Artificial intelligence is no longer something happening somewhere else. It’s already in UK classrooms – marking work, planning lessons, translating communications, and in some cases, even delivering lessons remotely.
For many parents, this raises an important question:
Is AI the long-awaited solution to teacher burnout – or does it risk losing what really matters in education?
Why Schools Are Turning to AI
Teacher workload has reached crisis levels. Long hours, endless admin, and recruitment shortages – particularly in subjects like maths and science – have pushed schools to look for new solutions.
AI is being promoted as one of them.
In some schools, AI tools are already:
- Marking assessments and mock exams
- Analysing learning gaps
- Supporting lesson planning
- Translating messages for parents who speak English as an additional language
The promise is clear: if teachers spend less time marking and planning, they have more time to teach, mentor and support children as individuals.
From a parent’s perspective, this sounds sensible – even reassuring.
When AI Starts to Feel Too Close
But recent trials have taken things a step further.
Some schools are experimenting with:
- Remote teachers, delivering live lessons from hundreds of miles away
- AI “deepfake” avatars of teachers, providing personalised feedback videos
This is where many parents – and teachers – begin to feel uneasy.
Teaching isn’t just about delivering information. It’s about:
- Relationships
- Trust
- Motivation
- Knowing when a child is struggling, even if they haven’t said a word
As one teacher put it, a screen can’t celebrate a child’s success in the corridor or quietly reassure them on a tough day.
Parents still remember the impact of remote learning during the pandemic, and many worry about returning to screen-based education – even in a more controlled form.
Can AI Support, Not Replace, Teachers?
Supporters of classroom AI argue that this isn’t about replacing teachers at all.
Used carefully, AI could:
- Free teachers from repetitive admin
- Allow more personalised feedback for pupils
- Help children catch up when they’re ill or absent
- Improve communication with families
In this model, the teacher remains central, with AI working quietly in the background.
The concern, however, is where the line is drawn – and who decides.
What Parents Are Really Worried About
Surveys consistently show that most parents are sceptical about AI in the classroom. The concerns tend to fall into three areas:
- Human connection – Will children lose meaningful relationships with teachers?
- Screen time – Are we solving one problem by creating another?
- Safety and trust – How is data used, and who is accountable when technology goes wrong?
Parents aren’t anti-technology. They simply want reassurance that innovation won’t come at the expense of their child’s wellbeing.
So, Is AI the Solution?
The honest answer is: it depends on how it’s used.
AI can be a powerful tool to support teachers who are stretched thin. But it cannot – and should not – replace the human elements of education that children rely on to feel seen, understood and motivated.
For schools exploring AI, bringing parents into the conversation early is essential. Transparency, clear boundaries and a child-first approach matter far more than the technology itself.
What This Means for Families
As AI becomes more common in schools, parents should feel empowered to ask:
- What is AI being used for – and what isn’t it used for?
- How does this improve my child’s learning or wellbeing?
- Where does human support remain non-negotiable?
Education has always evolved. The challenge now is ensuring it evolves with care, clarity and compassion.
At Walnut Learning, we believe technology should support learning – not overshadow it. The future of education shouldn’t be about choosing between humans and AI, but about making thoughtful decisions that help every child thrive.