Education · 30 June 2026
AI in Education
For teachers, school leaders and MATs
At askKira, we provide GDPR-compliant, secure AI built specifically for UK schools. Developed with over 100 education experts and aligned with DfE, Ofsted and EEF guidance, askKira helps teachers, school leaders and MATs work smarter, reduce workload and make data-driven decisions with confidence.
This week's roundup brings you the latest AI developments that matter for UK education.
EdTech Market in England
DfE Values England's EdTech Market at £5.9 Billion
The DfE has published a major research report assessing the education technology market in England, valuing it at £5.93 billion. Assessment technologies are identified as the fastest-growing vertical, with 18% annual growth. The report calls for clearer evidence standards and a national EdTech roadmap to help schools make better procurement decisions.
Why it matters: UK school leaders and MATs are spending significant sums on EdTech with limited independent guidance; this report sets out the case for a more structured, evidence-led approach to procurement across English schools.
Read the source on gov.uk →UK AI Research & Investment
Government Commits £60 Million to New AI Research Labs
The UK government has announced up to £60 million in funding for two new AI research labs at Oxford and University College London. The labs are designed to make AI cheaper, more dependable and easier for public services to adopt safely. The initiative forms part of the government's broader AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Why it matters: UK schools stand to benefit directly if publicly funded research produces more reliable, lower-cost AI tools that meet the safety and transparency standards required for educational settings.
Read the source on GOV.UK →AI Tutoring & Personalised Learning
EEF Trial Finds Intelligent Tutor Boosts Pupil Progress
The Education Endowment Foundation has published findings from an independent randomised controlled trial evaluating an intelligent tutoring system that adapts lessons and feedback to individual pupils. The results show promising progress gains, adding to the growing body of evidence on adaptive learning technology in UK classrooms.
Why it matters: EEF-validated evidence is the gold standard for UK school leaders; this trial gives SLTs a credible basis for evaluating adaptive AI tutoring tools rather than relying on supplier claims alone.
Read the source on educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk →School Data Privacy & Legal Risks
Schools Face Growing Wave of Data Litigation Claims
TES reports that people's growing awareness of their data rights, combined with the increasing use of AI to identify and launch complaints against schools, is creating a significant legal risk for school leaders. Experts warn that incomplete subject access request processes and poor data hygiene are the most common vulnerabilities.
Why it matters: As AI tools become embedded in UK school operations, DSLs and school business managers must ensure data governance processes are robust enough to withstand legally assisted challenge.
Read the source on TES →AI Values & School Leadership
Senior Leader Urges Schools to Put Human Values at the Centre of AI
Writing in Schools Week, Damilola Ajagbonna, senior deputy headteacher at Hitchin Boys' School, argues that efficiency gains from AI must not come at the expense of the human relationships and moral judgement at the heart of good teaching. He calls on school leaders to pause and interrogate AI tools before embedding them into practice.
Why it matters: As adoption accelerates across UK schools, this is a timely reminder for SLTs that AI implementation should be values-led, not vendor-led, with staff and students kept firmly at the centre of every decision.
Read the source on GOV.UK →