The project is the brainchild of former Stoke City footballer Meg Bowyer who has been subjected to sexual harassment on multiple occasions when out exercising.

“Men would shout inappropriate comments as I ran past,” she said. “If that was your mum, sister, wife, daughter or friend, you wouldn’t like them having that shouted at them.

“I thought, if men can put on a VR headset and see through the eyes of a woman, that might make them understand how we feel.”

She added: “It’s not saying you are doing something wrong – they might not necessarily realise how they make women feel. It’s about raising awareness and educating people.”

Meg works for TKO Consulting, which supports offenders after their release from prison, and approached University of Staffordshire to collaborate on an immersive virtual reality (VR) app to challenge attitudes and educate people about this type of harassment.

Over the past 18 months, Meg has worked with Lecturer in Policing David Webb and Digital Education Officer Simran Cheema to design an app that places users in realistic scenarios commonly experienced by women.

Using a VR headset, participants step into the role of Zoe, a woman walking home alone. As events unfold, users are confronted with inappropriate comments and the experience of being followed – situations many women face regularly.

David has 18 years’ experience as a police officer and is currently completing a PhD in domestic abuse research. He is also a member of the University’s VAWG Hub, which connects professionals, police, and charities to improve support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

“Virtual reality gives us a safe environment to explore difficult situations. This app enables users to step directly into Zoe’s shoes and experience how quickly an ordinary evening can become intimidating,” David explained.

“The aim is to educate people about attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls by providing a first-hand experience of the harassment many women encounter daily.”

The app will now be trialled with TKO Consulting, as well as local schools, colleges and businesses, before being rolled out more widely. The team also plans to evaluate its impact through research and hopes to incorporate it into teaching across University degree programmes.

Developed using insights from thousands of Year 6 pupils and hundreds of teachers using LbQ’s SATs Springboard daily, the updated ‘Spill the Beans on SATs’ guide tackles the myths, pressures and misconceptions that often surround Key Stage 2 assessments — and replaces them with practical, classroom-tested advice.

This year, LbQ has partnered with NHS team, Togetherness, to add specialist expertise around emotional wellbeing and anxiety reduction, ensuring the guide supports both attainment and mental health.

“Because we work with so many schools every week, we see first-hand where SATs confusion or stress builds up,” said Heather Abela, Head of Communications at Learning by Questions. “The guide simply answers the questions families and teachers ask us most and breaks SATs down into what actually matters. That clarity is why so many downloaded it last year.”

The family-friendly resource explains:

• what SATs really measure
• what children can expect
• interactive revision resources
• practical ways to reduce stress
• simple home strategies that genuinely help

Dr Hazel Douglas MBE, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Child Psychotherapist and Director at Togetherness, added: “Reducing uncertainty is one of the most powerful ways to reduce anxiety. Clear information and calm preparation can make a huge difference to children’s confidence.”

The guide is free for all schools and families to download at: https://primary.lbq.org/hub/ks2-sats-guide-parents

The event sparked lively discussions around some of the biggest questions facing education today: how do we build AI literacy, ensure fairness and inclusion, and give students and teachers real agency in how these technologies are used?

Co-founders Narinder Gill FCCT, NPQEL and Dr Beth Lane led an inspiring session on ‘Settling the Vision’, which explored their journey together in establishing the institute, and how research and collaboration can help create clear purpose and strong ethical foundations when using AI in learning.

NetSupport’s CEO Al Kingsley MBE, then took to the stage to lead an interactive session which posed thought-provoking questions to the audience to facilitate conversations and points of focus.

The day also featured contributions from speakers including Laura Knight, Founder of Sapio Ltd; Liz Birchinall, University of Manchester; and Victoria Hedlund, Founder of GenEd Labs, alongside educators sharing real experiences from schools already beginning to integrate AI tools into teaching and leadership practices.

The Institute of AI Education aims to become a collaborative hub, working with schools, universities and sector partners to develop research-informed guidance, professional development and practical support for educators. A key message from the launch was that AI in education should remain human-centred, supporting teachers and learners rather than replacing them.

The strong turnout and enthusiastic conversations throughout the day reflected the sector’s growing interest in working together to understand both the opportunities and challenges AI presents. Representatives from the Department for Education were also in attendance and were particularly impressed by the pioneering work already taking place in early years and primary settings.

Plans for further events and partnerships are now underway.

The partnership has seen the successful deployment of more than 90 EPoS terminals across 30 sites, supporting a large and diverse catering operation. The new system is used by over 190 EPoS users and 65 back-office users, providing a modern, flexible platform designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve the day-to-day experience for staff and students. With integrated merchant services creating a seamless payment experience across campus.

