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AI and coursework: what the rules mean for NEAs and homework

A student-friendly guide to JCQ rules on AI use in assessed work, what counts as misuse, how acknowledgement works and when to ask before you submit.

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  • Portrait of Robin GibbonsLead authorFounder & CEO·Latimer Tuition
  • Reviewed byHeather LatimerTutor Matching & Customer Service·Latimer Tuition
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Current answer

Can I use AI for coursework or NEA?

Sometimes, but only within the rules. AI coursework rules are not a simple yes or no. AI tools must not be used in exams or in any assessment where exam rules apply. For coursework, NEAs and internal assessments, limited AI use may be acceptable only if your task, centre, subject and awarding body allow it.

“the work which you submit for assessment must be your own” — JCQ

That is the main point. An AI tool might help you learn a concept, but it should not do the assessable thinking, writing, analysis, calculations, code or other content for you. JCQ candidate material is also clear that students cannot be awarded marks for content produced by an AI tool.

This guide is for students working on JCQ-covered qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If your teacher, centre, subject specification or awarding body gives stricter instructions, follow those.

Current answer

Do schools or exam boards check coursework for AI?

They can check or investigate if authenticity concerns arise. JCQ describes a wider evidence picture involving centres, teachers, examiners, moderators, internet search tools, specialised software and the student’s usual style and standard.

An AI coursework checker is not a safety certificate. JCQ guidance says detection-tool accuracy can vary depending on the AI system, the blend of AI and human content, the wording given to the tool and factors such as English language competency. A detector may be part of the evidence, but it should not replace teacher judgement and wider authentication evidence.

Warning signs can include a sudden change in style, inappropriate localisation, language that does not fit the qualification level, or work that is inconsistent with the student’s usual standard. These are indicators, not automatic proof. JCQ’s current AI guidance also says an AI tool cannot be the sole marker of student work: a human assessor must review the whole work and remains responsible for the mark.

Key terms before you decide

These terms come up often in AI coursework rules and assessment instructions.

JCQ

The Joint Council for Qualifications. Its shared guidance and malpractice procedures are used across many qualifications and awarding bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Non-examination assessment (NEA)

Assessment that is not taken by all candidates at the same time under set timed conditions. NEAs are used for subject knowledge and skills that written exam papers cannot assess well.

Coursework

Work completed outside a timed exam and submitted for assessment. The exact rules depend on the qualification, component, subject and centre instructions.

Homework

Work set by your school or college outside lessons. Ordinary homework is usually handled by school policy, but it becomes more sensitive if it is reused in coursework, an NEA or another assessed task.

Acknowledgement

A clear record of permitted AI use: the tool, the date, how it was used, what you asked it, what it produced, and any underlying sources where possible.

Candidate authentication

The process of confirming that assessed work is genuinely your own unaided work. It can include your declaration and your teacher’s knowledge of your usual standard.

Malpractice and AI misuse

Behaviour that undermines assessment integrity, including plagiarism, unauthorised assistance, copying or paraphrasing AI output, or failing to acknowledge permitted AI use.

AI detection tools

Software that may be used as part of a wider evidence picture when concerns arise. JCQ guidance does not treat a checker as a simple proof of safety or misuse.

Homework, coursework, NEA and exams: how the rules change

The same AI tool can be lower-risk in private study and much higher-risk in assessed work. Use this table as a starting point, then apply your task instructions.

Compares common work types and the safest AI rule of thumb for each.

Work typeWhat it meansAI rule of thumbWhat to do before using AI

Exams and exam-rule assessments

A live exam or any assessment where exam rules apply, including cases where a laptop is allowed.

AI tools are not allowed.

Do not use AI. If you use a device as an access arrangement, check that AI access is blocked or not available.

Coursework

Assessed work completed outside a timed exam and submitted for marks.

Limited use may be permitted only if the task, centre, subject and awarding-body rules allow it.

Ask before using AI for anything that affects wording, evidence, analysis or content submitted for assessment.

Non-examination assessment (NEA)

A formal assessment used where timed written papers cannot test the relevant knowledge or skills well.

Treat it as assessed work. Your final submission must be your own and any permitted AI use must be acknowledged.

Follow the task instructions and centre rules, keep evidence of permitted use, and ask before signing the declaration if unsure.

Ordinary homework

Work set by your school or college for study outside lessons.

Usually handled by school or college policy, not automatically by JCQ assessment rules.

Check your school or college’s policy. Be more careful if the homework may later feed into coursework, an NEA, a portfolio or teacher authentication.

Revision or private study

Learning, practice and preparation that is not submitted for assessment.

Lower-risk when used to learn, practise or check understanding, but AI output can still be wrong or misleading.

Use it as a study aid, not as evidence. Check important facts against reliable sources and avoid sharing personal data.

AI use: lower-risk, risky or not allowed

This is practical guidance, not a universal permission table. The exact answer depends on your task and centre rules. JCQ puts the marking point bluntly: “you cannot get marks for what the AI tool has produced” — JCQ.

If AI use is allowed, what should you record?

When AI-generated material has been used in a permitted way, JCQ candidate guidance expects clear acknowledgement. Your centre may tell you the exact format, but these are the details to keep.

  • Tool name

    Record the AI tool you used, not just the general type of tool.

