The Department for Education (DfE) has invested more than £170,000 in training staff in artificial intelligence (AI), data, and digital technologies over the past three years, as part of the UK government’s wider effort to build a digitally skilled civil service.
According to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and analysed by the Parliament Street think tank, the DfE’s spending on digital upskilling has steadily increased, reflecting the growing emphasis on AI and data literacy across Whitehall. The courses range from basic data analysis and visualisation to advanced subjects such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
The initiative comes as around 70% of UK government departments are piloting or preparing to roll out AI tools, underlining the critical role that secure, high-quality data now plays in public service operations.
In the 2022/23 financial year, the DfE invested approximately £44,500 in digital training for over 1,450 employees, covering skills such as business analysis, statistics, and digital design. By 2024/25, more than 350 staff had progressed to advanced training in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and Microsoft Power Platform — signalling a strategic shift toward developing more specialised, future-ready capabilities within the department.
Industry experts say this investment marks a significant step in aligning the DfE with the government’s broader digital transformation goals. Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics, described the move as “a critical step in ensuring that data becomes the backbone of effective policymaking and citizen services.”
“The ability to manage and interpret data accurately is no longer just an administrative task — it’s fundamental to efficiency and public trust,” Harvey said. “Training in AI and data science enables civil servants to automate processes, identify trends, and make faster, evidence-based decisions.”
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer at FDM Group, welcomed the DfE’s progress but said the momentum must continue. “These figures show a growing recognition across government of the importance of advanced digital skills,” she said. “The move toward specialist training in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing is a positive step, but continual upskilling must remain a priority.”
FDM research indicates that 54% of organisations now expect AI literacy in graduate roles, yet only 6% believe their teams are adequately equipped to use AI effectively. “AI doesn’t replace people — it amplifies those who know how to use it,” said FDM’s Group Director of Information Security, Sawan Joshi.
The DfE’s initiative mirrors broader government efforts to embed AI and data analytics in public services, with departments using machine learning to improve policymaking and streamline operations. The Cabinet Office and Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) are also advancing AI adoption guidelines and national data literacy standards.
Experts say the success of these efforts will depend not only on technology but on human expertise. “High-quality data is the fuel of government innovation,” Harvey added. “Without the right skills, even the best AI systems can fail—but with them, the UK can set a global standard for responsible, human-centred technology.”
