Western Australia funds AI platform to reduce teacher workloads through 2027
Western Australia's Department of Education will receive $4.6 million to extend its WA ClassmAIte pilot program through the end of 2027. The funding, announced as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, will expand a tool designed to cut time spent on lesson planning and classroom material preparation.
The pilot launched in July 2024 with support from both state and federal governments. It currently operates in 60 schools across public, Catholic, and independent sectors. The government expects that number to grow to more than 100 by the end of 2026.
What the platform does
WA ClassmAIte generates lesson sequences, lesson plans, and classroom resources through a secure chat interface. Teachers can edit outputs and customize content for individual student needs. The platform includes specialist tools tailored to different learning areas of the WA Curriculum.
New features will roll out throughout 2027 as the pilot expands across remaining curriculum areas.
Partnership structure
The Department of Education leads the initiative in partnership with Catholic Education Western Australia, the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. This cross-sector approach shapes how the tool develops based on real classroom use.
Teachers in participating schools help co-design the platform, feeding back on what works and what needs adjustment.
Why it matters
Teacher workload remains a persistent challenge in Australian schools. WA ClassmAIte addresses one specific pressure point: the hours spent preparing materials outside classroom hours. By automating this work, the platform aims to free teachers to focus on instruction and student support.
The extended funding signals confidence in the approach. Education Minister Sabine Winton said the pilot has shown "strong early results" with teachers benefiting from "practical tools that reduce workload whilst delivering and supporting high-quality teaching."
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