  • Date

    Record when the content was generated or when the tool was used for the work.

  • How you used it

    Write down whether it was used for explanation, research support, wording suggestions, data work, images, code or another purpose.

  • Evidence

    Keep a non-editable copy of what you asked the tool and what it produced, such as screenshots where your centre accepts that format.

  • Underlying sources

    Where possible, identify and reference the real sources the tool relied on, and check they actually exist and are relevant.

  • Where to put it

    Ask your teacher where the acknowledgement belongs if the task instructions do not say.

Message to your teacher before submitting

If you have already used AI, ask before you submit

When this applies

You used AI while preparing work and have not yet submitted it or signed an authenticity declaration.

Suggested wording

Hello, I used [tool name] while working on [task name]. I used it for [explain exactly how you used it]. I have kept copies of what I asked the tool and what it produced. Before I submit or sign the declaration, could you tell me how I should handle this and whether anything needs to be removed, checked or acknowledged?

Why this helps

It is honest, specific and asks before the work is submitted or authenticated, which is safer than guessing.

Before you submit: a quick safety check

Use this before handing in coursework, an NEA or homework that may feed into assessed work.

  • Task rules

    Have I checked the task instructions and my school or college policy?

  • Assessment status

    Does any of this work count towards a qualification, mark, portfolio or teacher authentication?

  • Own understanding

    Can I explain every part of the work as my own thinking?

  • AI-produced content

    Have I removed any AI-produced wording, analysis or other assessed content that is not allowed?

  • Acknowledgement

    Have I acknowledged permitted AI use and kept evidence of how I used it?

  • Outside help

    Have I told my teacher about any outside help that affected the work where the rules require it?

  • Uncertainty

    If I am unsure, have I asked before submitting or signing the declaration?

Sources behind this guide

This guide is based mainly on JCQ assessment-integrity sources. GOV.UK and Ofqual are used for England-only context where relevant; Latimer’s FAQ is used only for tutoring-boundary wording.

  • JCQ: AI use in assessments

    Core guidance on AI use, misuse, acknowledgement, detection tools and assessment integrity.

    Open source

  • JCQ: AI and assessments candidate infographic

    Student-facing AI guidance and quoted wording.

    Open source

  • JCQ: Coursework assessments 2025–2026

    Candidate guidance for coursework authenticity, outside help and sanctions.

    Open source

  • JCQ: Non-examination assessments 2025–2026

    Candidate guidance for NEAs and own-work responsibilities.

    Open source

  • JCQ: Instructions for conducting non-examination assessments

    Definitions, teacher boundaries, candidate authentication and declarations.

    Open source

  • JCQ: Suspected malpractice policies and procedures

    Malpractice procedures, plagiarism and possible penalties.

    Open source

  • GOV.UK: Generative artificial intelligence in education

    England-only context on AI in education and homework policy considerations.

    Open source

  • Ofqual: Student guide to exams and assessments in 2026

    England-only qualification-regulator context.

    Open source

  • Latimer Tuition: FAQs

    Latimer wording on homework help and tutor boundaries.

    Open source

Related guidance

More guidance from this section

More guidance from this part of the Ed Centre that may help with the same decision, stage or next step.

Support and clarity

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to the questions people ask most often.

Can I use AI for coursework?

Sometimes, but only if your task, centre, subject and awarding-body rules allow it. Your submitted work still has to be your own, and any permitted AI use should be acknowledged properly. AI must not be used in exams or assessments where exam rules apply.

Can I use ChatGPT or another AI tool for homework?

Ordinary homework is usually governed by your school or college policy. Be more cautious if the homework will feed into coursework, an NEA, a portfolio or work your teacher must authenticate. AI can also be inaccurate or fabricated, so do not treat it as reliable evidence.

Do I have to reference or acknowledge AI in coursework?

If AI-generated material has been used in a permitted way, JCQ candidate guidance expects acknowledgement. Record the tool, date, how it was used, non-editable evidence of what you asked and what it produced, and any underlying sources where possible. Follow your centre’s format.

Does A level coursework get checked for AI?

It can be checked or investigated if authenticity concerns arise. Evidence can include your teacher’s familiarity with your usual work, searches, specialised software, marker judgement and other malpractice procedures. Do not rely on an online checker to prove your work is safe.

Can an AI checker prove my coursework is safe?

No. JCQ treats detection tools as part of a wider evidence picture, not as a simple pass-or-fail guarantee. Tool accuracy can vary, so the safest test is whether the work is genuinely yours, permitted by the task rules and properly acknowledged.

What should I do if I have already used AI?

Do not submit first and hope it is fine. Keep evidence of what you used, remove anything that is not allowed, and ask your teacher before submitting or signing a declaration. If a declaration has already been signed and misuse is suspected, the process can become more formal.

Can a tutor help me with coursework or an NEA?

A tutor can help with understanding, planning, revision, similar practice and confidence. A tutor should not write, rewrite, polish, supply model answers for or approve assessed work for submission. Tell your teacher about outside help where the assessment rules require it.

Can AI be used to mark coursework?

JCQ guidance says an AI tool cannot be the sole marker of student work. A human assessor must review the whole work and remains responsible for the mark. This is separate from schools using tools or evidence to investigate authenticity concerns.

Sources and references

Sources and references

Official guidance

Internal pages