The UK government is set to use technology to improve learning outcomes, support teachers, and ensure all students have equal opportunities under its new digital strategy plans
In a keynote speech at The Bett Show on 22 January 2025, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson outlined measures to modernise the education system and equip schools for the digital age.
A digital strategy: Technology and education
As technology continues to grow and the world becomes more reliant on it, the education sector must keep up to date with these changes.
The Secretary of State emphasised the need to take the opportunities presented by technology to drive educational reform, aiming to improve teaching and learning across the country.
A main part of the strategy is integrating digital tools to support teachers, reduce their workload, and improve the quality of education. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation has shown that when used effectively, digital technology can boost student performance by as much as three months.
Over two-thirds of school leaders also report that technology has positively impacted pupil attainment. The government wants to build on this further by offering schools guidance on the right technology to invest in and training teachers to maximise its potential.
Digital transformation within the public sector
Not only does the government want to improve education through its digital strategy, but they have also been working on improving public services with a focus on efficiency and innovation.
AI, in particular, is seen as a key driver of change. The government’s strategy aims to reduce teachers’ administrative burden, enabling them to focus more on their students. By cutting down on time-consuming tasks, AI has the potential to ease the pressure on teachers, making the profession more attractive and sustainable.
Safety remains a priority in the government’s digital vision, especially when using AI in the classroom. To ensure that students are protected, leading global tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon Web Services have committed to developing AI tools that are safer by design.
These companies have contributed to a set of expectations to safeguard children from harmful content and ensure AI tools meet strict safety standards. A new package of training and resources for teachers will help them unlock the benefits of AI while ensuring it is used responsibly.
Can technology offer better education?
Another key element of the digital strategy focuses on supporting vulnerable students. All new teachers will receive training on assistive technologies to help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Evidence suggests that low-cost tools, such as text-to-speech software and dictation aids, can significantly impact SEND students’ independence, confidence, and learning outcomes.
A recent pilot program in mainstream schools revealed that over 80% of teachers observed improved student engagement, with many seeing enhanced academic achievement.
Plan Technology for Your School
The government is introducing a new service to guide schools in purchasing the right technology to bridge the digital divide further. This service, called “Plan Technology for Your School,” will offer personalised assessments to help schools prioritise their tech investments based on their specific needs. It hopes to reduce the confusion and inefficiency often associated with purchasing educational technology, ensuring that schools can make informed choices that benefit students and teachers.
The government will also establish an EdTech Evidence Board to evaluate the effectiveness of AI products in educational settings. This initiative aims to build confidence in selecting technology that meets the diverse needs of classrooms nationwide.
The government’s efforts are also focused on making administrative processes more efficient. The DfE Connect service, which supports school leaders and administrators in handling mandatory finance tasks, is already helping save time and resources.
The service will expand to include additional features that will make it easier for schools to navigate funding information and budget management, freeing up time for more strategic leadership.
