Is ChatGPT Edu safe for UK schools?

AI Prefect rates ChatGPT Edu Green for staff use (Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available) and Amber for pupil use (Minimum age not stated). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.

Does ChatGPT Edu train on our data?

According to the supplier's published documents: no by default unless explicitly opted in.

Where is ChatGPT Edu data stored?

UK data processed by OpenAI OpCo, LLC (US) under the SCCs with the UK Addendum (DPA s.4.2); storage region not stated.

What age is ChatGPT Edu for?

Not stated. The supplier does not publish a minimum age we could find.

Is there a safer alternative to ChatGPT Edu?

We have not yet found a better-rated tool with the same main use. Our tool page lists what to look for instead.

ChatGPT Edu

OpenAI · general chatbot · Last checked 2026-10-23

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Rating: a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. Not legal advice and not a substitute for a DPIA. How it’s worked out

Staff: GREEN Lower risk: fine to use with normal checks

Why green:

Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available

Pupils: AMBER Use with caution

Why amber:

Minimum age not stated

How is this rated?

Key facts

Trains on what you type: No
Where data is stored: Mixed
Minimum age: Not stated
Use case: General AI assistant / chatbot
Sector: Schools, Further education (FE), Higher education (HE)
Research status: Sourced

Safer alternatives

Same main use (General AI assistant / chatbot) and sector, rated better for the same audience. Alternatives are suggested from our published ratings; check they meet your needs. How alternatives are chosen

For pupil use

No better-rated alternative found yet: here’s what to look for.

It acts as a processor for your school (not a controller)
It doesn’t train its AI on what you type
Data stays in the UK/EU, or transfer safeguards (standard contractual clauses, the UK IDTA or adequacy) are stated
There is a data processing agreement (DPA) for schools
The minimum age fits your pupils, or pupils use it through a school account

We’ve logged this gap and will research tools for it in our weekly update.

New here? Each field has a short explanation underneath. Our getting started guide explains what to look for and what to do next.

About the tool

SupplierThe company that makes and runs the tool.: OpenAI
WebsiteWhere we found the main information about the tool.: https://openai.com/enterprise-privacy/
CategoryWhat sort of tool it is, for example a chatbot or a lesson-planning helper.: general chatbot
Pupil-facingWhether pupils use it directly, or only staff. Pupil use needs extra care.: not stated

Your data

Processor or controllerA processor only uses data on your school’s instructions. A controller makes its own decisions about the data, which means your school has less say.: processor (OpenAI Data Processing Addendum s.1.1)
Where data is storedWhich country the data is stored in. UK or EU storage is usually simpler for schools.: UK data processed by OpenAI OpCo, LLC (US) under the SCCs with the UK Addendum (DPA s.4.2); storage region not stated
Trains AI models on inputsWhether what you type (or upload) may be used to improve the supplier’s AI. “No” is what you want for anything about pupils or staff.: no by default unless explicitly opted in
How long inputs are keptHow long the supplier keeps what you type before deleting it.: not stated

Agreements and contacts

Privacy noticeThe supplier’s privacy notice: their own explanation of what they do with personal data.: https://openai.com/enterprise-privacy/
Data processing agreement (DPA)The data processing agreement: the contract that sets out how the supplier must look after your school’s data.: https://openai.com/policies/data-processing-addendum/
Signs individual DPAs with schoolsWhether the supplier will sign a data agreement with your school specifically, rather than just standard online terms.: yes - DPA forms part of the OpenAI Services Agreement
UK GDPR representative / DPOWhether the supplier names a data protection officer or UK representative you can contact about data questions.: not stated

Age and safety

Minimum ageThe youngest age the supplier allows to use the tool. Check this before any pupil uses it.: not stated
Key safety noteAnything else worth knowing, such as admin controls or content filtering.: not stated
Research statusHow complete our research on this tool is.: sourced

Sources

openai.comhttps://openai.com/enterprise-privacy/
openai.comhttps://openai.com/policies/data-processing-addendum/

Change history

No changes recorded since this entry was first published.

See all recent changes

Quick answers

Is ChatGPT Edu safe for UK schools?: AI Prefect rates ChatGPT Edu Green for staff use (Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available) and Amber for pupil use (Minimum age not stated). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.
Does ChatGPT Edu train on our data?: According to the supplier's published documents: no by default unless explicitly opted in.
Where is ChatGPT Edu data stored?: UK data processed by OpenAI OpCo, LLC (US) under the SCCs with the UK Addendum (DPA s.4.2); storage region not stated.
What age is ChatGPT Edu for?: Not stated. The supplier does not publish a minimum age we could find.
Is there a safer alternative to ChatGPT Edu?: We have not yet found a better-rated tool with the same main use. Our tool page lists what to look for instead.

Generated only from the facts above. “Not stated” means the supplier doesn’t publish it.

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