80 per cent of teachers worry AI is entering the classroom faster than schools can manage

88 per cent of teachers say students see AI as an easy way to complete tasks without critical thinking.

As Europe starts a new academic year, research commissioned by Epson shows 80 per cent of teachers from a selection of countries across the continent worry AI is entering the classroom faster than schools can manage.

Students are driving adoption, with 76 per cent expecting to be able to use AI in their learning. Of those students, 87 per cent already use some type of AI at least once a week for school.

Teachers worry how the software is being used, with 68 per cent of them agreeing that when students use AI to complete their schoolwork, it has a negative effect on learning.

In fact, 81 per cent of teachers say 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 per cent of teachers believe students may be getting grades they’re not entitled to owing to AI. And 88 per cent of teachers say students see AI as an easy way to complete tasks without critical thinking.

The news comes as the EU AI Act is enforced[i]. This means schools must ensure staff have sufficient AI literacy training for the AI tools they are using[ii].

In this context, 82 per cent of teachers say they would like more training in how to oversee the use of AI by students and 78 per cent would like more training and guidance on how they can use it in their own work.

Academics say that an important way to prepare students for an AI-dominated future is to help them develop uniquely human skills such as adaptability, analytical thinking, creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, leadership, and problem-solving^[iii]. This can be achieved with immersive learning^[iv], which includes the use of virtual reality, augmented reality and projectors^[v].

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.”

These findings come from the Educate to Empower 2026 Research, commissioned by Epson. More data will be released throughout the coming months.

Research methodology

Focaldata surveyed 3,360 people across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland on behalf of Epson in July and August 2026, following data quality checks. The study comprised four discrete audience surveys, fielded independently online via panel: teachers without IT responsibility (1,227), students aged 16-18 (1,219), current or recently-qualified teacher trainees (611), and school IT managers/technology decision-makers (303). Results reflect natural fallout, with no weighting applied.

About Epson

Epson is a technology innovation and engineering company whose philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company uses technology and engineering ability to implement real-world solutions in precision innovation, industrial & robotics, office & home printing, and visual & lifestyle.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1.4 trillion.

Epson’s education technology solutions support modern, collaborative learning environments with reliable printing and projection solutions for a balanced teaching and learning experience. It enables educators to deliver engaging content, streamline classroom workflows, and reduce operational costs, while enhancing student experience through high-quality visuals and easy-to-use tools.

More at https://www.epson.eu/education

[i] European Commission, Timeline for the Implementation of the EU AI Act

[ii] ISC Research, The EU AI Act: What International School Leaders Need to Know

[iii] University of East London, Preparing graduates for jobs AI has yet to create

[iv] EdTech, How Immersive Technology Champions the Four C’s of Learning

[v] EdTech, Q&A: Modern Projectors Offer Immersive Learning Opportunities Across Campus