£8.7 billion benefit to UK economy from technology investment in schools By Investing.com

LONDON, January 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — An annual investment of around £130 million a year in technology in schools over the next decade will deliver economic benefits In the UK up to £8.7 billion. For every £1 invested, technology in schools will deliver a return of up to £7.90, benefiting both the education sector and economic growth.

These findings appear in a new report commissioned by Pearson (: PSON.L) is the world’s leading lifelong learning company and is produced by Center for Economic and Business Research (Cebr). The study highlights the dynamic economic and educational benefits of investing in digital transformation internally In the UK state-funded schools and the powerful role they can play in both curriculum and assessment.

Using Pearson’s digital transformation framework for In the UK In schools, the Pearson-Cebr analysis found that strategic investment in all three key areas of “service provision, broadband development and teacher training” could bring significant improvements including:

• A saving of almost £900 million in teacher time in the first year alone “ frees up teacher time equivalent to around five working weeks on average.
• Increased income opportunities for new entrants to the labor market “ this will increase from less than £7 million in one year to almost £200 million in year 10 due to improved skills through EdTech supporting higher student achievement.
• Economic productivity “the wider economic benefits from multi-skilled workers will see returns start at around £6 million in the first year and rise to around £180 million in year 10.
• A positive environmental impact “ energy of almost two million kg of CO2E savings in the tenth year of the test period “ that is enough to power large households for a whole year.

Sharon Haguesaid the Managing Director of Pearson School Qualifications: “Investing in the digital transformation of our schools is an investment in our future. The benefits of technology extend beyond the classroom ” to help support student outcomes, free up teachers’ time and drive economic growth.

“As discussions continue about the future of curriculum and assessment, we believe it is important to look at the benefits that technology can unlock for schools, students and the economy. Our goal with this project is to advance these discussions and identify practical proposals. Strategic investments. in both infrastructure and teacher training will support In the UK state-funded schools to make better use of technology, better prepare students for future life and work and ultimately, help create a more productive workforce.”

Elizabeth AndersonThe Chief Executive of Digital Poverty Alliance he said: “Children studying today are entering the digital world of tomorrow, with the speed of digital growth and the growth of technology at an unprecedented level. This report shows the power of giving young students access to technology in the classroom ” which we feel is very important for those who live in it. low income families who do not have a laptop at home to study or complete their education Combining this with effective teacher training in providing digital skills has the potential to change the future of millions of young people who can build a better future if they are given the knowledge. and the confidence to be successful in accessing jobs that are always highly dependent on technology.”

Sam Mileysaid the Managing Economist and Forecasting lead at Cebr: “Our report highlights the benefits that can be gained from growing investments in EdTech. These benefits grow over time and begin to exceed costs by several multiples. At a time when productivity growth In the UK is weak, especially in the public sector, this presents an accessible way to improve skills and educational and professional outcomes.”

What is needed
Cebr-Pearson’s analysis drew on existing research across the sector to define what technology and training is needed in schools. This includes:

• provision of additional resources “ currently only 34% of secondary schools and 31% of primary schools say they have sufficient numbers of devices
• broadband in schools “slow internet speeds are reported in 27% of secondary schools and 36% of primary schools
• 20+ hours of training per teacher “ for example, currently 24% of teachers consider a lack of confidence in their digital skills as a barrier to using technology in learning.
• teaching and testing the digital skills young people need in the future
• more test formats “ currently only pen and paper are used in most tests.

Pearson is now calling for a national strategy for the deployment of technology in schools. By 2025, Pearson will launch a comprehensive Digital in Schools project “ guided by research, insights and practical proposals to help unlock the benefits of EdTech in schools.

Check the Pearson-Cebr summary report
Check out the full findings of the Cebr report

Media Contact:
anna.osullivan@pearson.com

About Pearson
At Pearson, our mission is simple: helping people realize the life they envision through reading. We believe that every learning opportunity is an opportunity for personal success. That’s why c. Pearson’s 18,000 employees are dedicated to creating healthy and enriching experiences designed for real-life impact. We are a global learning company, serving clients in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessment, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. We are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.