First UK secondary school to achieve Explorer level

AiEd Certified is delighted to announce that Teddington School has become the first secondary school in the UK to complete the Explorer Level of the AiEd Certified Framework. This milestone marks an important step in embedding responsible and effective use of AI across secondary education,demonstrating a clear institutional commitment to safe, purposeful AI adoption that benefits both learners and educators.

In considering the five pillars of the AiEd Certified Framework, Teddington School 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 roll out across Bourne Education Trust, has launched an immersive learning space to transform teaching and learning, and has engaged with the wider public by hosting Radio 4 to explore the role of AI in schools. Beyond this, Teddington has welcomed international colleagues to observe and learn from its pioneering practice, demonstrating a commitment to sharing knowledge and shaping what works in contemporary education. The school’s work spans pedagogy, policy, professional development and student experience, reflecting a comprehensive approach to embedding AI responsibly across the curriculum and school culture.

Through the certification process, Teddington School has developed a structured, research-backed approach to AI, enabling staff with varying levels of confidence and experience to build a shared understanding and capability. The framework encourages reflection on the opportunities and challenges of AI, helping the school move beyond informal discussions to purposeful, strategic planning.

Dale Spick, Digital Lead at Teddington School, said: "Engaging with AiEd Certified 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. In particular, the process has enabled us to recognise where AI is already influencing practice, where staff training is required (e.g. data protection and critical thinking), and where policies need to be updated to reflect emerging technologies.

While we are still at an early stage of our journey,completing this submission has provided greater clarity and confidence insetting a strategic direction for AI that is responsible, inclusive and aligned with safeguarding and teaching priorities."

Alex Russell, Co-founder of AiEd Certified, said: “Adopting AI effectively in secondary schools isn’t just about the latest tools or quick implementation. It requires thoughtful planning, staff development and a shared understanding across the whole school community. Teddington School’s achievement at Explorer Level shows how structured reflection and a research-backed framework can build confidence, guide decision-making and ensure AI supports both teaching and student outcomes in a safe, ethical way."

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