The UK is on the brink of an educational transformation, with the Department for Education leading the charge into a new digital era. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has unveiled ambitious plans to modernise the education system, empower teachers, and enhance learning opportunities for children through the power of technology.
Speaking at The Bett Show on 22 January 2025, Phillipson outlined how technology will be a game-changer in education, breaking down barriers to opportunity and ensuring that every student and teacher has access to the tools they need to succeed. From selecting the right tech to integrating it effectively in the classroom, these initiatives aim to cut through costly and time-consuming processes while driving higher standards across schools.
“The world of even five years ago is gone forever,” she stated. “Now we must seize the opportunities of the future. I will take up this great new technological era to modernise our education system, to back our teachers, and to deliver better life chances for our children across the country.”
Research backs up this vision. The Education Endowment Foundation found that when used effectively, digital technology can accelerate learning by two to three months. Additionally, the Department for Education’s Technology in Schools Survey revealed that over two-thirds of school leaders have observed improved pupil attainment due to technology use in education.
In alignment with the government’s broader tech-driven public service transformation, AI is set to play a significant role in education. By reducing teacher workload, AI will help tackle the recruitment and retention crisis, allowing educators to focus on what truly matters—teaching and inspiring the next generation.
Phillipson addressed concerns about AI, stating: “Each great moment of technological change throughout history came with fears for an unfamiliar future. But I know AI can be a radical, modernising force for change—a force for good in the lives of working people—and I am so excited for what it means for education.”
To ensure the safety of students, major tech companies—including Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon Web Services—have committed to making AI tools safer for classroom use. A new AI product safety framework establishes technical safeguards, prioritizing child-centred design and content filtering, making it the most comprehensive AI safety standard in education worldwide. Enhancing Learning for Vulnerable Students
One of the most exciting initiatives is the integration of assistive technology for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Starting in Spring 2025, all new teachers will receive training on using assistive tech to support SEND students. Studies have shown that tools like dictation software and text-to-speech programmes significantly improve engagement, confidence, and independence among these students.
A pilot program found remarkable benefits, with over 80% of teachers reporting increased student confidence and participation, and 60% seeing improved academic performance. For parents, this means greater assurance that their child’s unique learning needs will be met, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive educational experience.
To ensure that every school has access to the right technology, the Department for Education is launching a new service to simplify the often-confusing tech procurement process. Plan Technology for Your School will help school leaders make informed decisions, ensuring investments in digital tools translate into better learning experiences for students.
Additionally, the newly established EdTech Evidence Board, led by the Chartered College of Teaching, will help schools confidently select AI-driven educational tools that deliver real results.
The government is also developing DfE Connect, a digital platform designed to streamline administrative processes and free up time for educators. Currently supporting pre-16 academies with financial management and funding access, the platform will soon expand to cover additional services, helping schools optimize budgets and focus on quality education.
These transformative measures underscore the government’s commitment to using technology to enhance education, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By embracing innovation, schools can unlock new possibilities, empower teachers, and create a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective learning environment for future generations.
