Schools invited to become ‘test beds’ for new EdTech
The Department for Education has launched an additional £1 million of Contracts for Innovation which will accelerate development of pioneering AI tools to help with marking, and generating detailed, tailored feedback for individual students.
As part of this, schools and colleges are being invited to become ‘test beds’ for evaluating new EdTech products, creating an evidence base for technologies that genuinely improve both teaching quality and pupil outcomes.
Called the 'EdTech Impact Testbed Pilot', schools will evaluate the tools to assess how they can enhance teaching and learning.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "We’re putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers to enhance how our children learn and develop – freeing teachers from paperwork so they can focus on what parents and pupils need most: inspiring teaching and personalised support.
"Our Plan for Change demands an excellent education for every child, and making all sure young people are benefitting from the latest technology is a vital step.
"By harnessing AI’s power to cut workloads, we’re revolutionising classrooms and driving high standards everywhere – breaking down barriers to opportunity so every child can achieve and thrive."
Schools and colleges are invited to apply to participate in the pilot here.
Latest News
11/07/2025 - 10:17
Ofsted has announced it will be holding a programme of sector engagement events in September to go alongside the final set of education inspection reforms.
10/07/2025 - 09:39
Overstretched children’s social care services has led to an alarming number of children leaving the care system and becoming homeless, not in employment or not in education, according to a report by the Education Committee.
10/07/2025 - 09:23
A new report suggests the free schools programme in England has generally had positive impacts on pupil outcomes at secondary, including GCSE and A-Level attainment and secondary school absence.
09/07/2025 - 10:38
The framework gives teachers guidance to plan high quality lessons and teach writing from reception and throughout primary school.
09/07/2025 - 10:16
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) finds that the Department for Education (DfE) lacks a coherent plan, suitable targets and sufficient evidence of what works as it seeks to improve teacher recruitment and retention.
