The UK cross-party Education Select Committee launched a formal parliamentary inquiry in 2026 to examine the opportunities and challenges posed by AI and EdTech across the whole education system, including early years, schools, colleges, and universities. The inquiry reflects growing parliamentary concern about the pace of AI adoption in schools without clear policy oversight, curriculum alignment, or teacher readiness. The inquiry will examine the impact on teaching and learning quality, student digital literacy, equity of access, governance mechanisms, and the readiness of the education workforce to lead AI integration.
Published by: UK Parliament, House of Commons Education Select Committee (legislative oversight body).
Key finding: Parliament has launched formal scrutiny of AI in schools because existing voluntary guidance from the Department for Education is insufficient to ensure responsible adoption. The inquiry signals that policymakers recognize a governance gap between rapid EdTech deployment and institutional readiness.
Context: This inquiry supports the case that voluntary AI literacy frameworks and ad-hoc EdTech guidance have not closed the knowledge gap. Parliamentary intervention suggests that binding policy, clear standards, and mandatory training — not guidance alone — are needed to ensure equitable outcomes and protect students and educators from inadequate AI adoption practices.