Majority of UK Teachers See AI Training as Critical Gap—Pearson's 2025 Report Spurs Industry Action
Key Finding: 44% of Secondary Teachers Say Students Are Not Ready for AI's Impact
The newly released Pearson School Report 2025 casts a stark light on digital readiness in UK education. Drawing on insights from over 14,000 voices, the study reveals nearly half (44%) of secondary teachers and a third (31%) of primary teachers doubt their students are adequately prepared for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. This sentiment comes at a time when AI is moving from classroom concept to practical, everyday tool.
Training Gap: Only 9% of Teachers Feel Equipped to Teach AI
The biggest red flag: teacher confidence is alarmingly low. Just 9% of respondents feel capable of teaching AI concepts, and almost a quarter (23%) openly admit a lack of confidence using AI at all. Educators clearly recognize the opportunity—57% believe AI will play an even bigger role in education’s future and 39% have tried AI tools recently—but acknowledge they need stronger foundations before guiding the next generation.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Secondary teachers worried students are unprepared for AI | 44% |
| Primary teachers worried students are unprepared for AI | 31% |
| Teachers not confident using AI | 23% |
| Teachers confident teaching AI | 9% |
| Teachers wanting AI included in training | 42% |
Demand for Professional Development Surges as Digital Skills Gap Widens
It’s not just teachers expressing concern; the report surfaces a sector-wide call for professional development. A significant 59% of college tutors and 43% of school staff identify expanded AI training as key to enhancing digital literacy for both teachers and students. Nearly half of teachers see AI as a time-saver for tasks like lesson planning, but many want assurance that adoption is responsible, inclusive, and effective for students’ futures.
Industry Moves: Pearson Ramps Up AI Certification and Literacy Pathways
In response to these concerns, Pearson has rolled out several new initiatives. Thousands of learners have now accessed the 'Generative AI Foundations Certification' since its launch in late 2024. The 'AI Essentials' course, created in partnership with Basingstoke College of Technology, delivers the fundamentals of AI use, including critical thinking about digital content. Pearson has also introduced the EPQ:AI pathway and the BTEC Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals course, expanding the routes to AI literacy for UK and international students alike.
What’s Next: Investing in Skills, Infrastructure, and Teacher Confidence
Sector voices, including Freya Thomas Monk of Pearson and Janeen Hayat of The Fair Education Alliance, warn that a lack of coordinated investment could deepen educational inequalities. Teachers’ experiences echo this: many feel that insufficient digital training creates gaps in what children learn and can achieve. The Pearson report is a timely signal for education leaders and policymakers—if the sector moves swiftly to address training and resources, UK schools can close the skills gap and ensure every student thrives in a rapidly evolving, AI-powered world.
Key Takeaway for Stakeholders
The path forward is clear: teachers want actionable support and AI-specific training, not just rhetoric. Pearson’s investment in teacher-focused AI certifications may be the beginning, but with 91% of teachers lacking confidence in AI instruction, the pace of sector change must accelerate. For those monitoring the future of education and digital literacy, these signals make the 2025–2026 school year a pivotal one to watch.
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