Commenting on the partnership, Paul Taylor, Head of Operations at Durham University, said: “This partnership represents an important step forward for our catering operations. The rollout has delivered a modern and flexible EPoS platform that supports our teams across multiple sites and provides a strong foundation for future innovation. We’re pleased to be working with a partner that understands the complexity and scale of a university environment.”

Paul Markey, Head of Sales & Accounts at Lolly, added: “Durham University is a great example of how institutions are investing in flexible, future-ready technology to support both operational performance and the student experience. We’re proud to be partnering with the University and look forward to supporting the next phase of its digital catering strategy.”

Building on the partnership, Durham University is already working with Lolly on the next phase of its EPoS roadmap. Planned developments include self-service kiosks, counter self-service and AI tray-scanning solutions, all designed to further enhance efficiency and the customer experience.

A key project currently in development is the integration of the EPoS platform into a loyalty and cashless app, which will streamline operations and increase engagement with students and staff. A pilot version of the app is scheduled for release at Easter 2026, with a full rollout planned for Freshers 2026, aligned with the start of the academic year.

“We have a vision for kids learning, building and coding together – moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on,” said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, students collaborate and work in groups of four while teachers facilitate hands-on lessons with ready-to-use materials. Kits are specifically designed for years 1-3, 4-6 and 7-9, featuring LEGO® bricks, hardware and lessons that are accessible for beginners yet offer infinite possibilities for experienced learners.

‘Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education’ found that many teachers are lacking the right tools to engage their students in these concepts. In fact, more than half of teachers globally say current resources leave students “bored”, and nearly half say computer science isn’t relatable and doesn’t connect to students’ interests or day-to-day. While 69 per cent of global teachers agree AI literacy is critical for students’ futures, 40 per cent say their schools aren’t prepared to teach it responsibly.

“The future will be led by children who don’t just use technology – they understand it, question it and ultimately build a better world with it,” said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education. “AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care. This is why we developed a solution for the classroom grounded in the LEGO Group’s values of child safety, privacy and well-being. With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way.”

LEGO Education is introducing a hands-on, student-centred approach to effectively teach computer science concepts in the classroom and foster AI literacy, creativity and student agency. The report found that teachers value digital learning with screens but want more balance to deliver the best learning outcomes. The LEGO Education curriculum includes both screen-free lessons and lessons that combine physical bricks with the digital LEGO® Education Coding Canvas to bring student creations to life. To understand why and how the technology works, students build and experiment with AI, ultimately learning how to engage with it in a more meaningful and responsible way. This marks a significant shift in how these subjects are taught in classrooms.

With the upcoming launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI and the recent introduction of LEGO® Education Science, LEGO Education is designing solutions that equip schools with the tools they need to more easily and effectively teach subjects that have often been disconnected and inaccessible to many students and teachers. As part of this transition, the LEGO® Education SPIKE Portfolio will retire, including LEGO® Education SPIKE Prime and LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential.

This free, curriculum-linked programme is mapped to Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5, and 6, helping teachers embed careers education without adding to workload. Students gain hands-on experience in problem solving, creativity, and digital skills – all while engaging with industry mentors and employer-led insights.

The challenge asks students to design tech-for-good solutions across three themes: Smarter Sport, Greener Future, and Safer Online. Finalists will pitch their ideas to industry experts and Samsung employees, with winners receiving tech prizes, mentoring, and work experience. Winning ideas will even be showcased on Samsung’s national platforms – including the iconic Piccadilly Circus screen.

Recent Samsung research highlights why this matters: Brits stop actively learning at an average age of 51, and one in ten Gen X adults say they haven’t learnt anything new in the past year. In contrast, 58% of Gen Z report learning something new every week. Despite this gap, over a million Gen X’ers wish they could go back to school – with nearly half wanting to learn about emerging technologies like AI and a third saying they have an idea they’d love to bring to life. This underscores the urgency of equipping today’s youth with future-ready skills and fostering inter-generational learning.

To mark the launch, Samsung teamed up with actor and presenter Larry Lamb, sending him back to school to explore how creativity and innovation can unlock new ways of thinking across generations. In a short film, Larry’s perceptions of school life are turned upside down as he discovers how students are using technology – including AI – to make a positive societal impact. Watch the film here.

Since its launch in 2020, Solve for Tomorrow has reached over 265,000 young people. Past projects include Athena, a haptic collar that helps deaf users feel music, and HeartAware, a mobile tool to detect heart risks in underserved communities – proof that young minds can drive meaningful change.

The entry deadline is 1 February 2026. Teachers can register now and access free resources for PSHE, DT, STEM, or enrichment sessions. The first 500 teachers to sign up will receive a FREE Imagination Toolbox delivered to their school.

