The Education Trends Report: Insights that matter

The education sector is under pressure to adapt – but how well is it keeping pace? Our latest Education Trends Report, now in its 10th year, explores the realities behind digital transformation in education, including further education, higher education, and training provision.

This year’s findings reveal a sector that’s ambitious about change but still facing practical hurdles. Here are some of the themes shaping the conversation:

Automation: ambition meets reality

Automation promises efficiency, but progress is uneven. While most organisations have started their automation journey, many remain tied to manual processes and disconnected systems. Legacy learner information systems continue to be a major challenge, slowing down operations and limiting flexibility.

Even where investment has been made, integration is proving difficult. For many institutions, the goal of a fully connected digital ecosystem is still out of reach.

AI: moving beyond the hype

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept – it’s becoming part of everyday workflows. Organisations are using AI to improve productivity, automate routine tasks, and enhance learner self-service. But adoption is far from universal.

Barriers such as skills gaps, cultural resistance, and trust concerns remain. Oversight and data sovereignty are also key considerations, with many organisations unwilling to trust solutions that store data outside the UK.

Future AI use is focused on practical outcomes – leaders want AI to help staff work smarter, not harder.

Cybersecurity: a growing priority

As digital adoption accelerates, so do the risks. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, but confidence levels vary widely. Budget constraints and limited staff training are leaving gaps in protection, and many organisations admit they need more investment to keep pace with evolving threats.

While most leaders recognise the value of strong cybersecurity systems, the report highlights a tension between ambition and reality. Without addressing these gaps, institutions risk undermining the progress they’ve made elsewhere.

The disconnect that could hold you back

One of the most striking insights from this year’s report is the gap between strategy and execution. Senior leaders and operational teams often have very different views on the systems that enable data-driven decision-making.

Executives see advanced analytics as a cornerstone of transformation, but frontline teams report limited access to actionable insights. This disconnect means that while data is abundant, its value isn’t being fully realised. Closing this gap is critical – without  it, investments in AI and automation risk falling short.

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This is just a snapshot of what the full report uncovers. If you want to understand where education is heading – and how your organisation can stay ahead – download your copy of the 10^th Annual Education Trends Report today.