🧠 Will AI Replace Teachers? 40+ UK Education Statistics to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the education system in the UK and beyond. But one research question keeps coming up for teachers, parents and students alike: Will AI replace teachers?

The answer isn’t black and white. At FindTutors, we’ve analysed over 40 in-depth statistics, including insights from the 2025 Future of Education Report by our GoStudent partner, to uncover if, when, and how AI could impact teaching in the UK.

The report surveyed 5,859 parents and children (aged 10–16) across six countries, including 1,000 in the United Kingdom, alongside 300 teachers. It offers valuable insights into how AI systems are already being used in classrooms and how educators feel about the rise of intelligent tools in lesson planning and lesson delivery.

So, are human teachers still essential? Or will AI-powered tools take over? Let’s dive in.

Download The GoStudent Education Report PDF

🔑 Key Takeaways: Is AI a Threat or Tool for UK Teachers?

• 70% of UK teachers believe AI will be central to students' future careers, but just 10% fear being replaced.
• 59% of UK teachers and 51% of UK parents say the best approach is combining human teaching with AI tools.
• 63% of students want teachers to know more about AI, but 74% of UK teachers still haven’t received formal training.
• Only 30% of UK students currently have access to AI-powered tools in the classroom.
• 71% of teachers prefer to supervise AI use rather than ban it completely.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

These figures show that while AI is seen as a valuable tool for supporting educators, the answer lies in blending new technologies with the human touch.

🛏️ Will AI Replace Teachers? Future of Education

One thing is clear: students don’t want AI-generated teachers. They prefer diverse educators who understand how to use AI in education to encourage students, track progress, and address learning challenges.

Meanwhile, traditional teaching methods are evolving. Teachers are recognising AI’s potential in personalised learning, but not as a replacement.

• 63% of UK students want their teachers to be more knowledgeable about AI.
• 66% of teachers across Europe believe schools are responsible for teaching students about the ethical use of AI.
• 59% of UK teachers support a hybrid model, using AI to tailor lessons and reduce repetitive tasks.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

📊 AI in Education: Role of Teachers

AI Adoption and Teacher Attitudes

• 60% of teachers across Europe say they’ve integrated AI into their daily teaching.
• 74% of UK teachers haven’t received AI training for classroom use.
• Only 10% of UK teachers fear AI could fully replace teachers.

Parent and Teacher Concerns

• 54% of UK parents worry that learning is becoming overly reliant on AI.
• 71% of UK teachers say AI should be supervised, not banned.

These figures highlight AI’s growing role in tackling routine tasks like admin and offering instant feedback, but also show the need to empower teachers through training.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

🧑‍🏫 Generative AI vs Human Teachers: Useful for Administrative Tasks, But Can It Truly Replace Them?

• 91% of European teachers believe AI will influence education but not replace the crucial role of human educators.
• 59% of UK teachers and 51% of UK parents say the future lies in a blended model.
• Only 10% of UK teachers and 11% of UK parents think AI could fully replace teachers.

“AI can help explain content, but only humans can connect with students on a deeper level.” Sal Khan, Khan Academy

While generative artificial intelligence can streamline routine administrative tasks, roles that involve emotional support, guiding personal growth, and crafting deeper learning through prompt engineering still require a primary source: human connection.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

👪 Parental Trust in AI Teachers: How Does the UK Compare?

• 58% of UK parents trust AI-enhanced teaching, the highest in Europe.
• Just 34% of Italian parents say the same.
• Germany & Spain: 52%, France: 47%, Austria: 42%.

This shows that while AI tools are being welcomed, human teachers remain trusted leaders in curriculum design and knowledge transfer.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

⏳When will Artificial Intelligence Replace Teachers?

What the Experts Say

• Bill Gates predicts teaching may be transformed by AI in the next 10 years but says its role is to support, not replace.
• Sal Khan asserts that AI cannot replace empathy, mentorship, or moral guidance.
• Estonia will roll out a nationwide AI education platform for 5,000 teachers and 58,000 students by 2027.

UK Data:

• 70% of UK teachers believe AI will be essential to future careers.
• 46% of UK parents hope AI reduces teacher admin so more time can be spent on student engagement.
• 50% of UK teachers believe generative AI access will be essential in the next two years.

(Sources: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025, The Guardian, UNN, New York Post, Glasp)

🏫 Which Jobs Are Most at Risk from AI, and Are Teachers Safe?

Roles Most at Risk

• Data entry
• Bookkeeping
• Customer service
• Logistics
• Journalism (low-level reporting)

Jobs That Are Safer

• Teachers
• Nurses
• Psychologists
• Educators
• 64% of UK parents believe human skills like critical thinking, empathy and communication will become even more valuable.
• Goldman Sachs projects 300 million jobs globally could be impacted by machine learning and automation.

(Sources: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025, Goldman Sachs Report)

🌐 Will AI Replace Language Teachers?

Even in areas like language learning, the demand for human teachers remains strong.

• 24% of language teachers believe AI might teach languages independently by 2035.
• 50% are confident it won’t happen.
• 29% actively recommend AI-powered tools as supplements.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025, Adaptive Learning in ELT, ICEF Monitor)

💡 How AI Is Already Changing the Role of UK Teachers

• 59% of UK teachers believe hybrid teaching improves learning outcomes.
• 46% of UK parents want AI to reduce admin work.
• Only 26% of UK teachers have had formal AI training.

This evolution allows teachers to focus more on learning objectives, encouraging students, and adapting lessons for diverse learners.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

🤖 Which AI Tools Do UK Students Actually Want?

Top Tools Now:

• Generative AI: 37%
• Language learning tools: 29%
• Writing assistants: 22%

Tools Students Expect to Use in 2 Years:

• Generative AI: 35%
• Writing assistants: 29%
• Maths AI tools: 23%
• 60% of UK students already use education apps to learn.
• 35% of UK students have used AI in a school context, the highest in Europe.

These preferences suggest that AI in education is here to stay, not to replace, but to work alongside teachers.

(Source: GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025)

🤖 Final Verdict: Will AI Replace Teachers in the UK?

No, but it will reshape teaching forever.

• Just 10% of UK teachers fear being replaced
• 59% of teachers and 51% of parents support AI-human collaboration
• 74% of UK teachers still lack proper AI training

The future of education lies in supporting educators, not replacing them. Artificial intelligence will automate the routine tasks, offer valuable insights, and empower teachers to reach more students. But the heart of education will always be the teacher, guiding, inspiring, and connecting.