UK government backs AI help for teachers

The UK government has launched a new AI-powered initiative to promote artificial intelligence in schools, in a bid to modernise classrooms and reduce teacher burnout

Announced on 10 June, the plan introduces national guidance for safe AI use, fresh funding to develop education tools, and a commitment to shift time away from marking and admin toward more meaningful teacher-pupil interaction.

The Department for Education unveiled the initiative as part of its broader “Plan for Change,” aimed at delivering excellence in education through technology.

New guidance encourages teachers to use AI for "low-stakes" marking (i.e. homework not exam papers), feedback generation, lesson planning, and communication with parents, but the government plan emphasises human oversight remains essential.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the policy will “free teachers from hours of paperwork” and help attract new talent to the profession by easing workload pressures.

AI tools are expected to handle routine tasks like writing generic letters or checking homework, while teachers refocus on personalised support and lesson delivery.

A £1 million Contracts for Innovation fund will accelerate pilot projects to test AI’s effectiveness in real classrooms.

These efforts build on previous investments including a national content store of curriculum and lesson materials, designed to improve AI-generated resources.