A new report reveals widespread dissatisfaction among students, parents, and teachers with Europe’s education system, urging an overhaul to better prepare children for a tech-driven future.

The GoStudent Future of Education Report 2025, based on responses from 5,859 parents, their children (aged 10-16), and 300 teachers across six European countries, highlights a shared demand for change – from outdated assessment methods to curricula failing to keep pace with modern needs.

“Until recently, education has scarcely changed for centuries,” said GoStudent CEO and co-founder Felix Ohswald.

“But in just a few years, global events have propelled it into a new era. The pandemic fast-tracked digital learning, and the rise of AI has given children access to powerful new tools that support and inspire them. As an advocate for technology-enabled education, I’m excited by the progress we’ve made and the possibilities ahead.

“We’ve heard from thousands of children, parents and teachers across Europe, and they’re calling out for change. Young people want to learn about AI, VR, sustainability and finances – and they’re frustrated that these future-facing topics aren’t part of their everyday education.

“They’re also demanding a more personalised approach that reflects how they learn best, blending online and offline, digital and in-person methods.”

A System Stuck in the Past?

Traditional exams and essays, long seen as cornerstones of education, are increasingly being seen as inadequate or outdated.

While 77% of parents and 72% of teachers still believe exams are effective, 62% of parents argue new assessment methods are needed.

Concerns are amplified by AI’s rise – 16% of students admit using AI to write essays, and 21% say they’ve used it to help pass exams, rising to 26% in France.

Teachers cite key flaws in essays: 35% say AI enables cheating, 30% argue they don’t measure the right skills, and 26% believe technology has made them redundant.

Exams face similar criticism, with 41% of teachers saying they rely too much on memorisation and 34% highlighting undue stress.

One promising alternative is simulation-based assessment (SBA), already used in healthcare training. Here, students tackle real-world scenarios requiring decision-making and critical thinking, with 74% of teachers responding that SBAs could be an effective replacement for traditional testing.

Outdated Subjects & Missing Skills

Two subjects were singled out as “problematic”: computer science and mathematics, which many teachers say are taught in ways disconnected from today’s digital world.

Meanwhile, parents and educators overwhelmingly support adding AI and cybersecurity to curricula.

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Soft skills are also in demand – 64% of parents say communication and critical thinking will be vital in an AI-dominated workforce. Stress management emerged as the top life skill students need.

The report warns that change is coming too slowly.

The report argues that public-private partnerships could help schools adopt new technologies and methodologies.

“Education must evolve with technology, not against it,” the report states.

“Rather than banning AI, we should teach children how to use it – and rethink assessment so students can prosper, not just pass.”

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