UK Tutoring Today

Newsletter - July 2025

July 11, 2025

AI Revolution Transforms UK Tutoring Landscape

The UK tutoring industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes how education is delivered across the nation. With new government initiatives and significant market developments, this week brings pivotal changes for educators, parents, and students alike.

Top Stories This Week

Government Launches £1 Million AI Teaching Tools Initiative

The Department for Education has today (June 10th) launched a package of measures to transform how schools use AI - including the first ever AI guidance for schools and colleges. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant shift in UK education policy, with £1 million of Contracts for Innovation funding allocated to accelerate the development of AI tools for marking and providing tailored student feedback.

A recent survey showed 43% of teachers rate their AI confidence at just 3/10, with over 60% asking for help applying AI to planning and support tasks. The new guidance, developed with education experts from the Chiltern Learning Trust and the Chartered College of Teaching, aims to bridge this confidence gap.

Major Acquisition: IXL Learning Acquires MyTutor

In a move that signals continuing consolidation in the edtech sector, California-based edtech giant IXL Learning has acquired MyTutor, the UK's most prominent online tutoring platform. Since its founding in 2013, MyTutor has become a trusted platform for over 200,000 families and 40 percent of UK secondary schools.

The acquisition comes at a critical time, as With private school VAT reforms looming and ongoing teacher shortages in the public sector, demand for accessible and affordable tutoring services has soared.

AI Tutoring Market Experiences Explosive Growth

The global AI tutoring market is showing remarkable expansion. The global ai tutors market size was estimated at USD 1,627.0 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7,992.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 30.5% from 2025 to 2030. In the UK specifically, this growth is being driven by several factors:

  • Personalized Learning Demand: Schools are increasingly leveraging AI-powered tools for adaptive learning experiences

  • Post-Pandemic Recovery: Continued efforts to address learning gaps from COVID-19 disruptions

  • Teacher Workload Relief: AI tools are helping reduce administrative burdens on educators

Current State of AI in UK Schools

Recent surveys reveal a mixed picture of AI adoption in UK education:

  • Only 23.3% of the participants in the survey had used any form AI (mostly ChatGPT or Teachmate) for SATs preparation

  • However, a recent 2025 Twinkl survey of 6,500 UK teachers found 60% are using AI technologies for work purposes

  • Half of UK teachers (50%) believe students will need access to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and writing assistants like Grammarly within the next two years

What's New in AI-Powered Tutoring

Innovative Platforms Making Waves

Several AI tutoring platforms are gaining traction in UK schools:

  1. Third Space Learning's Skye: provides conversational AI maths tutoring for primary and secondary students. It adapts to individual student needs, using a voice-based interface that engages students in mathematical dialogue

  2. Century Tech: Offers personalized learning pathways across multiple subjects based on AI analysis of student performance

  3. Oak National Academy's Aila: Oak has worked with expert AI developers, teachers and other education specialists to create a tool that teachers report has saved them around 3-4 hours per week in lesson planning

Key Benefits Emerging

  • Cost Accessibility: Khan Academy's Khanmigo, an AI tutoring tool powered by OpenAI's GPT-4, costs only $4 a month

  • 24/7 Availability: AI tutors provide round-the-clock support without scheduling constraints

  • Inclusive Learning: For students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or physical impairments, AI offers custom accessibility options, such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, predictive typing, and emotion recognition tools

Challenges & Concerns

The Skills Gap

Despite enthusiasm for AI in education, significant challenges remain:

  • 38% of parents don't feel like they'd be confident teaching their child how to develop AI skills needed for the future

  • only 34% of students have tried AI learning techniques

  • Student confidence in technology has dropped to just 51% in 2025, down from 77% in 2024

Regulatory Framework

As of 2025, there is no single, formal DfE framework for AI in schools, though the government's new guidance represents a significant step forward in establishing best practices.

Looking Ahead

Government's Vision

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized: "We're putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers to enhance how our children learn and develop – freeing teachers from paperwork so they can focus on what parents and pupils need most: inspiring teaching and personalised support".

Market Projections

The private tutoring market shows strong growth potential, with The private tutoring market in us size is estimated to grow by USD 28.85 billion from 2025-2029, reflecting global trends that will likely influence the UK market.

Student Perspectives

According to recent research, Students are embracing AI, but they want clear, fair, and practical support to use it responsibly. Key student demands include:

  • Clear, course-specific policies on AI use

  • Practical, ethical education and support

  • Preparation for AI's impact on employment

Action Points for Stakeholders

For Educators

  • Explore the new government AI guidance for safe implementation

  • Consider participating in EdTech 'test bed' programs

  • Invest time in understanding AI tools that could reduce workload

For Parents

  • Stay informed about AI tools being used in your child's school

  • Consider supplementary AI tutoring for personalized support

  • Engage in conversations about responsible AI use with children

For Tutoring Businesses

  • Evaluate AI integration opportunities

  • Focus on hybrid models combining human expertise with AI efficiency

  • Prepare for increased competition and consolidation in the sector

Conclusion

The UK tutoring landscape is at a pivotal moment. With government backing, significant investment, and technological advancement converging, the next 12-24 months will likely see dramatic changes in how tutoring is delivered and accessed across the nation. While challenges remain—particularly around equity, training, and regulation—the potential for AI to enhance educational outcomes and reduce teacher workload appears increasingly promising.

As we move forward, the key will be balancing technological innovation with the irreplaceable value of human connection in education, ensuring that AI serves to augment rather than replace the vital role of teachers and tutors in shaping young minds.

Citations

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