GDPR in Schools (GDPRiS)

AI has arrived.
Is governance keeping pace?

Download the AI Governance in MATs 2026 Benchmark Report and discover how participating Multi-Academy Trusts are approaching AI governance, accountability, compliance, risk management and leadership assurance.

Based on responses from MAT leaders across England.

Download the Report
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AI Governance in MATs 2026 Benchmark Report cover

Based on insights from participating MAT leaders across England

Governance & Accountability
Visibility & Control
Compliance & Data Protection
Risk Management
Leadership Assurance

AI adoption is becoming mainstream. Governance is developing.
Assurance is still catching up.

Many MATs have begun putting policies, guidance and governance arrangements in place.

Fewer are able to confidently demonstrate:

  • Who is accountable
  • What AI is being used
  • How risks are being managed
  • What assurance boards are receiving
  • How decisions can be evidenced

The challenge is no longer adoption.
The challenge is governance.

Inside the report

The benchmark explores:

AI adoption across MATs

How widely AI is being used and where.

Governance & accountability

Who owns AI governance and how decisions are being made.

Visibility &
control

How well trusts understand AI use across staff and suppliers.

Compliance & data protection

How organisations are approaching privacy, safeguarding and supplier assurance.

Risk management

How AI-related risks are being identified and managed.

Leadership assurance

How boards and executive teams are receiving oversight and evidence.

Priorities for the next 12 months

What MAT leaders are focusing on next.

Questions every MAT leader should be asking

  • Can you clearly identify where AI is being used?
  • Who is accountable for AI governance?
  • What risks have been identified?
  • Can you evidence compliance and safeguarding considerations?
  • What information is regularly reported to your board?
  • Could you demonstrate your governance arrangements if challenged?

From policy to assurance

Many organisations have already started their AI governance journey. The next stage is moving from:

The report explores what this means in practice.

Policy → Assurance

From written documents to
demonstrable evidence

Intention → Evidence

From good intentions to
documented outcomes

Awareness → Accountability

From knowing the risks to
owning the response

About the benchmark

The AI Governance in MATs 2026 Benchmark Report was created to help Multi-Academy Trust leaders understand how their approach compares with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.

The benchmark examines governance maturity, accountability, visibility, compliance, risk and assurance , and provides practical recommendations for strengthening oversight and confidence.

AI Governance in MATs 2026 Benchmark Report promotional image

Download your copy

Complete the form to receive:

  • Full benchmark report
  • Executive summary
  • Key recommendations
  • Access to the AI Governance & Readiness Assessment
  • Future benchmark updates

2026 Benchmark Highlights

  • 32 MAT responses
  • Governance maturity benchmark
  • Leadership assurance insights
  • Practical recommendations
  • Free download

Also included: The free AI Governance & Readiness Assessment helps your organisation assess current maturity, identify governance gaps, compare against benchmark findings and prioritise improvement actions.

Download the benchmark today and take the first step towards stronger AI governance and assurance.