Prime Highlights:
The UK government is set to harness technology to revolutionize the education system, focusing on modernizing teaching practices, supporting educators, and enhancing student outcomes.
Phillipson will reveal plans at the Bett Show, emphasizing how tech will transform every aspect of teaching, from teacher training to classroom tech use.
A new service to help schools assess and prioritize their tech investments, ensuring compliance with digital standards.
Key Background:
The UK government is set to embrace a new era of technological innovation in education with plans to modernize the system, empower educators, and enhance the learning experiences of students. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will outline these transformative measures today, at the Bett Show in London, an influential event for educational technology. This initiative builds on recent announcements aimed at integrating technology into public services, positioning the education sector at the forefront of digital progress.
Phillipson will emphasize the potential of technology to revolutionize teaching practices at all levels, from curriculum planning and teacher training to classroom interactions. “The world of even five years ago is gone forever, now we must seize the opportunities of the future,” she is expected to say in her keynote address. She will highlight the government’s commitment to a digital transformation that promises to modernize the education system, enhance teaching standards, and improve life outcomes for children.
Key to this vision is the launch of the “Plan Technology for Your Schools” service. This personalized tool will help schools assess and prioritize their technological needs, ensuring that investments align with each institution’s requirements while maintaining compliance with digital standards. Additionally, a new “EdTech Evidence Board,” led by the Chartered College of Teaching, will explore the effectiveness of AI-based products in education, helping schools confidently integrate technology into their classrooms.
The government also announced a partnership with leading global tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services, to ensure that AI tools for education meet strict safety guidelines. The “AI Product Safety Expectations in Education” framework will establish clear technical safeguards, with a focus on child-centered design and protection from harmful content.
Further plans include mandatory training for all new teachers on the use of assistive technology, ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) benefit from accessible, high-quality learning tools. Early pilots have demonstrated the significant positive impact of such technologies on student engagement and independence. The UK’s comprehensive
strategy signals a clear commitment to a digital revolution in education, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the future of learning.