Education is entering a new era: AI, overwhelemed teachers and outdated exams
The world of education is shifting, and fast. As technology, student wellbeing, and global job markets evolve, schools across Europe are under pressure to adapt. The GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025 shines a spotlight on this moment of transformation, capturing the views of 5,859 parents, their children aged 10–16, and 300 teachers across six European countries, including the United Kingdom.
With insights grounded in general education statistics in the UK and beyond, the report covers assessment reform, digital wellbeing, artificial intelligence, and personalised learning.
📌 Key Takeaways
- 62% of parents say traditional assessments no longer reflect students’ true abilities.
- 84% of UK teachers support simulation-based exams.
- 75% of UK teachers haven’t received any AI training.
- 50% of UK students believe AI and smart robots will be part of classrooms by 2030.
- The UK education budget hits £116 billion in 2024–25.
- 126,000 children were homeschooled in 2022–23, a rising trend.
This article unpacks each chapter’s key findings, combining narrative and 75+ key data points, to give a clear view of what the future holds.
Chapter 1: Outdated Systems Face a Demand for Reform
Traditional Assessments Are Under Pressure
Academic achievement is still measured primarily through exams and essays, but many believe these methods no longer capture a student's true ability. The report highlights strong support among parents and teachers for reforming how learning is assessed:
- 62% of parents say new ways to assess children are needed.
- 59% believe grades don’t accurately reflect students’ abilities.
- 58% say children spend too much time memorising for exams.
- 80% of parents still think essays are effective, but only conditionally.
- 21% of students admit to using AI to help pass exams.
These figures suggest growing dissatisfaction with rigid testing structures. A shift toward more holistic, skills-based evaluation is clearly needed.
Rethinking the Role of AI in Learning
Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in classrooms, but stakeholders are still divided. While students experiment with AI tools to support learning, teachers express concern over their misuse.
- 28% of students use AI to improve coursework.
- 35% of teachers believe students are cheating using AI tools.
- 26% of teachers say tech has made traditional assessments redundant.
This indicates a disconnect between how AI is perceived and used, underlining the need for clearer guidance and integration into the curriculum.
Simulation-Based Learning Gains Support
As schools explore alternative forms of assessment, simulation-based approaches are gaining popularity. These methods are seen as more engaging and reflective of real-world skills.
- 74% of teachers say simulation-based approaches are more effective than traditional exams.
- 84% of teachers in the UK support simulation-based assessments.
- 67% of teachers support peer/self-assessment; 63% support adaptive AI testing.
Support for these alternatives suggests momentum for more interactive, student-centred evaluation methods.
A Curriculum in Need of Reform
The current curriculum no longer reflects the skills young people need for the future. Parents, students, and teachers are increasingly calling for updates that align with the demands of modern life and work.
- 64% of parents believe soft skills like communication will grow in importance.
- 44% of teachers say problem-solving is the most important future skill.
- 38% of parents prioritise stress management as a key life skill.
- Cybersecurity and AI are the top subjects to be added to the curriculum, over 50% of all three groups support including them.
- Religious education, ancient languages and dance are most often seen as outdated. For example, 29% of students and 23% of parents think RE should be removed.
- In the UK, students’ top favourite subjects include maths, English, and technology, with the report noting that students who enjoy maths often have a strong connection to their teacher, highlighting how influential teacher relationships can be on student preferences.
This push for change reflects a desire for more relevant, life-preparing education that focuses on future employability and wellbeing.
Chapter 2: Educating an Always-Online Generation
Embracing Technology, Not Banning It
Despite recognising the benefits of technology, many parents still worry about screen time's side effects on health, focus, and wellbeing. Yet screen time isn’t viewed entirely negatively. More than half of parents (52%) believe it supports online learning, and in the UK, that figure rises significantly to 68%, suggesting a more digitally confident outlook.
- 95% of parents and 96% of teachers are actively teaching safe internet use.
- 36% of parents believe fears around smartphones are exaggerated.
- 59% of parents say digital access is essential for future jobs.
- 67% of teachers agree online tools are critical for career preparation.
This reflects a broader acceptance that digital skills are essential for modern life, and should be taught early.
Screen Time: Risk or Opportunity?
Despite recognising the benefits of technology, many parents still worry about screen time's side effects on health, focus, and wellbeing.
- 56% of UK parents say their children spend too much time on screens.
- 30% of parents worry screen time reduces physical activity.
- 20% say it harms attention spans.
- 17% fear exposure to harmful content.
Balancing screen time with real-world activity remains a key challenge for educators and families alike.
Combating Misinformation and Deepfakes
In an era of deepfakes and disinformation, teaching children how to evaluate digital content is more important than ever. Students are often more aware than their parents when it comes to spotting fake news.
- 85% of children are aware of fake news and deepfakes.
- 50% have seen fake images; 48% have seen fake news.
- 24% have encountered extremist content online.
- 91% of teachers believe misinformation is already influencing students.
- 48% of UK teachers say students misunderstand news events.
- 43% of UK parents admit they don't know what their kids are exposed to online.
This underscores the need for media literacy and critical thinking to become core educational priorities.
What Parents Are Doing
Parents are taking varied approaches to managing their children’s digital habits, from proactive education to device restrictions.
- 36% of UK parents use parental control apps, the highest rate in Europe.
- 36% teach their children how to spot fake news.
- 29% use parental control apps overall.
- 10% have banned devices over misinformation concerns.
There’s still room to support parents in equipping children with responsible online behaviour.
Chapter 3: The AI Learning Divide
A Generation Eager to Learn
AI is reshaping industries, but schools are struggling to catch up. Students are eager to explore its potential, but they feel their educators are underprepared.
- 62% of students wish their teachers knew more about AI.
- 57% say the same about their parents.
- 59% of parents agree teachers must upskill in AI.
