DfE says AI tutoring design work runs until March 2027

The Department for Education said on 16 October 2026 that design work on its AI tutoring tools will run until March 2027.

Paul Waugh gave the update for the department in a written answer to the MP Dr Ben Spencer. He said the tools are being designed for year 9 and 10 pupils. This involves closely supervised research with around 30 partner schools. Tools that pass safety and teaching tests will move to trials through the EdTech Testbed Programme, run with the Education Endowment Foundation.

Spencer asked when trials would begin, how many pupils would take part and whether the design would be randomised. The answer did not give a date or a number. It said study plans will be published and will set out the method.

The department said in a press release in January that trials would begin later this year and tools would reach schools by the end of 2027. Schools Week reported in July that eight firms are working on the tools, after Google left the supplier list.

Concerns were raised in Parliament days later. Meg Moss of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society told the education committee on 20 October that she worries about the safeguarding risks of AI tutors.

For parents and teachers, the answer means the tools are still in supervised research in a small group of schools. It describes no way for other schools to use them yet. It does not say when trials will start or whether the end of 2027 target still stands.

Sources

1. UK Parliament | Written question 32924 on trials of AI tutoring, answered 16 October 2026
2. Department for Education (GOV.UK) | 450,000 disadvantaged pupils could benefit from AI tutoring tools
3. Department for Education (GOV.UK) | EdTech Testbed Programme: guidance
4. Schools Week | Google no longer helping government develop AI tutoring tools for schools
5. House of Commons Education Committee | Oral evidence: The use of Artificial Intelligence and EdTech in Education, 20 October 2026