Safe and effective use of AI in education
Chartered College of Teaching
Last updated September 15, 2026
Safe and effective use of AI in education is a free, four-module course for UK school and college staff, funded by the Department for Education and developed by Chiltern Learning Trust with the Chartered College of Teaching. Each module pairs a slide deck with a narrated video, transcript and short knowledge-check activities, moving from what AI is through interacting with generative AI, using it safely, and real classroom use cases — plus a separate module for school and college leaders. The Chartered College of Teaching adds a free certified assessment on top of the modules; passing it earns five credits toward Chartered Teacher Status. Everything, including the certification, is free.
What you'll learn
- Understanding AI in education — foundational concepts (module 1)
- Interacting with generative AI in education (module 2)
- Developing safe use of generative AI in education — flagged by its publisher as the module to complete regardless of experience level (module 3)
- Real classroom use cases of generative AI (module 4)
- A separate module for school and college leaders on supporting AI use across a setting
Frequently asked questions about Safe and effective use of AI in education
Who is Safe and effective use of AI in education for?
UK school and college staff — teachers, teaching assistants, leaders and other support staff — at any level of AI experience, plus school and college leaders specifically for the dedicated leadership module.
Is Safe and effective use of AI in education free?
Yes — Safe and effective use of AI in education is completely free to take.
Does Safe and effective use of AI in education offer a certificate?
Yes. Free certified multiple-choice assessment; successful eligible candidates earn five credits toward Chartered Teacher Status.
Why we suggest this course
This is co-produced by a government department and a chartered professional body rather than a single vendor with a product to sell, and its safety module is flagged by its own publisher as the one to complete "regardless of your level of experience" — an unusual thing for course marketing to say. The Chartered Teacher Status credit is also a genuine professional-recognition outcome rather than a token completion badge, for UK-based teachers who hold or are working toward that status.