Spotlight on digital skills in education

Digital skills are the key to unlocking what technology can do – for learning, for life, for everyone.

That’s why we’re calling for nationwide collaboration and action to make digital skills part of every learning journey in UK schools and colleges.

Join the conversation

The case for change

The need for digital skills and potential for education to enhance these aren’t new ideas. But as technology advances, schools and colleges are playing catch-up more than ever. So, we’re putting the spotlight on what’s happening in education today and why it’s time to act. 

In 2015...

The House of Lords Digital Skills Committee called for digital skills to be a core subject alongside numeracy and literacy, support for building teacher confidence, and internet access to be a universal right.

A decade later...

These calls are far from a reality. Insights from across the sector show that without faster, more focused digital transformation, the risks to young people's futures and the education system will only grow.

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86% of school students in the UK

say technology plays a big part in their lives now and will in future – so they need to be good at using it. 

Pearson School Report 2024

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17% of school teachers in England

told us they have access to training on edtech (education technology) tools and advancements. 

Pearson School Report 2023

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24% of college students in the UK

say their college has everything they need to complete their work digitally (i.e. computers/ digital devices). 

Pearson School Report 2025

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55% of working-age adults in the UK

can't do all 20 digital tasks deemed essential for the workplace.

Lloyds Banking Group and Ipsos, 2025

What we believe will make a difference

Digital skills are essential for everyday life. So, it's crucial we equip every student, teacher, school and college with what they need to thrive now and build upon in the future. 

Backed by research, expert insights and the latest innovations, we’re sharing our recommendations on what could help make this a reality.

What's guiding our case for change?

Collaboration, real-time insights and evidence are at the heart of our recommendations. Inspired by the thousands of students, teachers, tutors and sector experts we work alongside every day, we'll continue to champion digital transformation in education.

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20,000+ teachers, students and tutors we've surveyed in our Pearson School Report series

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Event conversations at the Festival of Education, CST conferences, and more. 

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Our Digital Transformation Advisory Panel of sector experts and changemakers

Together, we're already making a difference. Already, our research and advocacy have kickstarted conversation and change. 

Research

The case for investment in digital transformation in schools

Our research with CEBR shows how investing £130 million a year in technology in schools over the next decade would deliver an economic benefit to the UK of up to £8.7 billion. 

Dive into the findings

Advocacy

Our perspectives: Curriculum and Assessment Review

To support the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we've shared our views on how curriculum and assessment can bring together a love of learning with fundamental knowledge and skills. 

Explore our recommendations

Research

Lost in transition: fixing the skills gap

Our research series warns of a potential global "skills chasm" between employer needs and employee capabilities, and urgently calls for a fundamental shift in approaches to learning and skills development.

Read the series

What's next?

This is just the beginning. Together with schools, colleges, policymakers and changemakers, we can make digital skills part of every learning journey.  

So, we'll keep building our case for digital transformation in education – showcasing not only how technology can enhance learning and lives, but also the practical steps we can take to make it a reality. And we'd love for you to join us.

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