Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South awarded Silver AI Quality Mark
Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South is proud to have achieved the Silver AI Quality Mark, awarded by the Good Future Foundation in recognition of our exemplary commitment to the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.
The award acknowledges the significant progress we have made in embedding AI across key areas of our work, including leadership and vision, curriculum planning, assessment, staff development and digital citizenship. Following a rigorous review process, the Trust achieved a Silver rating with full marks, reflecting the strength of its strategic approach and commitment to using emerging technologies responsibly and purposefully.
The assessor praised our trust-wide vision for AI, highlighting how our Digital Strategy and AI Strategy work together to place equity, professional judgement and digital citizenship at the heart of practice across every academy. Particular strengths were identified in Leadership & Vision, Assessment and Professional Development, with structured pathways, Microsoft-aligned professional learning and clear guidance on the appropriate use of AI in assessed work recognised as examples of strong strategic leadership.
The report described Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South as having "the right foundations firmly in place and a clear, credible path to Gold", recognising the work already underway to ensure AI is used to enhance education, improve accessibility, support innovation and prepare young people for their futures:
Haberdashers' Academies Trust South achieves a well-deserved Silver award (28/28), underpinned by a trust-wide vision for AI that has the hallmarks of a strong foundation.
The Digital Strategy and AI Strategy work hand in hand to place equity, professional judgement and digital citizenship at the heart of practice across every academy. Strongest evidence sits in Leadership & Vision, Assessment and Professional Development, where structured pathways, Microsoft aligned CPD and clear guidance on appropriate AI use in assessed work demonstrate real strategic maturity.
Overall, this is a Trust with the right foundations firmly in place and a clear, credible path to Gold.
Gemma Lavin, Senior Director: Strategy and Innovation, said:
"Technology will continue to evolve, but our purpose remains constant: to use it responsibly and purposefully to strengthen education and prepare every young person to thrive. Achieving the Silver AI Quality Mark is fantastic recognition of the foundations we've built across the Trust and an exciting milestone on our journey towards Gold."
The assessment highlighted the Trust's commitment to ensuring AI is not confined to one subject area, with opportunities being explored across the curriculum to strengthen teaching, learning and accessibility. It also recognised the Trust's focus on helping students become digitally fluent, ethical and critical users of technology through a strong emphasis on digital citizenship.
Steven Johnson, Director of IT, said:
"We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Silver AI Quality Mark, a recognition of the dedication, innovation and hard work shown by colleagues across the Trust. This award reflects our commitment to using AI thoughtfully and effectively to enhance teaching, learning and operational excellence in our schools. We are delighted to be recognised by the Good Future Foundation and look forward to building on this success as we continue our AI journey together."
The recognition is an important milestone in the Trust's wider digital transformation programme and demonstrates the collective efforts of colleagues across our academies and central teams. As AI continues to evolve, Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South remains committed to ensuring its use is guided by transparency, responsibility and a clear focus on improving outcomes for pupils, staff and communities.
Building on this achievement, we will continue to develop our approach and work towards the next stage of recognition, strengthening opportunities for students, staff, families and governors to engage with and benefit from the responsible use of AI in education.
