Policies & Documentation
Clear guidance ensures consistency, confidence and accountability. AI use across Scottish Borders Council schools must align with local authority policy, national expectations and professional standards.
This page brings together key policy documents, guidance and reference materials to support safe, responsible and effective use of AI in education.
Scottish Borders Council Policies
SBC Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Scottish Borders Council AI Policy sets out the overarching principles for responsible AI use across council services, including education. It outlines expectations around governance, data protection, ethical use and professional responsibility.
SBC AI in Education Policy
The SBC AI in Education Policy provides education-specific guidance, clarifying expectations for staff and learners in school settings. It addresses classroom use, safeguarding, assessment integrity and professional conduct.
Qualifications Scotland Guidance
Qualifications Scotland states that generative AI may be used where it does not undermine assessment integrity or prevent learners from demonstrating their own skills. AI-generated content must not be submitted as a learner’s own work unless explicitly permitted. Failure to follow assessment conditions may constitute malpractice.
Staff should refer directly to the published guidance from Qualifications Scotland on generative AI in assessments: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in assessments – Qualifications Scotland
Supporting Documents
- The Use of GenAI tools in SQA assessments — practitioner information and exemplification
- Generative AI in assessment: academic session 2025–26
- Authenticating learners’ work – good practice advice for centre staff
The guidance emphasises supervision, authenticity and clear communication of expectations. For full details, visit the Qualifications Scotland website.
Education Scotland Guidance
Machine Learning and AI within Glow
Education Scotland’s guidance on AI within Glow outlines responsible use of machine learning and AI tools in Scottish education. It highlights ethical considerations, data privacy and the importance of AI literacy for both staff and learners.
Artificial Intelligence in Scottish Education (DigiLearnScot)
This resource explores the growing presence of AI in Scottish education, outlining opportunities, risks and professional considerations. It emphasises the importance of professional learning and strategic planning.
National & International Guidance
Scotland’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy – Digital Scotland
Scotland’s AI Strategy focuses on building a trustworthy, ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem. While not education-specific, it highlights the importance of AI literacy and responsible integration within learning environments.
UK Department for Education – Generative AI in Education
Provides guidance on responsible use of generative AI in educational settings, including data protection, safeguarding and maintaining assessment integrity.
Welsh Government (Hwb) – Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education
Explores AI literacy, safeguarding and equitable access within the Welsh curriculum context.
WEST Partnership – AI in Education Scoping Review
Examines the benefits, risks and ethical considerations of AI in education, emphasising professional learning and careful implementation.
Goodison Group – 21st Century Skills: AI and Education Report
Explores the potential impact of AI on teaching and learning, highlighting ethical use, training and equitable access.
OECD – Generative AI in the Classroom: From Hype to Reality?
Provides international perspectives on AI integration in education systems, including recommendations for policymakers and educators.
Daydream Believers & Education Scotland – GenAI in Education Exploration Hub
A collaborative platform exploring generative AI developments and practical application in learning environments.
Children’s Parliament – Exploring Children’s Rights and AI
Explores how children in Scotland experience AI and outlines calls to action to ensure children’s rights are respected in digital development.
Key Principles
Across all documentation, the following principles remain central:
- AI must be used purposefully and responsibly
- Personal data must be protected
- Professional judgement remains paramount
- Assessment integrity must be safeguarded
- AI literacy must be developed progressively
Policy provides the framework. Professional judgement ensures its effective implementation. responsibility. Users should ensure that AI supports learning without creating dependency or unnecessary environmental impact.
