Most pupils using AI for homework submit it as their own

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 14:42 · Archive

Nearly three-quarters of British pupils using artificial intelligence admit passing off AI-generated work as their own, despite receiving little formal instruction on responsible use.

Nearly three-quarters of British children who use artificial intelligence at school admit passing off AI-generated work as their own, according to GoStudent's Future of Education Report 2026. The research exposes a growing gap between pupils' use of AI and the education they receive on how to use it responsibly. Only 28% of pupils had received a structured lesson at school on how to use the technology properly.

Around 58% of pupils who use AI for schoolwork say they hand it in as their own at least once a week. This is the highest proportion of the six European countries surveyed. British parents are largely aware of the issue, with 64% saying their child had handed in AI-generated work which they claim to have produced themselves. Teachers are even more conscious of the problem, with 94% saying they were aware pupils were doing this, and 66% saying it happens at least once a week.

The research raises concerns about the potential impact on pupils' independent skills. Forty-four per cent of teachers said they were not confident that most of their pupils could write a full essay from scratch without AI. Felix Ohswald, CEO and co-founder of GoStudent, said that AI can help children understand difficult concepts and practise challenging exam topics with tailored questions.

Ohswald stressed that the key is teaching pupils to use AI critically to strengthen their understanding, rather than to do their homework for them. 'Learning also means asking questions, discussing ideas and working through mistakes. AI can be a valuable part of that process, but children still need the guidance to develop their own understanding and think independently,' he said.

Meanwhile, some schools are already teaching AI literacy as part of the curriculum. A teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Highgate uses AI tools including ChatGPT-generated quizzes and teaches pupils to fact-check chatbot responses. Pupils as young as eight are using AI for homework, while from age ten they code, build websites and design games. The Micro:bit Educational Foundation has called on the government to introduce an 'AI GCSE', comparable to maths and English qualifications.

How it is being reported

• Seven in ten pupils now claim AI-generated homework as their own - with only 28% taught toAI has slipped into homework like a secret shortcut.Daily Express · 2 Nov, 14:26
• Seven in ten pupils now claim AI-generated homework as their own - with only 28% taught to use it properlyAround six in ten pupils (58%) who use AI for schoolwork say they hand it in as their own at least once a week, the highest proportion of the six European countries surveyedThe Mirror · 2 Nov, 07:42
• ‘There should be a “GCSE in AI” just like maths and English’'I think AI should be banned [from homework], so we can control our brains.'Metro · 1 Nov, 07:00

In this story: GoStudent · Micro:bit Educational Foundation · St Joseph's Primary School · British

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