AI-generated explicit images of pupils created and shared at Armagh school
Pupils at The Royal School Armagh had explicit images created of them using artificial intelligence technology and shared among students. The school identified those responsible and referred the matter to police, who are investigating.
What happened
The Royal School Armagh became aware on Thursday, January 8, 2026 of the circulation of sexually explicit images of pupils that had been created using artificial intelligence technology and shared among some students.
The school immediately referred the matter to appropriate authorities. Principal Graham Montgomery stated that the school had identified all those of whom images had been manipulated and those allegedly responsible, with the number of pupils targeted in the single figures.
Reported impact
Principal Montgomery described the actions as 'shocking and without excuse' and acknowledged that the incident had 'been a particularly difficult time for the pupils of whom manipulated images were created.' He stressed that safeguarding procedures are in place and that the safety and wellbeing of pupils remains a key concern.
Index analysis
Initial reports had suggested that potentially dozens of girls may have been targeted, however the principal sought to clarify that the number of pupils targeted is in the single figures, stating that while this does not lessen the impact on victims, he hoped it would contain panic among the wider school community.
Governance controls
The school stressed that safeguarding procedures are in place for the protection and well-being of pupils. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that local officers are engaging directly with school authorities and the parents or guardians of those affected.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.