At a glance
Course duration
14 Months
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
and Automation Practitioner Apprenticeship
Expert Support from your personal Apprenticeship Tutor
Access to cross-sector leadership resources & expertise
Monthly Coaching
Sessions
Programme cost
£18,000 £0 with Growth and Skills Levy funding
About the AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship
The AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship is a fully funded development programme designed for school and trust staff who want to lead the practical, ethical and effective use of AI and automation across education settings.
Benefits include:
- Save staff time by automating routine administrative processes
- Improve data accuracy and reporting across school systems
- Use AI responsibly and effectively within your school or trust
- Build practical low-code automation solutions using every day school technologies
- Lead digital change with confidence, engaging staff and managing risk
- Strengthen compliance with safeguarding, data protection and GDPR when using AI and digital tools
Who should apply for the AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship?
This apprenticeship is suitable for staff with an interest in coordinating the safe and effective use of AI and automation across their school or trust. Example job roles include:
- Teachers with an interest in AI
- AHTs, DHs, and Headteachers
- School Business Managers
- Operations Managers
- Data or MIS Leads
- Trust Operations or Central Services Staffs
- Administrative or Business Support Staff
How does this apprenticeship ensure compliance with Ofsted guidance on AI?
In June 2025, Ofsted published How Ofsted looks at AI during inspection and regulation, and this was last updated in October 2025 (view latest Ofsted ai guidance here). The guidance makes clear that Ofsted does not inspect AI as a standalone judgement area, nor does it require schools to adopt AI, but inspectors will consider how AI is used and what impact it has on pupils, staff and leaders within the existing inspection framework. What matters is whether leaders make sensible decisions, manage risks and can explain how any use of AI supports outcomes, safeguarding and data protection rather than undermining them.
Below are key expectations from the guidance alongside how the AI Practitioner Apprenticeship helps your school respond with clarity and confidence.
The Workplace Project: Real Impact in Your School or Trust
At the centre of the apprenticeship is a live workplace project within your school or trust. This isn't a theoretical exercise or an extra task, it's the main way apprentices apply their learning and demonstrate their progress.
From month 6, the apprentice leads a project that addresses a genuine operational need, such as:
- Reducing administrative burden
- Improving data accuracy
- Strengthening compliance
- Streamlining communication
The project is scoped collaboratively in the early months between the apprentice, their line manager and the training provider, ensuring it delivers meaningful value to your setting.
There is no separate End Point Assessment, success is demonstrated through the quality, governance and measurable impact of the project itself.
Why choose the AI Practitioner for Schools Apprenticeship?
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Specialist Coaching & Support
Learn from experienced AI engineers and Data Specialists, who will help shape, deliver and refine your workplace project.
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Access to state-of-the-art AI tools and Cloud platforms
Gain hands-on experience with modern AI tools and cloud technologies to design, build, and deploy secure automation solutions.
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Online resources and E-Portfolio
Apprentices have access to structured learning materials to support their development between live sessions.
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Workplace Project
Put your new knowledge and skills to use inside your organisation or trust and create a project that benefits everyday tasks.
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No End Point Assessment
All assessment is completed on programme through professional discussion and the workplace project.
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Personal Development and Career Support.
Access a dedicated support programme offering personal development, career advice and guidance, and wellbeing support to help you succeed throughout your apprenticeship.
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Create Future-Focused Change
Bring together the knowledge and tools developed throughout the programme to confidently implement responsible AI and automation and lead sustainable improvement across your school or trust.
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Utilise levy funding
This professional development opportunity makes use of the Growth and Skills levy.
Become an AI Practitioner
If you want to join the next cohort, start your application via the button below.
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