The government has announced a new pilot programme that will introduce AI-powered tutoring tools into schools in England, in a move designed to help close the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils. Trials are set to begin later this year in secondary schools, with the Department for Education (DfE) estimating that the scheme could eventually support up to 450,000 pupils annually who are eligible for free school meals.

The initiative will focus on providing learning support that aims to replicate some of the benefits of one-to-one tutoring that many families cannot afford. Ministers say the technology will be aligned closely with the National Curriculum, ensuring it reinforces classroom teaching rather than operating as a standalone or unregulated intervention. The government has stressed that the use of AI will not replace teachers and comes with a commitment that the AI tools will be developed collaboratively by teachers, education experts and industry partners. The DfE has emphasised that classroom professionals will play a key role in shaping how the technology works in practice, helping to ensure it meets real teaching needs and supports pupils with different learning profiles.

Alongside the pilot, staff training will be developed to help teachers use AI confidently and responsibly in classrooms. Ministers say this focus on trust, transparency and safeguarding is essential if the technology is to work for the most disadvantaged learners and gain acceptance across the school system. If successful, the trial could mark a significant step in the government’s wider strategy to harness technology to improve outcomes, while maintaining the central role of teachers in delivering high-quality education. Read more on Schools Week.