AI tutoring tools to be trialled in secondary schools

The government is running a tender for industry to co-create AI tutoring tools with teachers, with the goal of bringing these tools to a similar level of quality of personalised one to one support.

By adapting to individual pupils’ needs, the tools could provide extra help when they get stuck and identify where they need more practice to master their lessons, with the potential to help them catch up with their peers.

From Summer term this year, there will be teacher-led co-creation of AI tutoring tools with industry. The tools will then be available to schools by the end of 2027. From years 9 - 11 alone this means the tools could support up to 450,000 children a year on free school meals to access one to one tutoring.

Under the plans the government will work alongside teachers, AI labs and leading tech companies to robustly test AI tutoring tools, so they are safe and work for pupils, including the most disadvantaged, and school staff. This includes ensuring they work in tandem with the National Curriculum to build on children’s learning in class.  

The tools will help drive up standards by complementing high-quality face-to-face teaching – not replacing it – offering targeted support to students who need it most while also pushing the most able pupils to go further, so every child can achieve and thrive.

Trials of the AI tutoring tools will begin later this year with children in secondary schools across the country, drawing on first-hand experience from teachers. Their expertise and feedback will ensure the tools are at their most effective, with evidence gathered from trials then informing their wider use.

Robust benchmarks will also be developed so parents and teachers can be confident that AI tools for use by pupils are high quality, reliable and most importantly safe.

Teachers and school staff will be supported with clear, practical training developed with the education sector, so they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to use AI safely and effectively.