Today, Sanoma Learning published its annual European Teacher Survey capturing the voice of nearly 7,000 teachers. The survey shows a clear challenge with students performing below expectations, a strong preference to use printed and digital materials together, and shifting views on generative AI. While more teachers believe AI can save time, fewer are convinced that AI will support learning outcomes.
The report gives insight into teachers’ work environment and their view on key factors for learning outcomes in primary, secondary and vocational education across Europe.
“The result from this survey provides us with a crucial understanding of teachers’ perceptions and experiences in classrooms across Europe. It’s evident that students’ underperformance is an increasing challenge, that teachers see the combination of printed and digital learning materials as the most effective support, and that technology is playing an increasingly important role. Teachers are eager for more guidance to effectively navigate these changes, and we welcome an even closer collaboration between educators, policy makers and learning companies to address these needs.”
Cristina Taroiu, Chief Strategy Officer at Sanoma Learning
Student underperformance – a European-wide challenge
Across European markets, 40% of teachers state that a large proportion of their students are performing below the expected level. This challenge is especially seen in primary education, and most noticeable in Spain, where 80% of teachers are stating that many or most of their students are underperforming. The majority of teachers believe that access to high-quality learning materials and teacher-led tutoring are essential in addressing underperformance and improving learning outcomes.
Teachers prefer to combine printed books with digital tools – to support all students
An overwhelming majority of teachers, approximately 90%, believe that a balanced approach integrating both print and digital materials supports the best learning outcomes. Within this blended learning approach, 82% of teachers agree that digital learning tools can be particularly beneficial for students with cognitive needs like dyslexia, attention deficit disorders, and epilepsy.
As the percentage of teachers using digital content is slowly increasing, teachers continue to appreciate printed learning materials – textbooks and workbooks. Particularly (but not only) in the Nordics, teachers increasingly recognise the role of printed learning materials. For instance, in this year’s survey, 66% of Swedish secondary teachers agreed that in the future learning materials should be print-first – which is a significant increase from 55% in the 2021 survey. For Finnish secondary teachers, a similar increase from 41% to 65% can be seen.
More teachers believe generative AI can save time – but fewer are convinced that AI will support learning outcomes
The survey shows that 55% of teachers believe AI tools can improve their personal productivity and save time, an increase from 47% in 2023. At the same time, only 14% believe that students in the future will reach better learning outcomes with the help of AI, a decrease from 17% in 2023.
“Interestingly, in the markets where teachers most frequently use AI tools, there is an increase in belief that AI can save time but a decrease in belief that it supports learning outcomes. This may point towards an experience where general AI tools have limited use-cases as they are not connected to their chosen learning content and not tailored to support their pedagogical work. This is a good challenge for us as a European wide learning company, on how to deliver a safer and trustworthy environment where teachers can explore embedded AI-tools with blended learning content and pedagogical learning platforms.”
Oleg Sokolov, Strategic Lead for Data & AI at Sanoma Learning
Overall, most teachers (71%) continue to be concerned about the risks of AI for the quality of education, a relatively stable level over the last years. The majority stressed the importance of publishers in ensuring the provision of high-quality learning materials.
Discover more details and compare market findings in the full report
To find out more details, and compare findings between markets and segments, we welcome you to visit our website to read the full 2025 Sanoma Learning European Teacher Survey Report and discover more insights about the current state in European K12 schools.
Read and download the full 2025 Teacher Survey report here!
For more information about the survey, or to get in contact with representatives and experts from learning companies in your market, please reach out to us via email: communications@sanomalearning.com.
The methodology of the survey
- Participants: Nearly 7,000 teachers in primary, secondary and vocational education
- Countries covered in 2025: Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Poland, Spain, Italy
- When referring to multiple countries, figures are weighted to normalize for response rates
- Annual survey since 2021 (Also conducted 2015-2020 with different methodology)
- The survey is designed by Sanoma Learning and conducted by GfK (Growth from Knowledge), a NIQ Company.
About Sanoma Learning:
Sanoma Learning is the leading European K12 learning company, serving over 25 million students. Our learning products and services help teachers to develop the talents of every child and support students to reach their potential.
We offer printed and digital learning materials as well as digital learning and teaching platforms for primary, secondary and vocational education, and aim to grow our business across Europe. We develop our methodologies based on deep teacher and student insight and really understanding their needs. By combining our educational technologies and pedagogical expertise, we create learning products and services with the highest learning impact.
Sanoma Learning is part of Sanoma, an innovative and agile learning and media company. Through learning and media, we have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people every day.
Visit our website to learn more about our business: sanomalearning.com
For more information, please contact:
Johnny Anderson
Communication Director, Sanoma Learning
+47 932 40 192
communications@sanomalearning.com
Attachment
