Report Shows 75% of Teachers See Students Using AI to Cheat on Assessments

Context A survey by Learning First gathered responses from 3,400 teachers and 750 school leaders across NSW public, private and Catholic schools. The data, supplied by the NSW Education Standards Authority, focused on how AI tools such as ChatGPT are being used in take‑home assignments. Teachers say students often turn to AI for the fastest answer, skipping the thinking process that gives learning its value.

Teacher AI Use Meanwhile, many teachers report using AI to prepare lessons or generate feedback, saying it saves time but raises questions about the quality of instructional material.

Key Facts - Approximately 75% of teachers observed students using AI to finish assessments, while more than 80% said such use was barred. - Teachers note that students seek the quickest answers via AI, neglecting the learning process that gives those answers value. - The report warns that, although the system will not break down entirely, the dangers posed by AI are real and urgent.

What It Means The findings suggest that reliance on AI may undermine assessment integrity, especially for unsupervised year‑12 work that contributes to the HSC. Educators worry they lack tools to stop the trend, and some fear AI could weaken students’ ability to think independently. Schools may need to review take‑home policies, develop detection methods, and consider how to integrate AI as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. Pilot programs in some districts are already testing AI‑detecting software on submitted essays to gauge its effectiveness.

Officials say the next review cycle will begin in early 2026.

Looking ahead, policymakers will likely watch how states revise senior‑secondary assessment guidelines and whether schools adopt AI‑monitoring tools or revised assignment designs to preserve academic integrity.