Independent schools are leading state schools in embracing artificial intelligence, according to a survey by the social mobility charity Sutton Trust, the Independent has reported.

The report, based on a Teacher Tapp poll of more than 10,000 teachers across England, says independent schools possess greater resources and invest in more sophisticated AI solutions.

45% of independent school teachers have received formal AI training, compared to 21% in state schools.

Independent schools are also “ahead of the game” on setting AI policies, dedicating staff to oversee its use, and providing comprehensive training and resources.

17% of state school teachers reported no AI use whatsoever, against 8% in independent schools.

27% of independent schools report having a clear, school-wide strategy for staff AI integration, compared to 9% in the state sector.

24% of state school teachers said they were not at all confident using AI tools in their role, compared to just 15% of independent school teachers.

Independent school teachers are more likely than state school teachers to use AI for a number of tasks – including writing pupil reports (29% versus 11%), communicating with parents (19% versus 11%) and marking (12% versus 7%).

The Sutton Trust report said: “Private schools or those in wealthier areas are likely to have greater access to resources, and therefore be able to afford to invest both time and money in more sophisticated AI solutions.”

It added: “Action is urgently needed by government to ensure that AI acts as a gap-closer, rather than a further factor that exacerbates the already growing attainment gap between poorer students and their better-off peers.”