Find out more and register at SolveforTomorrowUK.com

Led by a team of AI researchers at Northumbria University, the challenge recognises that young people will be the generation most affected by AI technologies, yet their voices are often absent from conversations about how AI should develop. The initiative aims to change this by placing youth perspectives at the centre of discussions about AI-enabled futures.

The challenge, which is funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), asks teams to imagine they have been hired by the Global Future Tourism Board to promote what life in 2050 could look like to people living today in 2025.

Participants will create an exciting travel experience – in the form of a travel brochure, blog, social media campaign, or video – that highlights a hopeful future through one of three key themes: Environmental Futures, The Future of Learning and Healthcare (including mental health and wellbeing).

Project Lead, Professor Pam Briggs from Northumbria University, said: “Young people are growing up in a world where AI is increasingly shaping their education, healthcare, entertainment, and future careers, yet they’re rarely asked what they want that future to look like. This challenge is about flipping that script and saying: your voice matters, your imagination matters, and we want to hear your hopes for how AI can make the world better. By focusing on real-world scenarios such as climate change and mental health and wellbeing, we’re empowering young people to think critically and creatively about the role AI can play in solving the challenges that matter most to them and their generation.”

Schools and youth organisations wishing to register must do so due by 13 February 2026 at 4pm. Once registered, participants can access downloadable resources to help teams develop their ideas. The Northumbria team will curate submissions into both virtual and physical exhibitions across the North East of England in March 2026, including a pop-up fictional travel agency.

The Hopeful Futures AI Challenge is made possible through Northumbria’s Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence (CCAI), a UKRI-funded initiative and research centre focused on developing AI systems that are fair, transparent, and beneficial to ordinary people by involving them in the design process.

CCAI includes a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) that trains PhD researchers, as well as a broader Centre for Responsible AI, with a mission to ensure technology serves all citizens equally. The work addresses real-world challenges across various sectors, including health, education, and public services, with a strong emphasis on community engagement in the North East.

Schools and youth organisations can register and take part in the Hopeful Futures AI Challenge at hopefulfutures.ai.

The £1m initial investment represents the university’s first step in becoming a smarter campus, enhancing security, sustainability, and the student experience. Following a highly competitive tender process, North will design an innovative new security access control solution using Genetec technology, which will replace BCU’s current system, which is nearing end of life.

BCU is a vibrant institution, home to over 31,000 students from more than 100 countries, making it one of the largest and most diverse universities in the UK. The access control system upgrade will be implemented across its two city centre campuses, benefitting thousands of students, visitors and staff. The new security system is designed to future-proof BCU’s infrastructure, ensuring resilience, compliance, and an elevated standard of safety.
The upgrade will give the University the ability to transition to app-based digital technology. Supporting BCU’s sustainability goals, contributing to its recognition as the most sustainable university in Birmingham and one of the leading sustainable institutions in the UK.

North’s integrated solution will seamlessly combine the new access control system with existing platforms, such as student records. This integration will streamline operations and enhance security features, while providing valuable data and analytics for university staff, including insights on student accommodation occupancy and attendance metrics.

Andrew Foster, Managing Director for Public Services at North, said: “It is fantastic to partner with BCU in its journey towards becoming a smart campus. This upgrade is an exciting step forward in enhancing campus security while providing students and staff with a modern, user-friendly experience.

“As the squeeze on higher education finances tightens its grip, universities need to think ahead and adopt smart technologies to future-proof their campuses. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and environmentally conscious, embracing these innovations is key to creating smarter, safer and more sustainable, learning environments for future graduates.”

In addition to strengthening physical security, the new access control system will also contribute to compliance with emerging legislation, including Martyn’s Law, by ensuring the university meets safety requirements.
BCU’s commitment to upgrading its security infrastructure reflects its broader vision of becoming a smart campus, embracing cutting-edge technology to improve student experiences and operational efficiencies.

Nick Moore, Director of IT and Digital at BCU, said: “This partnership with North signals our commitment to building campuses that are ready for the future. We’re not just upgrading security; we’re reimagining how people move through and engage with our spaces. North brings the innovation and experience we need to accelerate our shift toward a smart, data-driven environment that supports sustainability and enhances safety.”

Under the theme “Let’s Learn Together,” ViewSonic designed its booth to resemble a school, offering an engaging learning environment that spanned from primary education to professional workspaces. The space featured classroom-inspired setups, interactive learning stations, and live demonstrations of AI-powered teaching tools.

