Campus-XR, the immersive learning platform incubated at Bradfield College, has developed a growing library of digital environments, including a virtual laboratory used across subjects. Building on this foundation, the College is helping guide the development of high-quality digital science practicals in response to a clear national challenge.

Across the UK, practical science is under strain. Around 15% of secondary schools are estimated to have under-resourced laboratories, and many rely on non-specialist or inexperienced staff. At the same time, the recently commissioned National Curriculum review includes proposals to make triple science more widely available at GCSE. With 27 practicals across biology, chemistry and physics, the pressure on facilities, staffing, timetabling and budgets is significant.

Bradfield’s involvement is deliberately careful and evidence-led. The College is exploring whether selected GCSE practicals can be captured in high-quality three-dimensional formats and how far these may support preparation and revision for its own pupils. This phase is experimental, designed to understand what provides genuine educational value.

There is greater confidence in the longer-term potential of fully immersive, interactive virtual-reality environments. These can allow students to rehearse techniques, visualise processes and build confidence beyond the constraints of laboratory availability. Used appropriately, they reinforce learning and provide additional opportunities for consolidation or catch-up, particularly for pupils with SEND or those balancing demanding commitments. They are intended to complement, not replace, hands-on experimentation.

By acting as a test-bed, Bradfield is contributing to an approach that could widen access to curriculum-aligned science experiences for schools with more limited resources, supporting STEM progression at a time when the UK faces persistent skills shortages.

Although the immediate focus is science, the underlying platform has wider application. Similar approaches are being explored to support SEND inclusion, oracy and communication, language learning, and programmes that help re-engage pupils at risk of exclusion.

Alongside this educational development, Campus-XR is making solid progress commercially. The platform is now in use in 13 schools, including one international deployment in Dubai. More than 150 schools in the UK and over 80 overseas have registered expressions of interest, and initial reseller partnerships are helping the platform reach new regions.

Bradfield’s participation reflects its long-standing support of Campus-XR Ltd (founded by the College) as an early shareholder and partner in innovation, helping ensure developments are credible, responsible and impactful.

How you can be Involved with Campus-XR

If you would like to learn more about Campus-XR and the opportunities to support this initiative, either by investing in Campus-XR Ltd, or by contributing philanthropically to help extend access to schools that would not otherwise be able to participate, please contact Will Bray (Head of Commercial & Growth) or Bruce Tomlinson (Executive Chair) at Campus-XR.

Campus-XR - Video

Campus XR - Web Site