A pioneering initiative in Sutton has seen local secondary schools implement virtual reality (VR) technology to assist students in managing stress related to exams, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and challenging home circumstances. The Phase Space pilot programme, developed in collaboration with the NHS mental health trust, has demonstrated promising results, leading to improved attendance, behaviour, and a notable reduction in exam-related anxiety among pupils.
Innovative Approach to Mental Health
All 15 secondary institutions in the London borough of Sutton are now utilising VR headsets designed by tech company Phase Space. This programme allows students to engage with a seven-minute immersive experience, either during scheduled slots or as needed when they start feeling overwhelmed in class. The immersive nature of VR has been shown to help students calm their nerves, rebuild their confidence, and prepare mentally to resume their studies.
Zillah Watson, a co-creator of the Phase Space programme and former head of VR at the BBC, highlighted the initiative’s focus on supporting “overwhelmed and anxious students.” The technology aims to provide a sanctuary for those grappling with anxiety, particularly during critical academic periods.
Real-Life Impact in Schools
Aelisha Needham, vice-principal of Ark Academy in North London, noted that the VR headsets are primarily used by students facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, including those with ADHD. “We often implement this in the mornings,” she explained. “Students can become unsettled, particularly when their usual routines are disrupted, whether due to a cover teacher, personal issues, or other stressors.”
Needham observed a marked improvement in student behaviour. “They now approach the programme proactively, asking to use it when they feel overwhelmed, which is a positive shift from simply leaving the classroom,” she stated. This proactive engagement has led to a significant decrease in the need for students to be removed from lessons due
