Teachers in Europe worry AI is entering the classroom faster than schools can manage, new research shows
Students are increasingly using AI as an easy way to complete tasks without having to use critical thinking - but may be receiving inflated grades
Young people across Europe are increasingly relying on AI as part of their learning
More than 80% of teachers from a selection of European countries believe AI is entering the classroom at a faster rate than school can manage, according to a study from technology innovation and engineering company, Epson.
They believe students are driving adoption of the technology, with 76% expecting to be able to use AI in their learning.
Among those respondents, 87% admitted they already use some form of AI at least once a week to help with their learning.
Teachers also worry how the software is being used, with 68% of them agreeing that when students use AI to complete their schoolwork, it has a negative effect on learning.
More than eight out of ten, 81%, of teachers said they have noticed students sometimes believe they no longer need to learn how to spell or do basic maths because AI can do it for them.
Furthermore, 72% believe students may be getting grades they’re not entitled to owing to AI, while 88% of teachers say students see AI as an easy way to complete tasks without critical thinking.
Around 3,360 people across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland were surveyed on behalf of Epson in July and August 2026.
Better AI literacy training needed
The survey findings come as the EU AI Act is being enforced, meaning that schools must ensure staff have sufficient AI literacy training for the AI tools they are using.
In this context, 82% of teachers say they would like more training in how to oversee the use of AI by students and 78% would like more training and guidance on how they can use it in their own work.
Dr Sarah Henkelmann-Hillebrand, lead for education at Epson Europe, said: “AI is developing at speed, and students expect to be able to use it. That means it needs to be managed effectively, with the right governance, guidelines and training in place.
“But it’s also important to look at how AI can enhance the learning experience.
“By supporting students and teachers to co-create in immersive learning spaces, using technologies such as projection alongside AI, we can make learning more engaging and collaborative while helping students develop the skills they’ll need for a future dominated by AI.”
The findings come from the Educate to Empower 2026 Research, commissioned by Epson. Further data will be released in the coming months.
