Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, and education is no exception. To explore its growing impact, Twinkl conducted a large-scale survey between January 15th and January 22nd, gathering insights from over 6,500 teachers across the UK. The findings highlight AI’s increasing role in education, its benefits, the challenges of implementation, and the tools teachers hope to see in the future.
AI Usage Among Educators Continues to Rise
The survey revealed a sharp increase in AI adoption among teachers. In 2025, 60% of UK educators report using AI in their professional work. This represents a significant rise compared to previous years:
- In 2023, 30% of UK teachers used generative AI (National Literacy Trust survey).
- In 2024, that number rose to 47.7%.
- Twinkl’s latest findings indicate a further jump to 60% in 2025.
Interestingly, teachers are more likely to use AI at work than in their personal lives. In the UK, 43% use AI for personal tasks, compared to 60% for work.
AI as a Time-Saving Tool
The survey highlights AI’s biggest advantage: saving time. With heavy workloads and poor work-life balance being common concerns among teachers, AI is proving to be a game-changer.
Among frequent users (teachers who use AI weekly or daily):
- 44% use AI weekly, 23% daily.
- 24% save up to an hour per week.
- 64% save between 1-5 hours per week.
- 9% save over 5 hours.
- 3% save over 10 hours.
This indicates that AI is reducing administrative workloads, allowing educators to dedicate more time to teaching and student support.
Educators’ Optimism Towards AI
Most teachers view AI as a positive force in education.
- 60% of UK teachers believe AI can enhance student learning.
- Among frequent AI users, optimism is even higher.
- 67.8% of UK teachers say AI helps reduce workplace stress.
- Frequent users are significantly more likely to agree, with 77% reporting lower stress levels.
In the UK, 58% of teachers support the Government’s belief that AI can help personalise lessons and reduce paperwork, as outlined in the January 2025 AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Barriers to AI Adoption: Regulation and Training
Despite enthusiasm for AI, the survey reveals key challenges:
- Only 19% of UK teachers believe AI is sufficiently regulated.
- 76% of UK teachers have not received any training or guidance from their schools.
These findings suggest that while AI is becoming integral to teaching, there is a clear need for structured training and guidelines to ensure its effective and ethical use.
The AI Tools Teachers Want Next
As AI adoption grows, educators are eager for tools that further ease their workload. The most requested AI tools include:
- Lesson content creation (63%)
- Lesson planning (58%)
- Report writing (55%)
- Professional development tools (50%)
- Exam/test generation (46%)
- Grading assistance (39%)
AI is rapidly transforming education, with teachers embracing its potential to reduce workloads, improve efficiency, and lower stress. However, gaps remain in regulation and training. Schools and policymakers must ensure educators receive the necessary support to make the most of AI while maintaining ethical standards.
As AI continues to develop, its role in education will likely expand. Providing teachers with the right tools and training will be essential in maximising AI’s benefits while addressing its challenges.
Want to connect with other educators discussing AI in the classroom? Join our AI in Education Facebook Groups to share insights, ask questions, and stay updated on the latest trends in education and technology.
Visit our AI for Primary Teachers group here and our AI for Secondary Teachers group here.