The new era of automated teaching promises an end to grouping children by year, as the personalised nature of the robots will enable pupils to learn new material at their own pace, rather than as part of a class. "It will open up the possibility of an Eton or Wellington-style education for all,” Sir Anthony said. "Everyone can have the very best teacher and it's completely personalised; the software you're working with will be with you throughout your education journey.” He warned, however, that the new technology would have to be carefully introduced to avoid “infantilising” pupils and teachers. As part of robot-led learning, teachers would adopt the role of “overseers”, monitoring the progress of individual pupils, leading non-academic activities and providing pastoral support, Sir Anthony said.
Robots that offer tailored one-to-one learning will begin to replace teachers in the classroom within the next 10 years, said Sir Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor at the University of Buckingham. The machines will eventually make teacher-led education redundant, he added. Teachers would transition to monitor the progress of individual pupils, offer non-academic activities and support students' well-being. Meanwhile, the improved efficiency offered by automated teaching will mean that just 30% of school time will be spent in class, said Seldon.