Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche tool, it’s now central to how students learn, write, revise, and even take exams. With the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, the way students engage with content has changed dramatically over the past year.
This article explores the latest statistics of students using AI, revealing how many students use AI, what for, and where concerns around plagiarism, confidence, and school policy gaps are growing.
Based on our newly launched GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025, which surveyed 5,859 students (aged 10–16), their parents, and 300 teachers across Europe, along with the latest UK education data, here’s what educators and families need to know.
The GoStudent report offers valuable insight into how many students use AI in formal learning.
AI is no longer a fringe tool, it's embedded in everyday learning for many students. In the UK, 35% of students aged 10–16 report using AI in a school learning context, the highest across the six countries surveyed.
Yet, access to training and tools is limited. 74% of UK teachers say they’ve received no training in how to use AI in the classroom. Three-quarters of teachers in Europe are not receiving any training whatsoever in AI, despite the fact 56% of teachers demand it.
Looking ahead, 50% of UK students believe AI and smart robots will be standard in classrooms by 2030. Meanwhile, 68% of UK parents say digital tools like AI help children learn more efficiently, and 48% support using AI-powered virtual tutors.
Despite this support, only 30% of UK students currently have access to AI-powered tools at school, compared to 44% in Italy.
From writing support to maths tools, students are now applying AI to all areas of learning, often combining tools for better results. The use of AI tools in education is transforming how students and educators approach learning and teaching.
Timing matters. The data shows that how students are using AI often depends on school pressure points like revision, deadlines, and final exams.
Across Europe, 85% of students say they’ve used AI for learning. In the UK, that’s 35% using it specifically within school contexts, above the European average of 26%.
Usage is largely self-driven:
50% of teachers in the UK say students will need access to generative AI tools like ChatGPT within two years.
Beyond convenience, students use AI to save time, boost writing confidence, and access on-demand support when teachers or parents aren’t available. The rapid adoption of these technologies presents an opportunity for institutions to support students in developing necessary skills, ultimately transforming the learning experience and preparing students for the future workforce.
Encouraging a better understanding of AI can help educators and students see it not merely as a tool for cheating, but as an aid for deepening comprehension of complex topics. Reframing discussions around AI usage can foster a supportive learning environment where students can improve their understanding of concepts with appropriate guidance.
As AI tools become more embedded in academic life, a growing number of students are crossing ethical lines, and both parents and teachers are taking notice. These students cheating with AI statistics highlight one of the biggest challenges facing schools in 2025.
One of the most searched questions this year is: are students using AI to write essays?
The GoStudent Future of Education Report confirms the answer is yes, to varying degrees.
These AI in education statistics show a nuanced picture: many are exploring AI responsibly, but a significant minority are crossing lines that schools haven’t clearly defined yet.
The blurred boundary between support and substitution is exactly why schools need clear policies, better teacher training, and student guidance.
Teachers see the potential in AI, but lack the tools to manage it confidently.
Despite demand, only a small percentage of schools offer structured AI training programmes.
Generative AI, which can create new content like text, images, and videos, is making significant inroads in education. This technology can be used to develop personalised learning materials, offer detailed feedback, and support teachers in their instructional duties.
Many educators are excited about the potential of generative AI to explain complex concepts and create interactive learning experiences. However, there are valid concerns about its misuse, such as cheating or plagiarism. To mitigate these risks, educators are actively seeking to develop effective policies and guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI in education.
AI will soon be a baseline — not a bonus — in learning.
AI isn’t a distant future, it’s already here. 85% of students are using it, and 35% of UK students use it in schools. Yet 74% of UK teachers have had no formal training.
As 62% of students express a desire for teachers to better understand AI, and 68% of parents look to schools for leadership, it’s clear that the gap between usage and support needs to close.
With 59% of teachers saying AI works best when paired with human instruction, the path forward is clear: embed AI in education, responsibly, equitably, and ethically.