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.