AI for Learning: Activate Learning
How Activate Learning took GCSE prep to the next level with AI Tutors.
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“The real challenge wasn’t teaching the content—it was helping learners believe they could succeed.”
When adult learners join Activate Learning’s GCSE courses, they bring with them diverse life experiences—and a fair share of challenges.
Many are balancing careers, families, and personal ambitions while working to achieve qualifications in maths and English. Yet, for some, the greatest hurdle isn’t the coursework itself, but the confidence to tackle it.
Dr. Fumiko Pescott and Patrick Kelly-Goss of Activate Learning - a forward-thinking education and training group operating schools, further education colleges, and work-based training programs across the UK - have sought to address this issue by incorporating AI-powered tutors into their programmes.
Their approach doesn’t just solve problems; it redefines how adult learners engage with education, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, and an improved learning experience.
A confidence boost for adult learners
“We realised early on that our learners faced a significant gap,” Fumiko explains. “Even with access to excellent instruction, many struggled with low self-confidence when it came time to apply what they’d learned. This self-censoring held them back.”
The AI tutors were designed to bridge this gap by offering non-judgemental, 24/7 support.
Recognising that many students feel hesitant to ask questions—whether due to introversion or fear of appearing inadequate—the AI tutor provides a safe space for exploration.
“Adult learners often bring a lot of stress to the table,” says Patrick. “We needed a tool that made them feel supported, rather than judged, while respecting their busy schedules. That’s where AI came in.”
Empathy at the core of AI design
Activate Learning’s AI tutors were initially trained in the technical specifics of GCSE content with the inclusion of the organisation’s learning philosophy, which emphasises positive reinforcement, a growth mindset and guided problem-solving.
The AI tutors will break tasks into manageable steps, encouraging students to think critically without simply providing the answers.
“Our AI tutors don’t just spit out solutions,” Fumiko notes. “They guide learners through the mental processes needed to solve problems. It’s about fostering independence while maintaining a supportive environment.”
One example is the English GCSE AI tutor, which began by providing feedback on text submitted via copy-paste. However, recognising that exams are handwritten, the team upgraded the system to accept scanned images of handwritten work. This ensured practice aligned more closely with real-world exam conditions.
Collaboration, not replacement: a guiding philosophy
From the outset, Activate Learning made a clear decision: the AI tutors were there to support, not replace human educators. The human tutors retained control over grading, with the AI providing suggested feedback and reducing marking workloads by up to 65%.
“We wanted to be very intentional about how we introduced this technology,” Patrick explains. “Human educators are central to the learning process. AI is a tool to enhance their work, not substitute it.”
A core takeaway from Activate Learning’s journey is the importance of anchoring technological solutions in a clear learning philosophy. For Fumiko, this was non-negotiable.
“Technology can only be as good as the values it’s built upon,” she explains. “For us, the guiding principle was to create tools that empathise with learners, respect their individuality, and encourage growth through effort and support.”
By embedding these principles into the design and behaviour of the AI tutors, the team ensured the technology aligned with their broader educational goals, rather than being a distraction or a shortcut.
“We constantly asked ourselves: How can this tool reinforce—not replace—the essential human connection in learning? And how can it reflect our belief that every learner deserves patience and positivity as they navigate challenges?” says Patrick. “That’s what made the difference.”
This philosophy reassured educators while reinforcing the programme’s integrity. Feedback became a collaborative effort between AI and human tutors, ensuring both efficiency and quality.
Early results: encouraging outcomes
The reception among learners has been overwhelmingly positive, with 89% of students indicating they wanted to continue using AI tutors. Over 10,000 maths problems and 2,000 English essays have already been reviewed by the AI, a testament to its integration into the learning process.
Fumiko reflected on the significance of their approach when it came to having learners as their trusting partner in the experimentation process: “We didn’t just look at metrics; we sat down and spoke with students and tutors. That’s how we built trust and ensured the system aligned with everyone’s needs.”
Yet, Patrick and Fumiko remain keenly aware that the true test lies in long-term outcomes. “We’re waiting to see if this changes exam performance, but the early signs of increased confidence and engagement are undeniable,” Patrick noted.
Looking ahead: expanding and refining the AI
Activate Learning’s AI journey is far from over. The team has ambitious plans to:
Iterate on the efficiency of the AI tutors - by pushing further and refining features such as handwritten work for maths capabilities and adding new features based on learners usage.
Extend AI support to more learners and to more faculty and group-service staff, empowering them to guide students toward greater independence.
Lessons for the education sector
Use your learning philosophy as a guide: AI should amplify what makes your educational approach unique. “For us, that meant creating a tool that empathises with learners, avoids shortcuts, and encourages genuine effort.” It also meant keeping the human tutors as a cornerstone of the experience.
Focus on the core challenges of your learner: For institutions considering AI integration, Fumiko offers clear advice: “Start with the learner. Identify the critical gaps they face and design around those challenges. Don’t lead with the technology—lead with the problem.”
Trust your learner in joining the process: The team also emphasises the importance of maintaining a sandbox mindset, allowing space for experimentation and feedback. Learners at Activate Learning were encouraged to see themselves as partners in innovation, contributing valuable insights to refine the tools. “Ultimately, trust your learners,” Patrick concludes. “Give them ownership, and they’ll not only adapt but also shape the future of education alongside you.”
Activate Learning’s implementation of AI tutors exemplifies how technology can be thoughtfully woven into education to address challenges, boost confidence, and empower learners. By placing empathy and collaboration at the heart of their design, they’ve created a model that others in the sector can aspire to follow.