Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director, Pearson Qualifications UK
AI has an important role to play in the evolution of education. Used thoughtfully and responsibly, it can save teachers valuable time and enrich students' learning.
Teachers will always be at the heart of students' learning, development, and success, their influence reaching far beyond the classroom. AI's power lies in its ability to support and amplify their role, lightening administrative workload, offering timely insights into how students are doing, and helping to personalise learning.
Teachers across the UK see this potential, but they also know that making the most of AI requires the right resources, training, and support. Without these foundations in place, new technologies can feel like additional demands rather than meaningful improvements.
The Pearson School Report 2025 reflects this: almost a quarter of teachers say they lack confidence using AI, and only 9% feel ready to teach it. Many are concerned about student readiness, with 44% of secondary and 31% of primary teachers saying learners are not yet prepared for an AI-driven future. Yet the appetite for progress is clear, with 42% believing AI should be embedded in teacher training.
Building AI skills across our education system
As we begin implementing changes set out in the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR), we have an opportunity to evolve our education system, so educators and students are supported and prepared for an AI-enabled future.
The proposed direction for the National Curriculum aims to strengthen digital literacy and build AI readiness, alongside critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding bias. Students will need deep subject knowledge and the confidence to navigate emerging technologies throughout their lives.
To translate these ambitions into meaningful change for teachers and learners, we should focus on practical steps to make AI technology useful and accessible in classrooms. This includes piloting new tools and resources, so we can move towards broad adoption based on clear evidence of the benefits they bring to teaching and learning.
By supporting educators, strengthening the foundations around them, and creating the conditions for students to develop the skills needed to use AI responsibly and effectively, we can evolve our education system to ensure every young person is prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Accelerating AI readiness
Achieving this will require a collaborative approach, grounded in learning science, responsible AI practice, data-led insights, and the lived experiences of teachers and students.
We believe four areas will be particularly important for supporting educators and students as AI becomes part of everyday learning:
Invest in infrastructure
Reliable broadband, secure devices, and robust safeguarding systems give teachers and students the confidence to use AI. Partnerships between government, industry and the education sector are key to providing access to technology and ongoing support.
The government's recent commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure in schools is an important step; continued investment will ensure every school can make effective use of new technologies.
When AI is built into the tools teachers already use, it supports day-to-day tasks in a way that feels natural rather than disruptive. For example, Pearson's ActiveHub provides straightforward access to AI-powered study tools, data insights, and personalised support.
Create clear guidelines for responsible AI use
Clear, consistent guidance helps schools use AI safely and appropriately. Practical expectations around academic integrity, data privacy, safeguarding, and ethical use help teachers make informed decisions. When expectations are transparent and easy to implement, students learn to use AI responsibly in a safe, trustworthy environment, strengthening their confidence.
Evolve teacher training and development
Embedding AI skills into teacher training will strengthen educators' confidence in both using AI and teaching it to their students. Training should focus on practical, curriculum-aligned applications, so teachers can choose the approach that best meets their needs and those of their learners.
Educators we engaged with for the Pearson School Report noted that while some feel confident using technology, many colleagues do not, creating gaps in students' experience as they progress through school. Making AI training available for all teachers as part of professional qualifications and ongoing development will build confidence and consistency across schools.
Embed AI literacy in learning
AI literacy has a valuable role across the curriculum, helping students understand how the technology shapes the world around them and how to use digital tools safely, responsibly and in a way that maintains academic integrity.
To avoid additional burden, subject-specific resources and straightforward guidance can help teachers introduce AI tools and concepts through existing lessons. For example, our Exam Practice Assistant helps students prepare for their GCSEs, combining traditional study methods with AI.
Pearson aims to equip every learner with AI literacy and the digital skills that matter, working in partnership with schools and colleges to provide tools and resources that build confidence, adaptability, and readiness for university, employment, and life beyond.
Opening doors to opportunity
The Pearson School Report 2025 shows educators are ready and willing to embrace AI, but they need the training and support to do so.
By embedding AI literacy across the curriculum, transforming teacher training, investing in infrastructure, and establishing clear national guidance, we can ensure that technology empowers every learner and every educator.
By working together – government, educators, and industry – we can harness new technologies to build an education system that not only keeps pace with change but leads it.
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