Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, providing innovative solutions to traditional problems. A report produced by Bett and YouGov, with input from over 1,000 UK teachers, takes an in-depth look at the current role of AI, from automating routine tasks to creating new educational opportunities. Aimed at educators, policy makers and edtech developers, the paper provides key insights to facilitate the integration of AI into the classroom.
Implementing AI in Schools
Despite growing interest in AI, 69% of schools in the UK have not yet adopted it. Among those that have, the main motivations are to reduce teacher workload (24%), improve student outcomes (11%), assess work (9%) and identify areas for additional support for pupils (5%). However, training on AI varies: 49% of teachers find the training they have received useful, while 34% have not received any, and 12% find it ineffective. Regarding the impact of AI on workload, 32% of teachers report a reduction, although others see no significant change.
Mixed Views on the Potential of AI
Looking ahead, teachers’ views on the potential of AI are divided. 27% believe it will allow more time to be spent interacting with students, but 38% doubt this. While 23% believe that it will positively transform classroom practices, 35% do not share this view. These responses indicate a stance of skepticism, with a considerable proportion of teachers being neutral or uncertain, suggesting openness to learning more about the possibilities of AI.
Skepticism and Concerns about AI
AI also faces a wide range of concerns. 62% of teachers believe that it will make it harder to detect academic fraud, 68% believe that it will not solve the teacher shortage, and 53% do not believe that it will increase their confidence in their teaching methods. In addition, 49% do not believe that AI can cover the lack of specialists in certain subjects. These figures show the need to overcome teachers’ doubts about the benefits of AI in these areas.
AI in Teaching and the Human Role
Many teachers do not believe that AI can replace certain human aspects of education. Activities they consider difficult to replicate with AI include teaching life skills (79%), hands-on learning (72%), personalized support (67%), delivering engaging lessons (66%), collaborative problem solving (59%), and teaching basic academic skills (42%).
Alleviating Administrative Tasks
Despite reservations about its role in direct teaching, many teachers see AI as a useful tool for administrative tasks. Areas where they believe AI could help include automatic marking and assessment (53%), timetable planning (44%), report generation (43%), and development of educational resources (36%). This suggests that AI could reduce the administrative burden, allowing teachers to spend more time on direct interaction with students.
Expectations about Automated Assessment
Teachers have different expectations for automated assessment using AI. Although some anticipate its implementation within a few years, 18% do not believe it will happen and 31% are unsure. These figures reflect the uncertainty about the future of AI-powered assessment in the education sector.
A Future with AI, but with Caution
The survey results reflect a mixed view on the current and future role of AI in education. Although most schools have not yet implemented it, those who have do report benefits, especially in reducing workload. However, significant scepticism remains about whether AI will be able to meet the most important educational challenges. This, together with the large proportion of neutral responses, underlines the need to offer training and more information about its possibilities and limitations.
The recent announcement by the UK Department for Education of a £4m investment in AI tools shows a growing recognition of its potential in the sector. However, it will be crucial to address teachers’ concerns and doubts if AI is to truly support and improve teaching, rather than add additional pressures. AI in education seems destined to complement teaching work, especially in routine tasks, while human interactions and skills will remain at the core of teaching.
