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Concerns Regarding AI Readiness in UK Education

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape various sectors across the globe, and education is no exception. A recent report from Pearson, known for being a leader in lifelong learning, has highlighted a significant issue: educators across the UK are increasingly worried about how well prepared students are for an AI-dominant future. The Pearson School Report 2025 synthesizes insights gathered from over 14,000 educators and reveals a disconcerting trend regarding the readiness of students to utilize AI effectively and responsibly.

According to the findings, 44% of secondary teachers and 31% of primary teachers believe that their students are not sufficiently equipped for the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. While there is a growing acknowledgment of the advantages AI can present within educational settings, many educators express feeling inadequately prepared to teach students how to navigate these advancements. Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of teachers surveyed stated they lack confidence in using AI tools themselves—23% reported a lack of confidence in employing these technologies, and only 9% felt confident in teaching it to their students. Such sentiments indicate a pressing need for robust training and resources in this area.

The Demand for Enhanced Training

Important calls have emerged for enhancing teacher training in regard to AI technologies. The stats underscore this necessity:

• - 57% of educators believe that AI will increasingly influence the educational landscape.
• - 39% of teachers admitted to leveraging AI tools in the last two weeks, yet many shared they needed more guidance.
• - 44% of educators acknowledged that AI can facilitate efficiency, particularly in preparing lessons and other administrative tasks.

Despite these positive outlooks, many educators assert that ongoing training in AI is essential, with 59% of college tutors expressing a belief that there is a significant gap in AI training for teachers. Additionally, 42% of K-12 educators think that AI training should form part of their professional development. A substantial 43% of teachers identified staff training in AI as a priority to enhance students' digital capabilities.

The urgency behind these findings aligns with the recent Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report, which emphasizes that as AI technology continues to advance, the importance of digital literacy becomes even more pronounced. Students must learn how to understand AI’s functionality, recognize its limitations, and utilize it ethically and effectively.

Voices Calling for Action

the need for AI training in education has resonated with various stakeholders in the education industry. Freya Thomas Monk, the Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, stated, “Teachers will always be at the heart of students' learning, development, and success.” She emphasized that AI’s prowess lies in its potential to enhance teachers' roles. Monk reiterated the necessity of investing in tools, resources, and training that would empower educators to harness AI effectively while equipping students with the necessary skills for success in a fast-evolving economy.

However, the urgency voiced by teachers on the ground cannot be overlooked. Janeen Hayat, Director of Collective Action at The Fair Education Alliance, stressed the importance of providing school staff with the guidance needed for effective technology utilization, particularly AI. She warned that failure to invest in educational technology and skills may further alienate students in an increasingly competitive world.

A primary school educator shared their perspective, indicating that while they'll adeptly handle IT and AI, other staff members might not have the same capability. This gap in experience leads to discrepancies in students' technological exposure as they navigate through foundational education.

Steps Taken by Pearson

As a proactive measure, Pearson has initiated various certifications and training programs aimed at improving AI literacy among educators and students:

• - Generative AI Foundations Certification: This program has already reached thousands of learners since its launch in late 2024.
• - AI Essentials: A collaborative short course developed alongside Basingstoke College of Technology aims to provide participants with a solid foundation in AI, including its responsible usage and critical evaluation of digital content.
• - Extended Project Qualification pathway in Gen AI literacy (EPQAI): This is available to students both in the UK and internationally.
• - BTEC Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals course: This course is aimed at providing learners with a fundamental grasp of AI functions and machine learning operations.

In conclusion, as AI technologies continue to evolve, the educational sector faces both challenges and opportunities. It is essential for educational institutions to address the readiness gaps by ensuring that educators and students possess the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in an AI-enhanced future. By embracing this responsibility today, we pave the way for a brighter, more informed tomorrow.