Responding to the news that the Department for Education is looking at creating a £3 million “content store” to train artificial intelligence (AI) to support teachers and reduce workload, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union, the NAHT said:

"Leaders and teachers have been struggling with excessive and stressful workloads, and staff shortages for many years.

“Leaders also understand that AI can reduce the burden of administrative tasks. Therefore, we welcome proposals from the Labour government to explore how it could relieve pressure on stretched school staff. However, we are also painfully aware that AI is not a substitute for a teacher – who will have the experience and understanding to get the best learning outcomes for children. We would like to engage and collaborate with the government at the earliest opportunity to scope the potential for the use of AI, identify concerns and limitations and ensure that any implementation of AI in education is thoughtful, responsible, and ultimately enhances the learning experience for all.”