be used to enhance teaching and learning as well as operational efficiencies."
The assessment also recognised the opportunities available for colleagues to build their confidence and skills through training in tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Power Automate.
Leadership and Vision received the highest moderated score during the assessment, reflecting the Trust's strategic and purposeful approach to AI adoption. The report also acknowledged the work already underway to develop pupils' AI literacy while ensuring ethical considerations, safeguarding and responsible use remain central to every stage of implementation.
Dan High, Operations Director at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, who leads the Trust's AI strategy, reflected on the achievement: "Over the past year, we have focused on putting in place robust safeguards and guidance for staff and students, while also embracing innovative opportunities to use AI to improve efficiency and enhance the way we work. "We are delighted to have achieved the Bronze AI Quality Mark, providing independent recognition of the progress we have made in developing the use of AI across the trust. "This award marks an important milestone in our AI journey, and we are grateful to the Good Future Foundation for their support and expertise. Their feedback has provided a strong platform for further development as we continue our commitment to responsible and impactful use of AI across the trust."
Dan High, Operations Director at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, who leads the Trust's AI strategy, reflected on the achievement:
"Over the past year, we have focused on putting in place robust safeguards and guidance for staff and students, while also embracing innovative opportunities to use AI to improve efficiency and enhance the way we work.
"We are delighted to have achieved the Bronze AI Quality Mark, providing independent recognition of the progress we have made in developing the use of AI across the trust.
"This award marks an important milestone in our AI journey, and we are grateful to the Good Future Foundation for their support and expertise. Their feedback has provided a strong platform for further development as we continue our commitment to responsible and impactful use of AI across the trust."
While celebrating this achievement, the Thinking Schools Academy Trust is already looking ahead. Feedback from the assessment has identified opportunities to further strengthen the use of AI across curriculum areas, enhance support for SEND and EAL learners, expand opportunities for pupils and families to develop their understanding of AI, and continue building staff confidence through ongoing professional development.
The accreditation reflects the Trust's commitment to preparing young people and colleagues for a rapidly evolving world, ensuring innovation is always balanced with responsibility, transparency, and educational purpose. As AI continues to shape society, the Trust will continue exploring how these technologies can enhance teaching and learning, improve operational efficiency and ultimately, help transform life chances for every pupil.
The Trust-wide accreditation also builds on the innovative work already taking place across individual academies. Earlier this year, the Penbridge Schools in Portsmouth achieved the Silver AI Quality Mark, recognising their commitment to using AI safely and effectively to support teaching, learning and operational practice.
Together, these achievements demonstrate how the Thinking Schools Academy Trust is creating a culture of responsible innovation that extends from trust-wide strategy into classrooms and daily operations. By investing in people, developing AI literacy, and maintaining a strong focus on ethics and safeguarding, the Trust is ensuring colleagues and pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled world.