Teachmate targets trainee teachers in the UK with early AI access via universities
The EdTech company is expanding access to its platform for trainee teachers, signaling a shift toward earlier, structured AI use in initial teacher education.
Teachmate has launched a new university partnerships program that will give trainee teachers access to its AI platform during their final year of training.
From September 2026, participating universities will be able to offer PGCE students and final-year BA Education cohorts 12 months of full access to Teachmate. The move reflects growing concern across the sector that teachers are often expected to navigate AI tools independently once they are already managing full workloads.
Teachmate develops AI tools designed for educators, supporting lesson planning, resource creation, reflective practice, and workload management, with a focus on GDPR compliance and professional standards in schools.
Universities move AI earlier in teacher training
Teachmate positions the program as a way to introduce AI during initial teacher education, rather than after qualification, when time pressures are already high. The company says embedding AI training earlier helps new teachers develop confidence and professional judgment before entering the classroom.
This approach has already been explored with university partners. A representative from Bath Spa University, School of Education, says, “AI tools have rapidly transformed the education landscape, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the teaching profession. Working with a trusted platform such as Teachmate has helped us shape the key messages we share with trainee teachers on using such technology responsibly and effectively.”
The university adds that staying aligned with AI developments is becoming increasingly important for preparing new teachers for modern classroom environments.
Research and training providers inform the rollout
The partnerships program builds on a research collaboration with University of Manchester, where Teachmate sits at the center of a three-year study examining AI and teacher development. Initial findings indicate that AI use, centered around Teachmate, can support reflective practice, planning, and professional growth when introduced in a structured way.
Alongside research institutions, Teachmate has also worked with teacher training providers, including Teach First, to trial its platform with trainee cohorts. Jonny Underwood, Head of Computing at Teach First, says, “Teachmate and Teach First have commenced trial with select programme members and the impact has been amazing.”
He adds, “From the start where the team at Teachmate gave our programme members a personalised introduction session to the actual usability of the software where our programme members are saving countless hours of workload which means they can spend more time on supporting the pupils that they teach.”
Underwood concludes, “We are really excited to see where the partnership will go in terms of supporting more of our programme members.”
ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize evidence-led innovation across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. Entries are open to organizations operating in the UK, Europe, North America, and internationally, with submissions assessed on evidence of impact, scalability, and outcomes for learners and educators.
