Using AI and technology in education to improve pupil outcomes and reduce staff workload
The Department for Education (DfE), is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to build the foundations for the safe and effective use of technology and AI to improve outcomes and productivity.
Our goal
All schools and colleges have the right technology to support pupils and staff, help staff raise standards and tackle the attainment gap to deliver better educational outcomes for children.
What this means for you
This initiative applies in England only.
If you’re a teacher or leader, you’ll benefit from:
- Support to make decisions on what works for your pupils: you’ll be able to access evidence on the quality and impact of technology to guide decisions on what works best.
- A manageable workload: safe and reliable technology, including high-speed internet and tools to support administration and planning.
- Confidence in using new technology: updated online training materials to use AI safely and effectively.
Our progress so far
Since 2023: accelerating gigabit internet roll out to schools
DfE is working with providers, jointly funded by DSIT and DfE, to accelerate high speed internet rollout to all schools. The programme funds fibre infrastructure for schools who wouldn’t otherwise be connected by commercial rollout.
January 2025: launched pilot of the EdTech Evidence Board
In partnership with the Chartered College of Teaching, DfE launched the EdTech Evidence Board pilot to explore how we effectively build evidence of EdTech products that work well, helping education settings feel confident that they are choosing products that work well for them and for their classrooms.
May 2025: launched DFE ‘test beds’
DfE launched the Edtech Impact Testbed programme for schools and colleges. This programme is designed for schools to test technology tools and share real evidence of the impact they have on reducing workload for teachers, improving learner outcomes and inclusivity.
June 2025: ran hackathons to test impact of content store on AI performance
DfE worked with teachers and Edtech providers to test a prototype ‘content store’. This DfE and DSIT joint funded platform stores educational content that can support development of AI applications. The hackathons tested how this content improved performance of AI for education, demonstrating the potential for teachers and schools and providing insights to further improve the content store service.
June 2025: published training materials on using AI in education
School and college staff now have access to guidance and support that helps them understand how to use AI safely and effectively in their classrooms.
August 2025: set the expectation for schools to meet six core digital and technology standards
DfE set out six digital standards schools will need to reach by 2030; broadband internet, wireless network, network switching, digital leadership and governance, filtering and monitoring, and cyber security – driving a safe and reliable technology foundation that will enable all schools to realise the benefits of AI.
November 2025: published the ‘Technology in Schools’ survey report
The Technology in Schools report sets out how schools currently plan, implement, and use technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support learning in schools today.
What we’re planning to do next
January 2026: AI in Education Summit
The UK will host an international high-level summit on generative AI in education in 2026, bringing together education leaders from across the globe to build a collective view on how we will develop effective and responsible AI for use in education.
Early 2026: launch Schools white paper
The Schools White Paper will set out a clear vision to support the safe and effective use of digital technology in schools. This is an important opportunity to ensure that the benefits of AI are realised alongside robust measures to keep learners safe. It’ll also place AI in its wider context, reaffirming that teachers remain at the heart of classroom practice. It’ll ensure that it’s education professionals who determine how and when technology can enhance learning, inclusion and engagement whilst recognising that technology use must be balanced alongside a wider, rich educational experience.
More information
For more information about this work, read:
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education
Technology in schools survey report: 2024 to 2025
Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges
To find further relevant links to our policy work, read about using technology in education.