Ex cabinet minister Michael Gove calls for handwritten exams to reduce risk of AI ‘cheating’ at Cold Ash conference

An ex cabinet minister has called for schools to return to handwritten exams to tackle AI ‘cheating’.

Former secretary of state for education Michael Gove spoke about the risks of using AI – Artificial intelligence – at an annual conference of more than 200 school leaders and teachers at Downe House School in Cold Ash.

Lord Gove said: “AI makes it easier to cheat. We need to focus on knowledge acquired and skills gained.

“The whole technological revolution is reminding us that traditional ways of teaching and of demonstrating knowledge are best.

“How does anyone acquire mastery? Through the patient practice of skills.”

He also highlighted how pupils need to be able to ask the right questions and that learning information without understanding it is pointless.

A recent survey independently commissioned by Downe House showed 77 per cent of 1,000 pupils across UK state and private schools admitted to using AI to complete homework.

But AI can be a constructive tool. Director of digital learning at Downe House Jane Basnett shared insights on AI’s potential to transform learning, the importance of training teachers and teaching young people how to use AI ethically.

Other topics discussed included whether schools sufficiently prepare pupils for the workplace and how pupils can choose between different pathways such as university and apprenticeships.

Deputy head Matthew Godfrey concluded: “This year’s academic conference saw an incredible array of top educators and inspirational speakers come together to consider how we can transform tradition to ensure our schools continue to thrive in a fast-paced future.

“It was a day of learning with inspiring talks, interesting debate and thought-provoking views.”

Mr Godfrey said he looks forward to welcoming more educators back to the school’s campus for its next conference in June 2026.