Artificial Intelligence in Education: Preparing Students for a Digital Future

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from the realm of science fiction into our everyday lives—and education is no exception. Job postings and demand for AI talent are rising sharply. Recent figures show that the share of job advertisements mentioning AI in major European economies has grown significantly in 2025 (Euronews, 2025). The skills needed to develop and work with AI systems have almost tripled as a share of employment in less than a decade, yet gaps remain across regions and sectors.

To ensure students are ready for this evolving landscape, the Department for Education (DfE) is investing £45 million to digitally connect schools and eliminate the digital divide. Additionally, £1 million is being allocated to develop AI tools that reduce teacher workload and support classroom integration.

Integrating AI into Schools:

• Model responsible use: Show students how AI can assist learning while discussing ethical considerations.

• Build learning opportunities: Teach students to use AI safely and effectively as a learning tool.

• Use real-world examples: Highlight potential risks and guide students in evaluating AI outputs.

• Promote AI as a partner: Encourage students to ask questions and engage in reflective dialogue.

• Motivate learners: AI can make learning interactive and engaging, helping students explore new ways of thinking.

  
  

Key Skills Supported by AI:

• Critical thinking and evaluation of information

• Ethical awareness and decision-making

• Reflective dialogue and deeper questioning

• Collaboration and problem-solving

• Adaptability in unknown or evolving contexts

AI is here to stay, and future-ready students will need both broad and specialised skills. Beyond technical competence, they will require cognitive and meta-cognitive skills (critical thinking, creativity, learning to learn, self-regulation), social and emotional skills (empathy, collaboration, self-efficacy), and practical digital literacy.

Addressing these needs requires a systematic, whole-child approach—supporting development at home, in school, and across all stages of education.

TICKhub is writing a book about how to develop these skills in schools. Watch this space for more information.