Key insights from Bett and BESA's Empowering EdTech Innovators event

Innovation has never been in short supply across the EdTech sector. Yet for schools working within tight budgets and increasing pressures, the question isn't what technology can do. It's what difference it can make.

At Bett and BESA's Empowering EdTech Innovators event, education leaders explored the realities of today's UK market, drawing on research and first-hand experience to examine what influences schools' technology decisions and what EdTech companies need to understand to deliver meaningful impact.

Solving problems matters more than selling features

Schools are making technology decisions through a very different lens than they were a few years ago.

Research shared during the session showed that, while investment in EdTech has remained broadly stable in real terms, demand continues to outpace available budgets. Every purchasing decision is scrutinised more closely, placing greater emphasis on products that can clearly demonstrate their value.

Reducing teacher workload, supporting inclusion, improving teaching and learning, and streamlining school operations consistently rank higher than cost savings alone. Schools want technology that helps them tackle everyday challenges, not simply products with the longest list of features.

For providers, that means leading with outcomes rather than functionality.

Context shapes success

No two schools are the same, and neither are their technology needs.

Infrastructure, staff confidence, leadership, curriculum priorities and digital maturity all influence whether an EdTech product delivers the intended impact. A solution that transforms teaching in one setting may be far less effective in another.

Rather than searching for universal proof that a product works everywhere, schools are often looking for evidence that it works in contexts similar to their own.

Understanding those differences and communicating where a product is most effective helps schools make more informed decisions.

Schools value stories as well as statistics

Formal research has an important role to play, but schools also want practical examples they can relate to.

Authentic case studies, classroom examples and honest accounts of implementation help educators picture how technology could fit into their own environment. These examples often provide the confidence needed to move from interest to adoption.

For EdTech providers, building a strong collection of real-world success stories can be just as valuable as publishing headline performance figures.

Support doesn't end after implementation

Buying technology is only the first step. Helping schools use it successfully is where long-term value is created.

Research presented during the session pointed to growing demand for professional development focused specifically on education technology. As digital tools become more sophisticated, schools are looking for guidance that helps staff embed technology confidently and effectively.

Training, onboarding and responsive customer support are increasingly seen as part of the product itself, not an optional extra.

Relationships matter

Technology is evolving rapidly, but the fundamentals remain the same. Schools are looking for partners who understand their challenges, listen to feedback and continue improving their products over time.

The providers that stand out are those that stay connected to the classroom, adapt to changing needs and recognise that successful implementation depends as much on people as it does on technology.

For businesses looking to grow in the UK EdTech market, understanding schools may be the greatest competitive advantage of all.

Join the conversation at Bett UK 2027

If this discussion has sparked new ideas, there's plenty more to explore. Bett UK brings together educators, innovators, investors and policymakers to tackle the biggest opportunities and challenges facing education. Find out how your business can take part in Bett UK 2027 and be part of the conversations shaping the future of learning.