Spain’s education system is set for major changes: the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports has announced the launch of a national artificial intelligence program for schools. This decision is directly aimed at reducing bureaucratic burdens on teachers and gaining greater control over data, which often ends up with private companies. The new initiative promises to transform the approach to digitalization in public schools and will affect not only teachers, but also students and their families.
In recent years, educators have repeatedly raised concerns about excessive paperwork that hinders teaching. The ministry has responded by developing its own artificial intelligence platform, which will be rolled out gradually during 2026 and 2027. According to RUSSPAIN, the project targets the entire country’s educational ecosystem and aims to ensure equal opportunities for all participants.
Control and security
A key feature of the new system is full government control over data and educational content. Unlike private platforms, where information can leave the country, the state-run AI will operate within a closed and secure environment. This approach will minimize the risk of personal data leaks and increase trust among teachers who previously hesitated to use external services.
The Ministry notes that the implementation of its own AI will not be limited to automating routine tasks. The platform will be integrated into school and educational administration management processes, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood of errors. Particular attention is being paid to adapting the tools to the national curriculum, to ensure alignment between content and the requirements of the Spanish education system.
Reaction and expectations
Skepticism persists among educators: according to the latest OECD report, only 35% of Spanish secondary school teachers have already used AI at work, and in primary schools the figure is even lower. Few believe these technologies truly help with lesson planning or working with children with special needs. The Ministry expects that the state-run platform will change attitudes toward digital tools and alleviate concerns about privacy and content quality.
Students and their parents will notice changes as well: the new system is designed to make the educational process more transparent and convenient. Automation of routine tasks is expected to free up teachers’ time for individual work with students, while parents will be able to receive up-to-date information about their children’s progress without unnecessary complications. Importantly, the state-run AI will take into account the specifics of Spanish schools and will not be a copy of foreign solutions.
Market impact and lessons from other sectors
The shift to domestic digital solutions is already affecting other sectors as well. For example, there was a recent discussion in Madrid about the future of laboratory staff following a change of operator, which caused concern among employees — you can find more details in the article about changes in the Madrid laboratory. Such developments demonstrate that state control over digital platforms is becoming a trend not only in education, but also in healthcare and other industries.
The introduction of a national AI for schools is not the first step in this direction. Back in 2025, representatives of the Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Educativas y de Formación del Profesorado (INTEF) spoke about plans to develop a ‘sovereign’ AI tailored to the needs of the education system. At that time, the discussion was about creating a secure environment where teachers and students could safely interact with digital tools without the risk of data leaks.
Context and trends
In recent years, there has been growing interest across Europe and globally in state-run digital platforms for education. Some countries have already launched pilot projects introducing AI into schools, but achieving equal access and a high level of trust from educators has proven challenging in many places. Spain is focusing on developing its own solutions to avoid reliance on foreign services and ensure compliance with national standards.
At the same time, other sectors are also undergoing changes: the state is increasingly taking on responsibilities for data protection and the management of digital services. This reflects a general trend toward greater control and increased transparency in handling information. In the coming years, new initiatives can be expected that aim to develop domestic technologies and reduce the influence of private platforms on key areas of life.
In recent years, the issue of digital sovereignty in education has been increasingly discussed in Spain and other EU countries. In 2024–2025, France and Germany have already tested their own educational platforms with AI elements to reduce dependence on major international companies. Italy and Portugal have also launched pilot projects to automate school documentation. These initiatives have shown that the transition to state-led solutions takes time and a comprehensive approach, but makes it possible to enhance data security and adapt technologies to national needs.
