What’s Happening in Classrooms Across the UK and Beyond

With more people choosing teaching as a career, new technologies in classrooms, and fresh approaches to how subjects are taught. From STEM subjects to new digital tools, there’s a lot happening right now that’s shaping the future of learning.

Education is evolving rapidly in 2026

Growing Numbers Entering the Teaching Profession

Teacher training in England has reached its highest levels since the pandemic, with over 32,000 aspiring teachers starting training programmes this year. This marks a significant rise — up 11% compared to last year — especially in crucial subjects like physics, computing and maths. 

Education officials say this increase will help fill classroom gaps and give pupils access to specialist teachers who are passionate about their subjects. It also reflects a renewed interest in teaching as a meaningful and rewarding career.

How Teaching Itself Is Changing

Teachers today are embracing new tools and methods to support learning:

• AI and Tech Tools – A large number of educators are now using artificial intelligence to help with planning lessons, managing repetitive tasks, and creating personalised learning materials — saving teachers time and helping them focus more on actual teaching. 

• Personalised Learning – With the help of AI, teachers can tailor lessons to individual student needs, giving extra support where it’s needed and challenging pupils at the right pace. 

• Digital Classrooms – Schools are increasingly mixing traditional teaching with digital tools that allow interactive lessons, automated feedback, and better engagement for students. 

These changes mean classroom teaching isn’t just chalkboards and textbooks anymore — it’s more dynamic, adaptable, and connected to the skills students will need in the 21st century.

Curriculum Developments and What Students Are Learning

Changes being proposed to the national curriculum aim to reflect modern challenges — with more emphasis on digital literacy, critical thinking, media and financial awareness alongside traditional subjects. Teachers are preparing pupils not just for exams, but for real-world problem-solving and future careers.

This means students could soon be learning even more about AI, data science, and practical computing, while also getting balanced instruction in arts, sciences, and personal development.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While more people are training to teach, some schools still face pressures like teacher workload, retention challenges, and adapting to new technologies. But the momentum — especially in technology adoption and teacher recruitment — shows a profession actively transforming to meet the needs of today’s learners.