LogoHome

Hills Road achieves Explorer Level certification in the AiEd Certified Framework

The certification reflects our commitment to maintaining a human-centred approach to education while using AI to enhance teaching and learning.

Published on 25/06/2026

Hills Road Sixth Form College has been awarded Explorer Level certification in the AiEd Certified Framework, recognising the College's strategic and responsible approach to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Students using digital devices in a class at Hills Road 2026

As artificial intelligence continues to transform education and the workplace, Hills Road is committed to ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills and critical understanding they need to thrive in an AI-enabled future.

The College has now achieved Explorer Level certification within the AiEd Certified Framework, an independent recognition of its work to embed AI responsibly across teaching, learning and college operations.

The framework assesses organisations across five key areas: AI literacy, policy and ethics, digital pedagogy, tools and systems, and collaboration. Achieving Explorer Level reflects the work taking place across the College to build confidence in the use of AI while ensuring high-quality education remains at the heart of every decision.

"Generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for education. This certification recognises the progress we've made in developing a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach that supports our staff and students while keeping high-quality, human-centred teaching at its core. It's an important milestone, but it's also a foundation for the next stage of our work as AI continues to evolve."

Jonathan Sansom, Director of Digital Strategy
Students using digital devices at Hills Road

The certification also recognises the collaborative efforts of colleagues across Hills Road, from developing policies and staff professional development to exploring AI within the curriculum and providing guidance for students

The College hope to continue to build on this work, ensuring its approach to AI remains ethical, inclusive and focused on delivering the best possible educational experience for every student.

[shown above and right: Students using digital devices at Hills Road]

Artificial Intelligence at Hills Road

Our Hills Road AI strategy, which is all about balancing opportunity with responsibility, includes principles such as:

  • Using AI to personalise learning and give students timely feedback.
  • Streamlining processes so staff can spend more time supporting students.
  • Putting ethics first, with transparency, fairness and privacy at the heart of everything we do.
  • Encouraging staff and students to use AI thoughtfully, always with integrity and academic rigour.

About the AiEd Certified Framework

Visit the AI in Education site