Pearson and Cebr research: £8.7 billion benefit for UK economy from investment in technology in schools

Core Findings - An annual investment of £130 million in technology in UK schools over the next decade could deliver an economic benefit of up to £8.7 billion, with a return of up to £7.90 for every £1 invested [1] - The research highlights the transformative economic and educational benefits of investing in digital transformation within UK state-funded schools, particularly in curriculum and assessment [2] Strategic Investment Areas - Device provision: Currently, only 34% of secondary schools and 31% of primary schools report having sufficient devices [5] - Broadband improvement: Slow internet speeds are reported at 27% of secondary schools and 36% of primary schools [8] - Teacher training: 24% of teachers lack confidence in their digital skills, and 20+ hours of training per teacher is recommended [8] Economic and Educational Benefits - Teacher time savings of around £900 million in the first year, equivalent to almost five average working weeks [6] - Additional earning potential for new labor market entrants: from under £7 million in year one to around £200 million by year 10 due to improved skills and higher student attainment [6] - Economic productivity: Returns starting at around £6 million in the first year and rising to around £180 million by year 10 [6] - Positive environmental impact: Potential for nearly two million kg of CO2E savings by the tenth year, enough to power hundreds of households for a year [6] Call to Action - Pearson calls for a national strategy for deploying technology in schools and will launch a wider Digital in Schools project in 2025, guided by research and practical suggestions to unlock the benefits of EdTech [7] Industry Perspective - The report emphasizes the importance of preparing students for a digital world, particularly for those from lower-income families without access to technology at home [4] - Strategic investment in infrastructure and teacher training is crucial to better prepare students for future life and work, ultimately building a more productive workforce [4] - The report highlights the long-term benefits of increased investment in EdTech, which outweigh costs by several multiples and can improve skills, educational outcomes, and labor market productivity [4]