City College Plymouth gives insight into how it teaches AI in a rapidly changing world
City College Plymouth says AI is a 'tool' as they work to stay ahead of the curve
Last updated 21st Jul 2026
Today we're getting an insight into how AI is being taught - and how places like City College Plymouth are trying to stay ahead of the curve.
The college is focussing on using AI as a 'tool' and understanding the process of reaching the answer – with students learning how to give the correct inputs to AI as part of the upskilling process.
The designated 'Google Reference College' teaches 12,000 students a year - including those who are older and returning to the workplace - with each course now including an element of AI.
It recently won an Association of Colleges Beacon Awards award for 'effective use of technology in education' after students used AI to develop new technology, also known as 'vibe coding'.
Paul Fanshawe, the Executive of Business Intelligence, Growth and Skills at the college, said: "We understand that it, AI, will be used - it's about when is best to use it, when is appropriate to use it and when it is ethical to use it."
He says much like the 'tradition of showing the working-out whilst solving math problems', the college staff will discuss with pupils the process they used to reach their results.
"We wouldn't expect and we do have - as all educational establishments do have - tools to check whether this has been generated through normal AI and you haven't actually had any creative input yourself," he said.
"We would expect a student to use it as a research tool to help shape the essay, help think about it - but we're very much talking to the learner."
It comes as an AI steering committee convened by the business group BusinessLDN and Deloitte has called for more work to prepare for AI-driven change.
The study suggests "human" skills of communication and critical thinking, that are harder to automate, are still in demand though.
The college, which has 4,000 16 to 18 year old learners, is also offering the Government's new 'AI Units' through the levy scheme - to help firms upskill.
It believes with the growing marine tech sector in Plymouth, there's a real opportunity for well-paid and skilled jobs for pupils with the right 'AI qualities' and 'approach'.
Last month the college supported the Plymouth-based 'LifeIn AI 2026' one-day event which explored key themes such as AI in business resilience, workforce skills, cybersecurity, education and the future of the South West’s digital economy.