Will AI replace tutors in UK education?
Discover how AI helps tutors save time and personalise learning, while human connection remains essential.
A common question in UK classrooms and education policies is: “Will AI replace teachers and tutors?”. The answer is more hopeful than many think. Instead of taking over, artificial intelligence acts as a tool that helps human tutors do their best work. AI allows teachers to spend less time on paperwork and more time on what matters: connecting with students, helping them think deeply, and offering emotional support.
AI is changing how teachers and tutors work. Tools like automatic feedback systems and personalised learning platforms promise to make classrooms more efficient. These tools save teachers time and help them give students instruction that meets individual needs.
The use of AI in UK education is growing fast. Recent surveys show 92% of UK students use AI, up from 66% in 2024. More teachers are also using it: the number jumped from 31% in 2023 to almost 48% in 2024. More than half now use tools like ChatGPT for planning and admin tasks. But there’s a problem: 75% of teachers haven’t received any training on using AI. This shows both a big opportunity and a risk for schools.
The Department for Education (DfE) is responding. In August 2024, the government funded a £3 million data library to give AI models better content. They also set aside £1 million to help develop AI tools that lighten teacher workloads. The clear message from these plans: AI should help teachers, not replace them.
AI is great at sorting data and finding patterns, but it can’t create the trust, empathy, and human connection that teaching needs. These human skills are vital for making learning stick and for student well-being.
Some students, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), need emotional support to do well. Human tutors build trust, show kindness, and offer steady support. They notice small details, like a tired face or a proud smile, that computers miss. Tutors can change their teaching style right away to fit the moment.
Tutors bring emotional intelligence, flexibility, and real-life advice that AI can’t match. They read and respond to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. If a student seems confused or frustrated, a tutor can encourage them, explain things in new ways, or take a break. AI uses data to adapt, but real tutors react instantly and with feeling.
For example, when a student feels stuck, a tutor can motivate them, celebrate their small successes, and help rebuild their confidence. AI doesn’t offer this kind of encouragement or help students manage their worries.
Research shows students learn best when they have a strong relationship with their tutor. Other popular studies found that when tutors care about a student’s motivation and well-being, the student does much better. Being seen and supported by someone who truly cares makes a big difference, and today’s AI can’t build that kind of relationship.
Critical thinking is about discussing, asking big questions, and exploring new ideas. Teachers guide this learning through conversations, debates, and real-world problems that spark curiosity. While AI can suggest materials and track progress, it can’t run deep, creative discussions or inspire new ways of thinking, the way human tutors can.
Skills like clear communication, working with others, managing emotions, and understanding different cultures come from real human interactions. Students learn these by watching and talking to adults who model these skills. Algorithms can simulate conversation, but they can’t serve as real role models.
At Bright Heart, we believe true change in education happens when teachers nurture and care, not just when technology is used. The most powerful teaching combines learning with well-being, thanks to deep human connections.
Teachers spend a lot of time on paperwork. AI can support attendance tracking, draft reports, and grade basic assignments quickly and accurately. By handing these jobs to AI, teachers could potentially gain back almost 6 hours per week, which adds up to nearly six extra weeks during the school year. This time is better spent working directly with students, mentoring, and building relationships.
It’s hard for one teacher to give every student the exact support they need, especially with big class sizes. AI tools can create customised materials and learning paths for each student based on their level and interests. Teachers then use the information from these systems to give students personalised feedback and help with tough spots.
AI-powered platforms constantly review how students are doing, spotting trends that teachers might miss. With this information, teachers can focus their help where it’s needed most, instead of guessing.
Some of the best results come from setups where AI and human tutors work together. Studies show that combining AI with human support delivers the best learning, especially for students who may be behind. In these “hybrid” models, AI handles the content and pacing, while the human tutor motivates, celebrates achievements, and maintains real connections.
SEND students, and many others, need help learning to think for themselves. Relying too much on AI can make learning too easy, skipping important stages like asking questions and exploring new ideas. Tutors help students use AI wisely, as a tool to question, research, and reflect, not just to get quick answers. Meaningful learning comes from guided discovery, with a focus on building strong thinking and problem-solving skills.
Problems from overusing AI:
To prevent these issues, DfE guidance says learning must remain led by teachers. Teachers should check AI content for accuracy and safety, protect student data, and make sure AI tools match the curriculum. Schools should also have clear policies about which students or subjects use AI, and start small when introducing new tech. Teaching students how to spot errors, find bias, and question AI output is now an essential skill.
Bright Heart uses technology to support, not replace, human connection. Our tutors use platforms like Pencil Spaces (an interactive online whiteboard) and tools like Proloquo2Go to help students who can’t speak, communicate and learn. We only use AI for things like lesson planning and making classes more accessible.
Ethics and safety are top priorities. No student uses AI without an adult present, and every tool is carefully chosen for its value. This cautious use of technology lets tutors focus on building relationships, boosting well-being, and helping each student grow.
Especially for SEND students, this means technology supports inclusion without taking away the caring approach that helps students thrive.
The future of education won’t be humans versus machines. It will be a smart blend where each has its strengths. The DfE’s new AI Opportunities Action Plan (January 2025) aims to put the UK at the forefront of AI in education, with new investments in universities, AI “Growth Zones,” and better access to teaching data.
AI takes care of repetitive chores, so teachers have more time to mentor, support, and inspire curiosity. Rather than just delivering facts, teaching will focus on deeper learning and encouraging students to ask questions.
AI creates learning paths tailored to each student, but the human connection remains. Quizzes and resources from AI help each child, but encouragement and thoughtful feedback come from tutors.
A smart system is designed with care, using AI that truly saves time, investing in training for staff, and making sure teachers remain in charge of lessons.
The DfE, in partnership with Chiltern Learning Trust, has released free training for schools, recognising that using AI with little understanding leads to problems. Schools need more than just technology; they need policies covering how to use it safely and wisely. The Chartered College of Teaching even offers a certificate to prove school staff know how to use AI safely and ethically.
AI is changing education, but its greatest strength is not as a replacement for teachers; it’s as a powerful partner, freeing teachers to do what only they can: connect, inspire, and care.
We hope this blog was helpful. Please feel free to get in touch with us should you have any questions about SEND support for your child. We enjoy talking with parents and helping our students by tailoring learning plans to their individual needs.
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