The plans include measures to ensure every teacher and student can access the tools and training they need to succeed
The Department for Education has unveiled bold plans to spearhead a digital transformation in education, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson vowing to modernize the system, empower teachers, and enhance opportunities for students across the country.
Speaking at The Bett Show, an international event on education technology, Phillipson outlined a comprehensive strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology into classrooms, revolutionizing teaching and learning at every level.
“Our world has changed dramatically in the last five years,” Phillipson is expected to say. “Now, we must seize the opportunities of this technological era to modernize our education system, back our teachers, and deliver better life chances for children everywhere.”
The plans include measures to ensure every teacher and student can access the tools and training they need to succeed. By streamlining procurement processes and reducing administrative burdens, the initiative aims to drive high standards in education while making technology more accessible and effective for all.
Harnessing Technology to Enhance Learning
Research underpins the Department’s vision, with findings from the Education Endowment Foundation showing that effective use of digital technology can accelerate student learning by up to three months. Furthermore, over two-thirds of school leaders report that technology has positively impacted student attainment.
Key to the initiative is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to support teachers, reduce workloads, and improve recruitment and retention in the profession. Phillipson highlighted AI’s potential to transform teaching, enabling educators to focus on what truly matters—delivering inspiring lessons.
“Each moment of technological change has brought fears of the unknown,” Phillipson said. “But AI is a modernizing force for good, and I am excited about its potential in education.”
Global tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon Web Services, have committed to ensuring AI tools are safe for classroom use. The newly launched AI Product Safety Expectations Framework includes safeguards like child-centered design and enhanced content filtering, setting a global benchmark for safe AI use in education.
Assistive Technology to Support Vulnerable Pupils
The Department also announced targeted measures to improve outcomes for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For the first time, all new teachers will be trained in the use of assistive technology, such as text-to-speech and dictation tools, which have been shown to significantly boost confidence, independence, and attainment among SEND students.
A recent pilot found that over 80% of teachers reported improved student engagement and independence, with many pupils achieving qualifications they might not have otherwise attained.
Cutting Costs and Closing the Digital Divide
To address disparities in access to technology, the Department is introducing a new service, Plan Technology for Your School, designed to help leaders identify and procure the right tools for their specific needs. This initiative will ensure funds are spent efficiently, with a focus on boosting outcomes for students and teachers alike.
The government is also piloting the EdTech Evidence Board, led by the Chartered College of Teaching, to help schools identify AI products that deliver tangible results in classrooms.
Additionally, the DfE Connect platform will streamline administrative tasks and provide schools with easier access to funding and budget management tools. The service is expected to expand in the coming months, freeing up leadership time to focus on educational priorities.
A Commitment to Digital Transformation
These measures align with the government’s broader strategy to harness technology across public services, from improving NHS efficiency to using AI for infrastructure maintenance. The Education Secretary emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring every child—regardless of background—has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“Technology is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities,” Phillipson said. “Together, we can build a brighter future for every child in this country.”
With training resources for teachers set to launch in Spring 2025 and further advancements on the horizon, today’s announcement signals a pivotal moment in the modernization of the UK’s education system.