Bridging this knowledge gap is critical if education is to remain relevant and inclusive.
Schools Lack the Tools and Training
Teachers are expected to guide students in AI use, yet few receive training or resources to do so effectively.
- 75% of teachers across Europe receive no AI training; 74% in the UK.
- 56% of teachers say they want training in AI safety and teaching.
- 71% believe AI tools should be supervised, not banned.
- 54% of parents worry children are becoming too reliant on AI.
Without systematic training, the risk of misuse or overreliance increases.
Students Are Teaching Themselves
Many students are bypassing formal education entirely, turning to social media and experimentation to learn about AI.
- 31% of students get AI info from teachers.
- 29% from parents.
- 25% from social media.
- 24% are self-teaching through trial and error.
This suggests a significant need for structured, curriculum-based AI education.
AI Access Gap Is Growing
Access to digital tools is not equal, creating a divide between students who can explore AI freely and those who can't.
- 46% of teachers say students without access to AI will fall behind.
- 50% of students in the UK have already used AI tools for learning.
- 48% of parents want virtual tutors to support their children.
- 38% of parents say their child lacks access to AI tools.
- In tech-savvy Britain, 62% of teachers believe that AI tools will be crucial to future success.
Schools must ensure equitable access to avoid widening the achievement gap.
For students and families looking to explore tailored AI support, GoStudent’s AI English tutor offers personalised learning powered by intelligent technology.
What Teachers Need Most
Educators are open to AI but need the right tools and policies in place.
- 35% of teachers say generative AI will be one of the most useful tools in the classroom within the next two years.
- In countries such as the UK, half of teachers (50%) believe that children will need access to generative AI tools such as ChatGPT within the next two years, and a similar amount believe that students will need access to writing assistants such as Grammarly.
- 70% believe AI should be treated like access to the internet, a basic right.
Policy changes and investment in AI literacy will be key to empowering both teachers and students.
Chapter 4: A Personalised Future for Every Learner
AI Supports, Not Replaces, Teachers
AI has the power to tailor learning paths, but it works best alongside skilled educators who provide human judgement and motivation.
- 59% of teachers and 51% of parents support AI + human models.
- 44% of teachers say AI can offer personalised learning.
- 47% of parents agree AI can tailor learning to their child.
AI is seen as a partner, not a substitute, in the educational journey.
Supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN)
One of the most promising uses of AI is in adapting education for students with special needs.
- 44% of parents with SEN children say AI can better meet their needs.
- 46% of parents hope AI could reduce admin workload.
This opens the door to more inclusive and responsive classrooms.
Digital Learning Is Already Mainstream
Students are already using digital tools in their everyday learning, and their expectations are changing rapidly.
- 60% of UK students use digital learning apps, the highest in Europe.
- 50% of students believe smart robots and AI will be a normal part of classrooms by 2030.
- 46% of students hope for AI-powered avatar teachers in the future.
- 21% have tried Metaverse or VR experiences.
Digital-first learning is no longer a trend, it’s becoming the norm.
Grounding the Findings in National Education Statistics
While the GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025 reflects the views of families and educators across Europe, it’s important to compare these insights with official education statistics in the UK. By looking at the latest national data, we can better understand how well the system is responding to today’s challenges, from primary and secondary school performance to teacher numbers, school funding, and the growing needs of special schools.
The following section draws on government-published data and recent education and training statistics (2024–2025) to provide a clearer picture of the overall number of pupils, the state of education expenditure, and the provision available for children and young people across the UK.
To explore these trends further, GoStudent’s AI in Education report dives deeper into how AI is reshaping classrooms and what this means for the future of teaching.
UK Education Statistics: A 2024–2025 Snapshot
School Numbers and Pupil Demographics
- There are 24,453 schools in England: 16,764 primary schools, 3,452 secondary schools, 1,050 special schools, 388 nursery schools, and 333 pupil referral units. (DfE, 2024)
- There were 9,758,015 pupils in maintained schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. This represents an increase of 11,897 pupils (0.1%) compared to the previous year. (DfE, 2024)
- 42.7% of primary schools and 81.9% of secondary schools are academies or free schools. (DfE, 2024)
Teacher Workforce and Gender Balance
- The UK has 566,916 full-time equivalent teachers, down 455 from the previous year. (DfE, 2024)
- 74% of teachers are female. In primary schools, 85% are female; in secondary education, 64% are female. (DfE, 2024)
Education Expenditure and Funding
- UK education expenditure is projected at £116 billion in 2024–25, equal to 4.1% of national income. (IFS, 2024)
- In the 2024–25 academic year, the average funding per pupil in England is approximately £6,700 for primary schools and £7,400 for secondary schools. (IFS, 2024)
- In the Autumn Budget 2024, the UK government announced an additional £2.3 billion for the core schools budget in the 2025–26 financial year. Of this, £1 billion is allocated specifically for high needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.. (DfE, 2024)
Remote Learning and Homeschooling
- The UK’s educational technology sector has experienced rapid growth, now valued at approximately £3.2 billion, following a 72% increase in 2020 alone.
(Ward Training) - A recent survey found that 77% of learners believe remote learning is as effective as classroom-based education, and 90% say they prefer it for its flexibility and convenience.
(Growth Engineering) - In the 2022–23 academic year, 126,000 children in England were homeschooled at some point, an increase of over 10,000 from the previous year. (The Guardian)
A New Era of Education
These statistics about education reveal one truth: change isn’t coming, it’s already here. Whether it’s tackling misinformation, expanding access to education, or preparing teachers for AI, we are entering a new era of learning. The education system must adapt quickly or risk leaving students unprepared.
As GoStudent continues to support families through flexible, tech-enhanced tutoring, this report is a wake-up call for everyone in education, from policy to practice.
