David Game College, a private school in the City of London, is introducing ‘teacherless’ GCSE classes, using artificial intelligence instead of human teachers, Sky News has reported.

20 GCSE pupils will learn using a mixture of AI platforms on their computers and virtual reality headsets. The platforms learn what pupils excel at and what they need more help with and adapts their lesson plans for the term. Each pupils plan is bespoke with topics they are weaker in being tackled more immediately and those they are stronger in moved further towards the end of term

The school’s co-principal John Dalton said: “There are many excellent teachers out there but we’re all fallible. I think it’s very difficult to achieve [AI’s] level of precision and accuracy, and also that continuous evaluation.

“Ultimately, if you really want to know exactly why a child is not learning, I think the AI systems can pinpoint that more effectively.”

GCSE pupil Joseph has been testing the system and said: “A teacher doesn’t really know your flaws because he has so many students. So he doesn’t know your flaws while the AI will figure out what your flaws are and help you improve.”

Three ‘learning coaches’ will monitor and support the pupils and will also teach the subjects where using AI can be problematic, such as art and sex education.

Learning coach Alexander Vansittart said: “I got really excited about what this could do for young people, how it could help them change their lives. That’s why I applied for the job – because I believe this will change lives.”

However, Chris McGovern who runs Campaign for Real Education, was less impressed, saying: “I understand why [schools] may push AI. For one thing, it’s cheaper. The problem with AI and the computer screen is that it is a machine and it’s inert, so you’re straight away dehumanising the process of learning, taking away those interpersonal skills and the interaction between pupils and teacher. It’s a soulless, bleak future if it’s going to be along the AI path only.”