AI goes to school, as educational institutions move from exploration to strategy

While institutional uptake of AI tools continues to extend across both K-12 and higher education, questions of cost, privacy and practical application are shaping the procurement priorities in 2025. That’s according to Futuresource Consulting’s latest AI in Education report, which reveals a sector in transition. The market is now moving beyond early enthusiasm into a phase of measured, meaningful rollout and strategic integration.  

“Our research shows that 95% of students in the USA and UK are already using AI in some form, but most educational institutions remain in the early stages of formal adoption,” says Iryna Kazanchuk, Senior Research Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “With teacher training, regulatory pressure and cost of ownership emerging as critical hurdles, many are choosing to extend the life of existing hardware while experimenting with AI toolsets. 

“Yet conversations around AI in education have now shifted from its potential to the practicalities. Institutions are no longer just asking ‘what can AI do?’. They’re asking ‘what should we be doing with it, how do we govern it, and how do we pay for it?’” 

Higher ed sets the pace

Higher education is at the forefront of educational AI adoption, buoyed by greater autonomy and strong demand from research-led departments. Futuresource forecasts show institutional AI PC purchases in higher education will rise from 281,000 units in 2024 to nearly 14.6 million by 2029. Meanwhile, K-12 is progressing more cautiously. 

Platform loyalty drives procurement strategies

As AI becomes embedded within broader ecosystems, the choice of AI platform is becoming increasingly tied to device selection. Schools with Google’s Chromebook ecosystem are becoming inclined towards Gemini, while Microsoft Copilot’s deep integration with 365 tools appeals to Windows-centric institutions. Apple Intelligence, too, is limited to premium Apple devices. 

This platform fragmentation is leading to ecosystem lock-in, where there is a growing need for schools to match AI tools with compatible infrastructure, training plans and digital strategies. 

Equity, ethics and readiness remain front of mind

Education leaders continue to cite equity, student privacy and data governance as key concerns. UNESCO’s latest guidance and the EU’s AI Act are pushing institutions towards policy-ready, ethical frameworks, while in the USA, funding is increasing through federal initiatives, although clarity around regulation is still uncertain. 

At the same time, institutions are making difficult decisions on investment priorities. With AI platform licensing, hardware upgrades and staff training representing significant costs, many are opting for phased rollouts and targeted pilots, rather than investing in comprehensive upgrade programmes. 

Artificial intelligence meets human intelligence

“AI in education is no longer a question of if, but how,” says Kazanchuk. “It’s about identifying the right use cases, safeguarding privacy and ensuring that AI enhances the human element of learning. It cannot become a direct human replacement. Institutions that embrace this mindset, and balance ambition with accountability, are the ones that will thrive in the AI-powered classrooms of the future.” 

About Futuresource Consulting 
Futuresource Consulting, established in the 1980s, is a leading research and consulting firm specialising in global market analysis, forecasts and strategic insights. With a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, Futuresource helps businesses navigate complex markets and make informed decisions. 

To learn more about Futuresource Consulting’s AI in Education: 2025 Progress and Possibility report or to make a purchase, please contact Ben at ben.thrussell@futuresource-hq.com or book a meeting here.  

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com