AI for Teachers:
Beyond Time Saving

Begins in...

What does AI actually mean
for educators and schools?

DEFI and Twinkl AI Research and PD Programme

The DfE’s 2026 white paper highlights the growing role of AI and technology in education. As schools navigate rapid change, many leaders are looking for practical, evidence informed guidance that keeps teaching and learning at the centre.
Twinkl and the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) at University of Cambridge are working together to explore how AI is being used in schools through a programme combining practical CPD with optional research participation. The project will examine how AI may support workload, teaching and learning, and educator confidence in practice.

Why This, Why Now

AI is already becoming part of everyday school life, with growing Department for Education guidance around its safe and effective use in education. As a result, many schools are exploring how to use AI consistently, responsibly and in ways that genuinely support staff and learners.
Designed specifically for educators, this programme offers practical support, up to date guidance, access to tools, and opportunities to share practice with others working through similar challenges.
The programme also supports schools in developing evidence-informed approaches to AI, helping leaders and staff engage with emerging technology in practical, meaningful and ethical ways.

The Research - TBC 

Schools are increasingly being encouraged to use AI, but there are still important questions around what effective, safe and sustainable use looks like in practice.
Led by DEFI, the research element of this programme will explore AI’s impact on teacher workload, professional practice and educator confidence. It will examine how schools are currently using AI, what’s working well, and where challenges or additional pressures remain.
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help build a clearer understanding of how educators can be best supported to engage with AI in meaningful, practical and ethical ways during a time of rapid change.

What’s in It for You

  • Free, expert led CPD focused on AI in education
  • Practical ways to use AI with confidence
  • Opportunities to explore how AI may help address existing challenges in schools
  • Access to AI tools designed for education
  • Live sessions with opportunities to collaborate and share practice with others
  • The opportunity to contribute to national research and hear what’s working across schools

What the Programme Covers

  • How AI works and what it means for your setting
  • How to use AI safely, considering accuracy, bias, ethics and data privacy and security
  • Whether AI can genuinely reduce workload 
  • Using AI effectively with limited or unreliable internet access 
  • Using AI effectively with limited or unreliable internet access 
  • What AI tools others are using, and how they are applying them in practice 
  • How AI might support inclusive teaching and learning
  • What learners are using AI and what schools need to consider as a result

Participation Profile

This programme is open to all primary educators, including classroom teachers, SENDCos and school leaders, regardless of experience with AI.
It is designed for educators and leaders who want to engage with the DfE’s direction of travel, navigate change thoughtfully, and explore AI through an evidence informed lens that supports whole school wellbeing.
Each participating school will nominate one lead participant, supported by school or trust leadership.
Time commitment:
  • Approximately 35 hours across the year, designed to be manageable alongside existing workload.

Programme Overview

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Dates for your diary 

  • Dates
  • Times

22nd September 2026

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

13th October 2026

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

17th November 2026

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

19th January 2027

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

16th March 2027

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

27th April 2027

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm

22nd June 2027

1 – 2 pm

and

4 – 5 pm