Vanessa Feltz Discusses Rising AI Homework Use Among British Parents in New School Engagement Study

A significant shift in student homework practices has emerged across Britain, with 57% of parents now believing their children use artificial intelligence to complete assignments—up from 47% just ten months earlier. The rapid adoption reflects broader uncertainty among families about how schools should respond to AI tools, according to the Parent Voice Project's latest research on parental engagement with education.

Regional and Social Divides in AI Adoption

The research reveals uneven patterns across the country. London households report notably higher AI usage than other regions, while families with university-educated parents are considerably more likely to observe their children using these tools. The disparity suggests that access to technology and digital literacy vary significantly depending on geography and socioeconomic background.

Parents themselves express conflicting attitudes toward the practice. Some view AI as a practical shortcut for subjects where their children struggle, while others voice concern about academic dishonesty and the gap between homework practices and examination conditions, where AI tools remain unavailable.

"AI is really scary because it's not always right and I think kids are using it. But when they're in an exam environment… they can't use it,"

Broader School Communication Gaps

The Parent Voice Project study extends beyond AI concerns to examine overall school engagement. While 71% of parents report satisfaction with school communication frequency, participation in school governance remains limited. Only 13% say they are regularly asked for their views on school operations, with 42% reporting occasional input opportunities and 43% stating they are rarely or never consulted. Despite this gap, 78% of parents express confidence that complaints would be taken seriously if raised.

The findings underscore a disconnect: most families feel informed but excluded from decision-making processes. As workplaces increasingly adopt AI tools, parents express frustration about conflicting messages—employers encourage AI competency while schools discourage its use for homework, leaving families uncertain about the skills their children should develop.