Shaping the next generation of teachers with safe AI
At Teachmate, we believe that confident, responsible use of AI should start from the very outset of a teacher’s career, not once workload is already at breaking point.
That belief sits at the heart of our new Teachmate University Partnerships Programme: an initiative inviting select universities to partner with us to offer free Teachmate licences to teacher trainees during their PGCE year or final year of a BA Education degree.
From September 2026, participating institutions will be able to provide their trainee cohorts with 12 months’ full access to Teachmate, ensuring new teachers enter the profession equipped with the skills, confidence and professional judgement to use AI effectively from day one.
Why embed AI into teacher training from the start?
AI is already reshaping the education landscape. Yet too many teachers are left to figure it out alone once they are in full-time classroom roles, juggling planning, marking and many other responsibilities.
By embedding AI training at the university stage, we will help future teachers:
- Avoid falling behind as AI becomes standard practice in schools
- Enjoy teaching with a manageable workload, protecting wellbeing early in their careers, reducing early burnout and helping address recruitment and retention pressures before they occur
- Use AI efficiently, professionally and responsibly, grounded in pedagogy (and safety) rather than quick shortcuts
Training with AI during initial teacher education gives trainees a clear step ahead. Instead of chasing new tools later, they enter the profession confident and prepared.
Evidence-led partnerships that make a real impact
Our approach is not theoretical. It is already backed by robust research and trusted partnerships.
Research with the University of Manchester
In partnership with the University of Manchester, Teachmate forms the centre of a three-year study into AI and teacher development. The first year report found that AI use, centred around Teachmate, can enhance teacher development, supporting reflective practice, planning and professional growth.
This work provides powerful evidence that AI can be a meaningful part of teacher training when introduced thoughtfully and responsibly. You can read more on this here.
Established relationships across teacher training
We have also worked closely with other universities and trainee teacher institutions across the sector, including:
Bath Spa University, School of Education:
“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. As a university, it’s vital that we stay at the forefront of AI developments so our trainees enter the profession confident, informed and equipped for the classrooms of the future.”
Teach First – Jonny Underwood, Head of Computing:
“Teachmate and Teach First have commenced trial with select programme members and the impact has been amazing. 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. We are really excited to see where the partnership will go in terms of supporting more of our programme members.”
Why Teachmate?
Teachmate is deliberately versatile – and purpose-built specifically for education. It supports trainee teachers across all subjects, phases and settings, helping them plan lessons, create resources, reflect on practice and understand how AI can be used ethically to enhance their teaching in real classrooms.
Crucially, it is a fully GDPR-compliant platform built by teachers, for teachers, with safeguarding, data protection and professional standards at its core. For universities, this means confidence that trainees are learning how to use AI in ways that align with the realities and responsibilities of the profession.
Looking ahead to September 2026
We are now actively speaking with universities and initial teacher education providers to confirm partnerships over the coming months.
Our aim is simple:
From September 2026, PGCE and final year BA Education cohorts at partner institutions will graduate AI-ready, workload aware and professionally confident, enabling them to thrive in the teaching profession and sustain long-term, enjoyable careers in education.
If your university is interested in shaping the future of teacher training with us, we would love to start the conversation. Please contact Sophie Gornall at sophie.gornall@teachmate.com to find out more.
Together, we can ensure the next generation of teachers enter the classroom supported, skilled and with a work-life balance that is truly sustainable.