The majority of teachers in Britain believe that access to artificial intelligence in education should be considered a human right, new data suggests.
A recent report from online tutoring platform GoStudent shows that 70% of British teachers believe AI in education should be treated as an essential resource, on par with internet access which is seen as a human right by the UN.
But while many think AI has a place in the classroom, a vaster majority believe that human involvement is still crucial.
Felix Oswald, CEO and Co-Founder of GoStudent, said: “UK teachers see AI not just as a tool, but as a necessity for student success, safety, and equality.”
Oswald said in a country that prioritises digital literacy, students now need to know how to use AI.
“When students are left to figure things out on their own, often through social media, they’re more vulnerable to misinformation, manipulation, and unsafe use.
“Teachers feel it’s their responsibility to ensure students aren’t left behind in a world increasingly shaped by AI.”
: The GoStudent’s 2025 Future of Education Report is based on insights from more than 11,000 parents and students, and 300 teachers across six European countries, including the United Kingdom.
Its data also suggests that AI will be central to future careers and that a lack of education could leave students locked out of the job market.
The report shows that 84% of students in the UK already use AI tools, yet only 35% say they’re being taught how to use them properly.
Oswald said: “There’s also a strong cultural belief in the UK that digital access should be universal.
“The country has long prioritised digital literacy and was among the first in Europe to integrate online tools into classrooms.
“For many educators, access to AI is simply the next logical step in this progression.”
While there is still a clear need and want for AI in the classroom, most teachers believe human involvement is crucial for students’ learning because it provides the emotional support and critical thinking skills that AI cannot.
At the same time, almost half of UK parents say they’re concerned their children may become too dependent on AI.
Oswald said it’s now essential that teachers get proper training to guide students in using AI safely and responsibly.
He believes outdated assessment models must be reformed and AI must be integrated into the curriculum.
He said: “Schools must teach AI not only as a tool, but as a subject involving digital ethics, critical thinking, and media literacy.”
Oswald has urged the UK government to lead the way in developing a clear national plan for integrating AI in education that ensures students are getting the technology’s full potential while also being protected.
“This is not a challenge we can afford to approach slowly. If the UK wants to remain a leader in education and technology, we need strategic national investment and collaboration, starting now.”
Last month, the government invested £187 million into launching a national skills programme aimed at boosting digital and AI learning in schools and communities.
In a statement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We are putting the power of AI into the hands of the next generation – so they can shape the future, not be shaped by it.
“This training programme will unlock opportunity in every classroom – and lays the foundations for a new era of growth.”
Photo by Ahmed Siddiqui on Unsplash
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