How does Cranleigh prepare pupils for a world shaped by AI?
AI is changing how people work, create and access information, and our role is to help pupils develop the judgement, curiosity and critical thinking they need to use it wisely. Cranleigh's approach to AI is rooted in our core values – Aspire Boldly, Be Yourself and Care for Others – and these values shape everything that follows.
We encourage pupils to explore new technologies with ambition, to use them in ways that support creativity and authentic expression, and to understand the ethical and environmental implications of AI. Above all, we want pupils to leave Cranleigh confident in navigating a world shaped by technology while still thinking independently, communicating clearly and staying true to themselves.
How do we use AI in education?
At our independent school in Surrey, AI follows the same approach we apply to all digital use. It’s used carefully and only when it genuinely supports learning and good thinking. When pupils use AI, it’s framed openly and linked to Cranleigh’s CHAT principles – encouraging critical questioning, prioritising human judgement, keeping learning authentic and being transparent about how AI was used. AI can support ideas and thinking, but it never replaces them.
How will my child know what AI use is allowed?
Cranleigh makes it clear when AI can be used through a traffic light system applied per assessment, per task, per subject. This ensures pupils always know what is permitted, what must be cited, and when independent work is required.
AI guidance also sits alongside wider digital wellbeing, safeguarding and learning policies so pupils grow into ethical, balanced and future-ready users of technology.
AI traffic light system
Level 0 – No AI. Pupils complete all parts of the task themselves: planning, ideas, research, drafting and final work. Examples: in-class essays, prep tasks, traditional exams, early-stage brainstorming.
Level 1 – AI for ideas and structure. AI can help with initial thinking or outlining, but pupils must develop and shape the work themselves. Examples: brainstorming arguments, sketching a research outline and exploring possible structures.
Level 2 – AI for polishing and checking. The core thinking and analysis must be the pupil’s own. Examples: proofreading, checking dates, finding an extra example after pupils have provided their own.
Level 3 – AI for creative use. AI can be used throughout the task, including generating content, as long as pupils curate, refine and show critical understanding of the output. Examples: AI-generated stories or poems, presentations with AI-created visuals, scenario simulations in subjects like economics or computer science.
Preparing pupils for the future
Beyond classroom teaching, pupils have opportunities to explore AI through project-based learning, innovation and leadership experiences. Specialist pathways, qualifications and enrichment activities allow older pupils to engage with AI in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Cranleigh is also investing significantly in staff development, curriculum design and research-informed practice through the Cranleigh Centre for Research. Our work towards recognised AI quality standards reflects our commitment to leading – not simply following – developments in this field.
Our aim is neither to ban AI nor embrace it uncritically. Instead, we help pupils become thoughtful, capable and ethical users of powerful new technologies: young people who can aspire boldly, be themselves and care for others in a world shaped by AI.
Read the AI guidance policy on our policy page.