“The incredible engagement at our booth this year highlighted the strong interest in AI-driven teaching solutions and our Chromebox OPS and ViewBoard EDLA solutions,” said Thomas Müller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for West Europe at ViewSonic. “Our interactive demos brought these technologies to life, demonstrating how ViewSonic’s EdTech solutions seamlessly integrate into everyday teaching to simplify classroom workflows and enhance collaboration. We are helping schools build more connected, collaborative, and future-ready learning environments.”

Visitors explored ViewSonic’s latest innovations, including ChirpAI, an AI teaching assistant, ClassSwift interactive platform, and AI-enhanced ViewBoard interactive displays, experiencing firsthand how AI-powered solutions are transforming modern teaching. Live demonstrations showcased their ability to automate administrative tasks, streamline lesson preparation, and provide real-time feedback, enabling teachers to focus on student engagement.

Chromebox OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) and the new Android Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA)-certified* ViewBoard interactive displays stood out as key attractions, educators discovered these solutions enhance digital teaching with seamless learning, device management, and security—offering a scalable, future-ready solution.

EdTech Experts Discuss AI’s Impact on the Future of Education

Beyond showcasing its latest solutions, ViewSonic hosted thought-provoking keynote panels and EdTech expert discussions, sparking important conversations about AI’s transformative role in education, digital accessibility, and the future of interactive learning. One of the highlights on the stage was the ClassSwift Quiz, which became a crowd favorite. Educators and student groups eagerly competed in real-time interactive sessions. Participants explored how instant feedback fosters deeper engagement, while teachers praised its intuitive design and ease of use, recognizing its potential to simplify lesson delivery while making learning more interactive and enjoyable.

Throughout the three-day event, ViewSonic actively engaged with educators and industry experts, discussing innovations in education technology and showcasing how AI-driven solutions are enhancing teaching and learning experiences. Experience the highlights from Bett 2025 – watch the wrap-up video and please visit ViewSonic’s BETT 2025 event page to see AI-driven learning and interactive EdTech solutions in action.

It’s estimated that over 20% of the global population is neurodivergent, but traditional classrooms often exclude these students by prioritising norms designed for neurotypical learners. These environments create significant challenges, forcing neurodivergent students to expend energy masking their differences rather than focusing on learning. This research tackles these barriers head-on, reshaping how we think about inclusion and engagement for all.

“A learning space where everyone feels safe, happy, and part of the community”—that’s the vision of Matt Harrison, lead researcher at the University of Melbourne and co-founder of the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project. Identifying a significant gap in education, Harrison’s collaboration with SMART set out to amplify the voices of neurodivergent students.

“Our extensive literature review found that only a very small number of studies actually included the voices of neurodivergent students. By engaging directly with these learners, we gathered authentic insights into strategies and tech tools that make a real difference,” said Harrison. This groundbreaking, student-centred approach delivers unparalleled data to empower educators with evidence-based solutions for fostering inclusive classrooms.

The research identified 36 actionable recommendations tailored for education leaders and teachers. These insights provide a roadmap for implementing technology and designing inclusive spaces that support diverse student needs. From specific tech tools to enhancements of existing classroom practices, the findings offer practical, scalable steps that educators can use immediately to increase inclusion and engagement.

Among the actionable steps emerging from this research are:

• Transforming Engagement: Adopt specific EdTech tools that affirm student voices, identities, and self-identified needs.
• Empowering Student Voice: Involve students as collaborators in choosing and implementing tools and other classroom options.
• Child-Centred Practices: Shift away from traditional behaviour-based approaches and focus on each student’s strengths and needs.

This research highlights technology’s transformative role in creating equitable learning environments in classrooms around the world. “These recommendations offer educators and education leaders a clear pathway to designing classrooms that prioritise inclusivity,” said Jeff Lowe, SMART Technologies Executive Vice President. “By listening to the voices of neurodivergent students and understanding their needs, we can ensure our technology considers those needs, creates meaningful change and success for all students.”

For SMART, inclusion has always been a priority. This collaboration not only validates the positive impact of its current products but also drives future innovations designed to meet the needs of all learners. By incorporating neurodivergent perspectives into future product design and development, SMART is setting a new standard for inclusive technology that supports every student’s success.

SMART is showcasing this groundbreaking research and technology to support neurodiverse learners for the first time at Bett 2025 in London. Educators and school leaders are invited to visit SMART’s block party launch event at Stand SP20 at 11:00 am on day one of Bett to take a session with Tisha Poncio to explore the findings and experience the technology, including an informative session. Plus, join Katie Novak and Anthony McGeeney at the SEND Village for a deep dive into the recommendations for ensuring neurodivergent student success. To explore the full findings and begin implementing these strategies in your school or classroom, access the research report here.