10 Ways AI Is Already Transforming the Classroom

...and how your school can take advantage

From streamlining admin to supporting SEND learners, AI is no longer something schools can afford to ignore.

Schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK are under pressure to do more with less. Whether it’s rising pupil numbers, squeezed budgets, or mounting admin, the challenges keep growing. But so do the opportunities – especially when it comes to artificial intelligence.

AI isn’t about replacing teachers. It’s about giving them more time to teach. It’s about identifying struggling students sooner. And it’s about using data in ways that make a real difference.

At Clothier Lacey, we’re helping schools harness AI in a way that’s practical, safe, and tailored to your needs. Below, we explore ten ways AI is already being used in classrooms, and how our solutions can help your school take the next step towards automation, efficiency, and impact.

1. Marking Made Smarter

AI tools can now provide instant feedback on written work – not just grammar and spelling, but structure, argument, and clarity. This frees up hours of teacher time every week, especially in secondary settings.

We can help integrate marking support tools into your existing platforms and ensure safeguarding and data protection compliance.

2. Personalised Learning Plans

AI-powered platforms adapt in real-time to each pupil’s ability level, offering stretch activities or extra support where needed. This is particularly helpful for mixed-ability classes or MATs looking to maintain standards across sites.

We can work with you to align personalised learning tools with your curriculum and SEND provision.

3. Reducing Admin Load

From scheduling meetings to writing trip letters, AI can take on everyday admin tasks. Headteachers and office staff often find this one of the biggest time-savers.

Our AI assistants are built to understand your school’s voice, templates, and tone, so output is consistent and compliant.

4. Predicting Pupil Outcomes

Using data on attendance, behaviour, and past performance, AI can flag potential attainment issues early – helping pastoral teams intervene before problems escalate.

We can connect your MIS with predictive tools to support pupil progress and engagement strategies.

5. Supporting SEND and EAL Learners

AI translation tools, text-to-speech, and adaptive content formats can improve access for a wide range of learners.

We offer AI packages tailored to inclusion, supporting your accessibility goals and EHCP commitments.

6. Smarter Safeguarding Alerts

AI can monitor pupil digital activity for signs of distress, bullying, or safeguarding concerns – alerting designated staff in real-time.

We can advise on safe implementation and ensure any AI monitoring tools meet UK safeguarding standards.

7. Data-Driven CPD Recommendations

AI can analyse classroom data and suggest professional development based on gaps in delivery or pupil progress.

We help MATs and SLTs interpret this data and integrate it into performance reviews and CPD planning.

8. Chatbots for Parental Queries

Automated chatbots can handle routine parent queries 24/7 – freeing up office staff and improving responsiveness.

Our AI solutions are designed with your policies and FAQs in mind, so responses are accurate, appropriate, and on-brand.

9. Automating Lesson Planning

While AI won’t replace teachers, it can generate lesson plan templates, resource suggestions, and differentiated tasks in minutes.

We build custom AI tools that align with your schemes of work and subject focus.

10. Driving Trust-Wide Efficiencies

AI can spot duplication across a MAT – from procurement to curriculum delivery – saving time and resources at scale.

Our consultancy services help multi-academy trusts adopt AI centrally, with appropriate oversight and governance.

Getting Started Safely

We know schools need support, not sales talk. That’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all tools. We work with each school or trust to understand your priorities, budget, and capacity – then develop safe, practical solutions that actually work in your setting.

Whether you're curious about automation or ready to roll out an AI pilot, we’re here to help.